Behind The Book: Tree Thing, with Matthew Taylor Wilson

Tree Thing, illustrated by Bright artist Matthew Taylor Wilson and written by Piers Torday, is a beautifully atmospheric fable about hope, bravery and the quiet power of the natural world. We caught up with Matthew to talk folklore, forests and protecting a little mystery in his illustrations.

How did you come to work on Tree Thing? What drew you to the project?

On a bright moonlit night, I was visited in a dream by a forest guardian and asked to help tell this story. Some work is chosen, not sought. Tree Thing was one of those. (I’m part forest guardian, on my mother’s side, So it just made sense, you know?)

How did you approach creating the world of Marlo and the Tree Thing visually?

(slow crescendo of ambient orchestral music)

It came out of the mist. I read & listened first. I drew what the forest revealed. The world grew the way trees do. It grew slowly, from the inside out. Seriously though, I wanted it to feel misty, like a half remembered dream.

Were there any influences that shaped the illustrations?

Old forests. Older stories. Folklore carried by wind and root. Hope passed quietly from one living thing to another.

Do you have a favourite illustration from the book?

Every illustration was a joy & delight to work on, but to answer your question. The rider. The Moss King. The tree. A trifecta of struggle and delight.

What was the most exciting or challenging part of illustrating Tree Thing?

Knowing when to stop. Mystery must be protected, or it…leaves. Get it? L E A V E S.

What do you hope readers take away from the story?

That they are not alone. There is hope and wonder in the world & the forest is listening. Mystery and wonder still walk among us.

---

To work with Matthew, make an enquiry here.