Treeshape by Trace Balla
Guest author post for Paperbark Words blog by author-illustrator Trace Balla about her new graphic novel Treeshape – the shape of a tree the shape of me.
Published by Allen & Unwin
This is a story of the trees of my life, and how they have shaped who I am. Perhaps my story could be a stepping stone for you…
This book in its way is also my acknowledgment of Country. I continue to be astounded and humbled by the generosity of spirit of the Original Peoples of this land we call Australia, despite colonisation. And of how the they have lived in generative and sacred ways for so many thousands of years prior to invasion, and continue to carry so many skills and traditions into future generations.
Warning – this article and book may contain images and names of Aboriginal People who have died.
I worked with Many First Nations Peoples on the book. At the very heart of the story are the Mirrar People and their lush and alive lands around Kakadu.
I was sent this picture of the proud faces of Traditional Owner Yvonne Margarula and her Sisters when they were handed a copy of my book. Their words expressed gratitude for honouring their story, and it was deeply heartening for me to feel that, as I had spent several years with great care to do this well. These women spent much of their lives leading a successful campaign to protect their Country from a Uranium mine. I joined the protest camp for many months and included it in the heart of the story. The deeper meaning of this took 25 years for me to begin to understand, and this is the core of what the book is about.
I wished to share some of the incredible inspiration of local Senior Djaara Elder Uncle Rick Nelson, and Yorta Yorta Elder Aunty Kath Coff, who have positively affected so many lives on Djaara Country where I live. In the pages you will also come across Yolngu, Boonwurrung, and Pakana Peoples, all of whom are doing so much for their communities and in bringing understanding and togetherness of the two worlds of First and second Peoples.
The book began as an oral story, one that I told and retold many times, around campfires, beside creeks, and walking laps of a nearby waterhole with my son. The thing with oral or living stories is that they continue to unfold as they are created, and those listening affect the shape and direction of the telling. But a book is different, more of a snapshot in time, brought alive by the response of the reader. As the book makes it’s way into the hands and hearts of the first readers I am witnessing so many different reflections, all dependent on each individual’s interest, values and experiences…
One reader said it was like a handbook about activism, others said it was brave, and maybe more an adult book, said it lead them to deep contemplation and was “a welcome antidote to much else that is unfolding on this precious earth” … That the book shows “how one can walk with integrity and love for our world and how much that can inspire love in others….” Another wrote of how the ending was a poignant place for students finishing primary school to leave with that moment as they step into the next phase of life. Another wrote of how intertwined my personal and political life are. I asked Songman and amazing ally to earth and First People’s Shane Howard of Goanna Band to write a few lines for my cover. He spoke of the books’ generosity and it being an act of love – I hadn’t thought of it till then, but yes I did give a huge amount from my heart in creating this book…
I grew up in the city and didn’t spend time in forests until my 20’s, and gee did I fall in love with them then!
That’s why it was so painful to then unsuspectingly walk into an active logging coupe. It was a life changing moment, and lead me to dedicate my life to inspiring love, care and protection of our precious Earth and respect for First Peoples.
Activism is a strong theme in the book, and for me that includes different ways of being proactive, and always with the intention of protection and care for what we love. And at the very centre of the book there is the campaign for Jabiluka Uranium mine to be shut down – led by First Peoples – which is so significant to the History of invasion and colonisation and how we need to keep remembering whose land we are on… and what that means… how it’s all of our responsibility, we all have a part to play.
I also show smaller acts of activism, like saving trees in the local school…
And “artivism” which for me is using my creativity to inspire people in caring for the precious planet…
Treeshape is classified for ages ten and up. I see it as a book for adults as well as for younger people. My son has a prominent part in the book which will appeal to younger readers as well as parts of my childhood. Adult readers are saying it’s for them too. I guess I speak from the heart and try to make it accessible for a general audience. I really hope it gets into the hands and hearts of many, who will be inspired to reflect and act on their own lives and the gifts they can bring.
Trace Balla, 2026.
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