Book Review: 'The Gift of the Tree' by Alvin Tresselt

✰✰✰✰✰ A grand oak tree has stood in a forest for a very long time. Home to birds and animals, the tree is beginning to lose its limbs one by one. Over time, the tree completely falls apart. However, even in death, there is new life in the forest. Check out this fantastic story of renewal and rebirth.

The Bottom Line: This entire picture book is a work of art illustrating the circle of life through an oak tree. Originally published under the title The Dead Tree, this informative classic takes the reader from stage to stage as the old tree dies and becomes part of the Earth again. Highly recommended for kids in grades 3 & 4 who are interested in science and biology. As a fan of natural science, I would have adored this as a kid.

Details: The Gift of the Tree written by Alvin Tresselt & illustrated by Henri Sorensen. Hardcover picture book published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books in 1992. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-688-10684-3 

Book Review: 'Pumpkin Jack' by Will Hubbell

✰✰✰✰✰ When Tim's mom tells him his amazing jack-o'-lantern, Jack, is beginning to rot, Tim sets it out in the garden. It's a sad day, but the garden is better than the garbage. As fall changes into winter and then spring, Jack changes too. Soon all that's left are a few seeds, which Tim plants. As the days grow warmer, Tim uncovers a surprise in his garden. With careful nurturing, by fall Tim has a wonderful gift to share with his friends.

The Bottom Line: What a wonderful story! With it's emphasis on gardening, the life cycle of the pumpkin plant, and the changing seasons, this book is both entertaining and educational. Hubbell's illustrations in colored pencil with solvent wash effects demonstrate the amazing change of seasons. Heartily recommended for story time reading. This title is my new fall favorite!

Details: Pumpkin Jack written & illustrated by Will Hubbell. Picture book published by Albert Whitman & Company in 2000. 32 p. ISBN: 0-8075-6665-9 

Book Review: 'Because of an Acorn' by Lola M. Schaefer & Adam Schaefer

✰✰✰✰ When an acorn falls to the ground, it’s the beginning of something special. Because of a tiny acorn, a tree may sprout, a bird might build a nest, a flower may grow, fruit might ripen, and an animal might find dinner. From that one acorn a whole forest may grow full of trees and animals.

Budding naturalists will enjoy learning about the life cycle and appreciate the additional information about oak trees and the ecosystem at the end of the book as well.

The Bottom Line: This engaging picture book is a great introduction to the concepts of the ecosystem and the food chain. Colorful two-page spreads in paint and ink work seamlessly with the spare words to establish cause and effect in nature. Highly recommended for nature-themed storytimes for grades K – 2.

Details: Because of an Acorn written by Lola M. Schaefer & Adam Schaefer and illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon. Hardcover picture book published by Chronicle Books LLC in 2016. 36 p. ISBN: 978-1-4521-1242-8