OUT OF THE WILLOW TREES. Stevens, Peter. Saskatoon. Thistledown Press, c1986. 110pp. paper, ISBN 0-920633-10-2 (cloth) $22.00. 0-920633-11-0 (paper) $10.95. CIP Grades 9 and up Reviewed by Warner Winter Volume 14 Number 5 1986 September Out of the Willow Tree is the ninth book of poetry by Peter Stevens, an English professor at the University of Windsor. Stevens combines poems and prose pieces in evoking memories of his Manchester, England childhood, his family and friends, the war, and a final return visit there. All this, filtered through his new Canadian identity. At times it becomes obvious that Out of the Willow Tree is an attempt to bring together previously published works and combine them with new bits of writing in order to fit a new context. The unity and coherence occasionally flag. For example, the poem titled "On Being a New Canadian" does not quite suit the intended purpose of Ihe last section, "Going Home." in which Stevens returns to Manchester for a visit, after a life here in Canada. Nor are Martin Stevens's illustrations of streams, hills, and trees appropriate to a book recalling a largely urban environment. They certainly do not evoke the north of England. Students who might wish lo use a similar format and techniques to evoke their own childhoods and cultural/historical roots will find this book a good model. Warner Winter, Emery C.I.. North York. Ont.