Ode to a Mother Tree
Behind the book

Meet the creators of the book

The book brings together Jamie Bastedo’s writing and James Savage’s paintings in a collaboration rooted in long friendship, natural history, and an attentive love of forests.

Jamie Bastedo, author
About the Author

Jamie Bastedo

Jamie Bastedo’s works create a sparkling tapestry of stories drawn from his skills as a biologist, educator, broadcaster, entertainer, and writer. He has authored fourteen books and over 100 articles on a vast array of nature topics, from Canada’s basement bedrock to its shimmering northern lights. Jamie’s latest novel, Cut Off, about a cyber-addict “screenager” who finds deliverance on a wild northern river, earned a Kirkus starred review. His recent nonfiction, Protectors of the Planet, shines a spotlight on some of Canada’s best and brightest environmental trailblazers, described by CM Magazine as “an informative and entertaining read that should spur even the most apathetic to action.” Among Jamie’s many awards are the Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion, Rustrum Wilderness Trust Author’s Award, White Ravens International Youth Library Selection of Outstanding Books, and a Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee Medal. Formerly from Yellowknife, Jamie now lives in a lively co-housing community in Smithers, BC.

More about Jamie ↗

James Savage, illustrator
About the Illustrator

James Savage

James Savage’s contemporary realism is inspired by deep experience of rural life and wild nature. He is an artist, musician, and community economic development worker who was raised and lives in a resource town in British Columbia. All of the artwork in the book was created with Procreate on an iPad.

Jim is honoured to have his art in homes in Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe.

Visit SavageArt.ca ↗