Dalziel Publishes Storybook

Montecito artist and general contractor William Dalziel has published his first illustrated storybook.

Ulma, The Kidnapped Tree is the true story of a young elm tree and her journey, says Bill, who shortly before the San Fernando earthquake of 1971 used a variety of it in the Northridge Fashion Center, a project he worked on.

“I travelled to a Virginia tree farm and chose one of the most beautiful and healthiest of trees, then arranged for it to be transported to California,” he explains. “Hence the story.

“It is a metaphor for a threat of capitalism kidnapping our symbol of liberty and freedom.”

Bill, who hails from Michigan, is now finishing the illustrations for the sequel, The First Day of Spring, which he hopes will be out next year.

“It’s the story from the blue jay Charlie’s imagination and will conclude the story with Ulma’s retirement to Santa Barbara.”

You can visit the real Ulma, Bill confides, in the 1200 block of Carpinteria Street.

The charming book is available at Tecolote, Chaucer’s, and Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro.