Why Willows Weep

Background

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.

For further details and to buy your copy visit: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/whywillowsweep

Broadcast

BBC Radio 4 (10 October 2011): Tom Feilden, Science Correspondent from the Today Programme.

'Today Programme' accompanied the team on the Windsor Great Park Ancient Tree Tour and recorded various sound-bites and conducted interviews and readings with Tracy Chevalier, William Fiennes, Ted Green and Jill Butcher.
Broadcast on 10th October: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_9611000/9611604.stm

Press

The Bookseller (19 September 2011): 'Chevalier and Prosser edit charity collection'

Trade press story announcing the publication of Why Willows Weep.

Bookbrunch (19 September 2011): 'Authors come out of the woods for Trust fundraiser'

Trade press story announcing the publication of Why Willows Weep.

The Herald Magazine (15 October 2011): 'This week we're...' diary slot

'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. For every copy sold the Woodland Trust will plant five trees - a bargain for £12.95.'

The Lady Magazine (21 October 2011): 5 star review

'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.'

Online

BBC News website: 'From weeping willows to mighty oaks'

Blog story by Tom Feilden on the BBC News Science and Environment blog connected to his Today Programme report. Includes link to web page to buy book and a full audio recording of William Fiennes story.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15237686

The Visit Woods Daily website : Headline story

Story and link to Why Willows Weep website, resulting from FMcM tweets

The Wine Paper website:

Story and link to website, resulting from tweet about Oak leaf wine

The Garden Design website: Daily story

Story and link to website, resulting from FMcM tweets and #gardens hashtag

Dixon Hill blog: 'These are all titles of fables in an absolute gem of a book'

This blogger also runs an e-course about connecting with the landscape and is planning to add the book to the course resource list. http://dixonhill.net/?p=2374.

Havant Borough Tree Wardens website: 'New book of tree stories'

http://www.havantboroughtreewardens.org.uk/?p=602

Green Tapestry blog: 'Why Willows Weep and Other Stories'

http://greentapestry.blogspot.com/2011/10/why-willows-weep-and-other-stories.html