Why Willows Weep Short Story Book for the Woodland Trust

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Why Willows Weep
Contemporary Tales from the Woods

Why Willows Weep is an enchanting collection of short stories from the Woods written by some of our finest authors.

Edited by Tracy Chevalier, bestselling author of Girl with a Pearl Earring, who has herself written a story explaining why the birch tree has silver bark. With stunning illustrations by Leanne Shapton, this beautiful new edition - a charming present for a friend, a family member or just for yourself - will help to raise awareness of the Woodland Trust, and vital funds.

The authors have kindly donated their stories, enabling the Woodland Trust to plant five native trees for every copy of Why Willows Weep sold.

With specially commissioned stories from:
William Fiennes • James Robertson • Richard Mabey
Tracy Chevalier • Susan Elderkin • Rachel Billington • Blake Morrison
Maria McCann • Terence Blacker • Joanne Harris • Philippa Gregory
Catherine O'Flynn • Tahmima Anam • Maggie O'Farrell
Amanda Craig • Ali Smith • Philip Hensher
Salley Vickers • Kate Mosse

Synopsis Authors PreviewReviews

22nd October 2011

Eastern Daily Press

"The UK is one of Europe's least-wooded countries and the Trust intends to double our native woodland cover over the next 50 years. The project is the brainchild of Tracy Chevalier and her husband Jonathan Drori, who is also a trustee of the Woodland Trust."

21st October 2011

The Lady Magazine say

"Every copy sold of Why Willows Weep will fund the planting of five native trees. It features 19 commissioned, sylvan stories from authors including Amanda Craig, Kate Mosse, Maggie O'Farrell, Ali Smith and Salley Vickers. Highlights include William Fiennes's ingenious and enchanting Why the Ash Has Black Buds; Rachel Billington's twinkle-eyed The Cuckoo and the Cherry Tree, and Tracy Chevalier's Why Birches Have Silver Bark: 'There was a time when their trunks were the grey-brown of most other trees. It was sex that changed things. It always does.' With beautiful coloured artwork, it's well worthy of its paper."

Dixonhill.net say

"How the Oak Tree Came to Life… Why Crab Apples Are Sour… Why Birches Have Silver Bark… These are all titles of fables in an absolute gem of a book I'm currently reading…
...The tales are written by nineteen of Britain's leading authors; and the book is gorgeously illustrated by Leanne Shapton (and I mean, gorgeously!).

If you're looking for presents for a certain celebration beginning with 'C', then this beautiful little tome might just fit the bill."

18th October 2011

The Herald Magazine say

"This week we're… feeling virtuous while reading Why Willows Weep, Tracy Chevalier and Simon Prosser's literary love letter to the nation's woods. Amanda Craig, Philippa Gregory, Philip Hensher and Maggie O'Farrell are among the stellar cast of writers who contribute stories, each graced by a sumptuous illustration from Leanne Shapton."

10th October 2011

Listen now to Tom Feilden, Radio 4's Science correspondent of the Today Programme, talking to Tracy Chevalier about Why Willows Weep, as they stroll through Windsor Great Park. Click here

Listen to William Fiennes reading his short story, Why the Ash has Black Buds – click here

Read what Dove Grey Reader blog has to say about the book! Click here

For all media enquiries, please click here for contact details.

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