Treeshape by Trace Balla

Title: Treeshape

Author: Trace Balla

Genre: Memoir

Publisher: Allen and Unwin

Published: 3^rd March 2026

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 136

Price: $32.99

Synopsis: An extraordinary, inspiring and hope-filled graphic novel from the multi-award-winning creator of Rivertime, Rockhopping, Landing with Wings and Leaf-light, Trace Balla’s stunning memoir reveals her personal and life-changing experiences of place, her understanding of the natural world and her relationship to Country.

Ever since I was a kid my favourite place has always been up a tree – where everything I notice feels like a part of me. Every birdsong, every leaf’s light, every butterfly’s dance . . .

This beautiful book tells the story of young Trace’s awakening to the preciousness of the environment, including her participation in the protests against uranium mining at Jabiluka in the 1980s. Channelling her gift for visual storytelling, Trace reveals emotional truths, shares her commitment to environmental activism, highlights trees that have been meaningful in her life, and explores her deep appreciation of place and connection with First Nations peoples.

With its delicate artwork, heartfelt storytelling and timely themes of compassion and environmental care, this graphic novel will resonate with readers of all ages.


Perfect for:
- Graphic novel fans of all ages
- Fostering a love of nature and caring for Country
- Introducing readers to the power of environmental activism
- Teachers and students of English, Visual Arts, History, First Nations Cultures and Histories and Environmental Studies

~*~

Classified as a graphic novel, Treeshape is also a memoir or non-fiction book of sorts about the author, her family and her connection to Country and the natural world. Trace Balla moves through her life, from before she was born. Her father was a refugee from Hungary in World War Two, and her mother grew up in the country. Her heritage illustrates why she sought connection to something as she grew up, as she could see what her parents had lost when they moved or fled from their homes.

It starts with Trace as a child. She has always felt connection to nature and trees, and that connection forms the basis of this memoir. As Trace explores the bush, she becomes part of the environmental movement that works to stop logging of old forests, and promotes finding more sustainable ways to do things that require wood or paper. Trace has used a comic format with speech bubbles, illustrations, and some photographic elements to tell this story that is powerful in its own way.

What Trace is aiming to do with this book is create a space for all ages to read this book, and learn about loving Country and nature. It captures something unique about the decades Trace was fighting and advocating, with a focus on the 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond as this was when things were probably more in the news. These decades shaped the movement and what it meant for everyone. She delves into what they did, and makes it easy to understand for readers of all ages. Her approach is gentle and informative, ensuring that readers are able to see what her journey has been, and what her message is. It also highlights how we all connect with nature and how this has changed over the years and decades.

This book is unique, as it explores nature in a way that I haven’t seen before. Everyone can have a connection to nature and Country, and how different people see it and experience it. It’s a good reminder that not everyone does this in the same way, but we still need to respect it. Still need to care for nature, and make sure we don’t take advantage of it. This is the story of trees, the role they play in our lives and the importance they have for cultures all over the world.

It’s quietly powerful, sparking a conversation that we need to have, that will help us learn to heal nature and environmentalism. It’s a great resource for students of art, English, History and First Nations cultures and history, and would work well in a variety of educational contexts across all ages. Another interesting book that will find its readers.