Otto and the Story Tree

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

In this love letter to the magic of storytelling and connection, a lonely old bird tells stories to a seed, which eventually grows into a tree where animals gather to listen.

A cranky old bird named Otto lives in a dirty and dark house. He could dust, but, ack! Who can be bothered? One day, while making his evening meal, he drops a seed on the floor. He could pick it up, but, ack!, who could be bothered? And so he settles into his armchair and starts to tell a story about being caught in a fierce storm while riding in a hot air balloon. When he wakes up the next morning, the seed has sprouted. And so, at the end of the day, he settles in to spin another yarn. Finally, the sprout is a full-grown tree, which grows right through the top of the house, and animals gather in its top branches every night to listen to one of Otto’s marvelous stories.

    Here is a picture book that celebrates the power of imagination and the connections that are made through storytelling.

About the Author

Vivien Mildenberger is an award-winning illustrator of many books for children including All in a Drop and The Voice that Won the Vote. She lives in a spooky old farmhouse just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. There she works on her illustrations, pottery, and other general magic-making.

Author Residence: Nashville, Tennessee