How a tree ended up on stage

A tree based on a tree based on a tree

Who doesn’t love a really good tree?!

This is one I really love. It’s been in my sketchbook and a picture book I illustrated and now it’s grown even further!

fun in the tree!

I walk past this tree most mornings. My child and niblings used to play in it all the time. Often it has broken branches, sticks and leaves piled up against it where kids have built dens. It really is a very good tree!

same tree in my sketchbook

When I first read the manuscript for Rajiv’s Starry Feelings by Niall Moorjani, I saw this sentence:

They stop at the foot of the tallest tree in the park, and Rajiv is amazed when his dad begins to climb it.

And I knew exactly which tree I would draw. Here it is in the book:

Rajiv and his dad spend the majority of the story in the branches of this tree.

And now, that tree has grown right out of the book!

Niall Moorjani is an amazing storyteller and performer and they have retold this story as a play! Rajiv’s Starry Feelings¹ is being performed at Discover Children’s Story Centre in London from now until March. It’s described as

“A sparkly storytelling experience that will enchant and entertain, while exploring those complex emotions we all feel but cannot always name.”

Here is the tree being built for performances:

Designer Marian Hoddie with the tree, photo by Niall Moorjani

I love that this one tree has been re-imagined several times and has somehow travelled from the park near me, into my sketchbook, through a picture book and into a performance space!

Rajiv was a special book to work on, I am so proud of how it came out.

This is the hardback version - it’s out in paperback now!

So, if something means something to you - even if it’s as random as a really good tree - put it in your sketchbook, who knows where it will end up!

Now *leans in closely* do you have a favourite tree? Because I would really like to know!

---

---

My shop is open now for limited edition art prints. Click here to see them all!

---

---

PS - Talking about three versions of the same tree reminded me of this Disney Studios film, 4 Artists paint 1 tree. It’s the perfect watch to remind you that everyone works differently and there’s no right or wrong way to approach a drawing or painting

1. Rajiv’s Starry Feelings is co-produced and created by Astraea Theatre and Discover Children’s Story Centre. Directed by Charlie-Anne Bruce & Niall Moorjani. Developed with Story Builder Maryam Noorhimli  

Based on Rajiv’s Starry Feelings published by Lantana / Lerner publishing Text © Niall Moorjani 2023; Illustrations © Nanette Regan 2023