OK, first things first: I am not actually going to Kazakhstan.
However.
My picture book ONLY THE TREES KNOW (Kids Can Press, 2022) is! In extremely exciting news, after nearly a decade as a published writer, I’ve had my first international rights sale! An amazing Kazakh-language publisher called Steppe and World will be translating Little Rabbit’s story into Kazakh!
To celebrate this thrilling occasion, I’m sharing a poem by deeply respected Kazakh poet, Abai Kunanbaiuly (1845-1904). Considered the founder of modern Kazakh literature and a much beloved cultural figure, Abai was a philosopher, poet, composer, and translator, who transformed traditional poetry and introduced new forms and styles, infusing elements from other European and Asian literary traditions.
Through Windless Night The Glinting Moon
Through windless night the glinting moon
Illuminates in flowing waves
The village nestled in the vale
Where crests the overflowing stream
The thick-trunked, bare-branched tree
speaks in whispers to itself–
don’t you see the bustling earth
Turning its face green again?
The moment I read this poem I knew I had to share it. It perfectly captures the spirit of ONLY THE TREES KNOW – if we want to know when winter will end (or when any season will transition into the next), we need only look to nature, as she is constantly giving us hints through all of our senses. I could hardly believe how well this poem aligns with Little Rabbit’s story – it was obviously meant to be!
It’s funny to be thinking about wanting to winter to end, when this recent heat wave has had me longing for colder weather. I hope the end of summer is treating you all well, and that cooler (or warmer, I guess, for my southern hemisphere friends!) days are on their way.
Happy Friday!
Karen Edmisten is our intrepid host this week.
Hooray! Congratulations on your book’s trip. I love the idea of a tree speaking in whispers to itself…such a lovely line.
What a BEAUTIFUL poem, and I love the illustrations in ONLY THE TREES KNOW. An excellent pairing! Happy Weekend, and may the shifting of the season make itself known to you in some delightful way, soon.
Congrats on the international rights! I took a closer look inside ONLY THE TREES KNOW on your Books tab, and it’s so lovely (both your text and the illustrations.) Abai Kunanbaiuly’s poem is beautiful too, and yes, such a wonderful companion to your book!
Congratulations on your first international book deal. I like the similarities between the Kazakh poet and your book. Nice connection. I love that image of the “bustling earth / turning its face green again.”
Jane, I was delighted to find an oral reading of your sweet book. The illustrations are beautiful throughout your book. The poem you shared is amazing. I loved this following line because it is so picturesque: The thick-trunked, bare-branched tree/speaks in whispers to itself. Having your first international rights sale is such a wonderful gift.
Jane, I just lost my comment into cyberspace. I will try again:
I am excited for your success: your first international rights sale sounds marvelous. The poem that echoes your story line has beautiful lines: The thick-trunked, bare-branched tree/speaks in whispers to itself.” In addition, I was able to find an oral reading of your book with its magical illustrations. Congratulations! (I also sent our a tweet on your bog post.