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: 'Toad by the Road' by Joanne Ryder

✰✰✰✰½ Poetry and natural history are cleverly blended together in this picture book by author Joanne Ryder. The poems follow the life cycle of a toad beginning with the first tadpoles of springtime. As the toadlets grow up, spring rains turn into sleepy summer days. When the days start to turn colder, the toads grow older; their smooth skin becomes bumpy. Soon it's time to prepare for winter hibernation and wait for spring again completing the cycle. 

The Bottom Line: I picked this up for my annual poetry fix; April is National Poetry Month after all. I was pleasantly surprised to find that in addition to charming poems, readers are introduced to natural history. The book is divided up by seasons, making it easy to follow the toad's life cycle. Every page of poetry is illustrated with realistic watercolors by Maggie Kneen. Additionally, almost every page contains notes at the bottom with facts about the life of toads. Kids will love the short verses and illustrations; highly recommended for kids in grades 4 & 5.

Details: Toad by the Road: A Year in the Life of These Amazing Amphibians written by Joanne Ryder & illustrated by Maggie Kneen. Hardcover picture book published by Henry Holt and Company in 2007. 40 p.  ISBN: 0-8050-7354-X

Book Review: Rut by Scott Phillips

✰✰✰½ Welcome to America in the not too distant future. It's a very different place from the world power we take for granted today. It's a world where artificial limbs and an energy shortage are the norm. The main mode of transportation is now walking or biking. Cars are a rarity as are steak dinners and coffee.

Bridget, the biology grad student, has come to Gower, Colorado to study a pond full of frogs that are reproducing normally, another rarity in this world of the future. As she sets up camp she quickly gets caught up in the town's antics. Land owner Stacey Elder's son, Cole, quickly latches onto Bridget as he considers which religion to declare. The only 'doctor' in town is the veterinarian, Dr. Glaspie, who is also the school principal. There's also a mountain man and Darla, the town's resident wacko.

As Bridget settles in to study another pond of mutant frogs, things start to get interesting. This book has a little bit of everything from puppy love to adultery. Meanwhile, the residents must always be on the look out for Special Forces agents lest they say the wrong thing and suddenly disappear.

The Bottom Line: Don't let the title turn you off from this absorbing quick read. Phillips has created a kind of post-apocalyptic world for the reader to contemplate. This book will stay with you for a while as you consider global warming and a very different kind of world where China is the superpower instead of the United States of America. Phillips' quirky characters were my favorite part of the book. Recommended for adults who enjoy science fiction; the book includes some strong language.

I received this novel from Concord Free Press in exchange for a donation. Concord Free Press is different from other publishers. They give away free copies of new books. I've been trying to get one of the free novels offered by Concord for over a year. I was lucky to get one of the 2,500 copies of "Rut" available. At the time of this posting a few copies are still available on their website. While the book is free, they ask that you donate to a charity and pass the book along so that the giving can continue. What a great idea! As for doing my part I donated $30 to the Dubuque Regional Humane Society and have passed my copy along to a friend. If you are interested in the program, check them out on their website: Concord Free Press

Details: Rut: a novel by Scott Phillips. Paperback published by Concord Free Press in 2010. 233 p. ISBN: 978-0-9817824-4-7