Once I Was a Tree: The journey from seed to book with Eoin McLaughlin & Guilherme Karsten
About Author
Who knew the journey from seed to book could be so funny! Eoin McLaughlin introduces Once I Was a Tree, illustrated by Guilherme Karsten
Eoin McLaughlin was born in Ireland, grew up in the UK and currently lives in Mauritius with his wife and son, where he hangs out writing children's books like The Hug, illustrated by Polly Dunbar, He also works as a copywriter for Channel 4. Find him on X as @eoinmclaughlin and Instagram as @eoinmclaughlin
Interview
May 2025
Once I Was a Tree: The journey from seed to book with Eoin McLaughlin & Guilherme Karsten (Nosy Crow)
A seed, a squirrel's bottom and a dung beetle are all part of this tree's life journey, before it is made into a book called Once I Was a Tree: The Journey from Seed to Book - an ingenious, hilarious story that delivers all the magic of storytelling. We find out more about the seed's journey, life cycle and some funny stories along the way with author Eoin McLaughlin.
Q&A with Eoin McLaughlin, introducing Once I Was a Tree
"Our new book is about a TREE. In fact, it's narrated by a tree. And tells the story of that tree's journey
to becoming the book that you're reading. Mind bending!"
1. Can you tell us about yourselves, what you love, what you loathe, and how you became a writer and illustrator? Do you do other kinds of work, too?
I did a bunch of things before I started writing books. I repossessed electrical equipment, worked as a cleaner on a building site, assembled watches in a factory. I tried to be a bin man, but I got sent home because I was wearing the wrong shoes. Eventually I started writing and ended up working as a Creative Director at Channel 4, on shows like Great British Bake Off and the Paralympics. I've written twelve books now and I still feel like I'm pretending. I've been very lucky. Loves and loathings? I love the smell of trees. I loathe the smell of tree-shaped air fresheners.
2. What happens in your new book, Once I Was a Tree?
I can't believe you haven't read it. What kind of unprofessional Q&A is this!? Do Reading Zone know their interviewers don't even read the book before they start interviewing highly important authors?
[Interviewer explains that they have read the book. It's a ‘leading question' designed to prompt a reply for Reading Zone readers.]
Okay. That makes more sense.
Our new book is about a TREE. In fact, it's narrated by a tree. And tells the story of that tree's journey to becoming the book that you're reading. Mind bending. The tree starts off with the facts - seeds and shoots and squirrels called Derek - but the whole thing ends up being about storytelling and the magic of reading. We could never have come up with it ourselves.
3. So how did you find yourselves helping Tree to write its story about becoming a book?
We went deep into the woods where nobody ever goes, and a bit further, and listened very carefully until the trees whispered their secrets through the rustling of their leaves and the creaking of their bows. We remained very quiet and they told us their story. I think the trees are happy. Every time we walk past a tree it complements us.
4. What else will children discover about Tree's life in the forest and life cycles?
I suppose the book is unusual in that it's both fiction and non-fiction at the same time. We tried to write it like a cracking good yarn - hopefully the book's voice feels anarchic and entertaining - but the humour and fun is all underpinned by what really happens in the natural world. I'd like to think children will enjoy the story without even realising they're learning.
5. There are some funny moments along the way for Tree. What made you and Tree laugh the most during its journey?
Barbara. The dung beetle with 'pizazz'.
6. What are your favourite moments in Tree's story?
Gui's a Brazilian genius. He's my hero. Obviously his characters are all brilliant and he's made the whole thing excruciatingly funny, but I hadn't expected the scale, the soaring beauty of nature, the cinematic sweep of his spreads, the textural detail, the ecstatic joy of TREES!
7. Will it help get us thinking about trees and life cycles? What kinds of discussions do you hope Once I Was a Tree could prompt?
On one level it prompts questions about the life cycle of trees, and the role of the natural world - the sun, the soil, water, animals, insects - in the lives of trees. And on another level I hope it asks children to consider the importance of reading, and stories.
8. Are you a 'tree' person? Do you have any favourite landscapes that you visited to get inspiration for your new book?
My grandmother lives in Learmount Forest, in Derry. That's a very special place where I spent a lot of time as a child and always look forward to visiting.
Creative Challenge: Can you suggest any activities for children to follow up a reading of Once I Was a Tree?
The Tree just shared its story. Can you share your own story in twelve pictures and twelve sentences?
School Events: Do you offer in person or virtual school events? How can schools get in touch to organise an event?
I'm available for virtual events. I make them fun. Contact [email protected]
Once I Was a Tree
