Lita Judge has written a number of excellent picture books and elementary nonfiction titles about a variety of nature and science subjects and this latest book combines some of her more familiar styles with a new format.
Each spread includes a page and a half illustration, shown in Judge's signature soft, fuzzy pastel style. Roots twist and turn underground, green puffs out from trees in blurry shapes, and natural but cute-looking animals move about. A poem is included on this page, set against the background of earth or in a clearing around which the trees bend. The remaining third of the page includes a lengthy paragraph addressing different aspects of trees from their effect on the environment to new discoveries in how they communicate and grow.
Back matter includes notes for each poem and nonfiction section, giving more information and context. There is also information about forest fires, about the future and importance of forests, suggestions for readers to become active in saving forests, and a note from the publisher on their process for sustainably sourcing paper. The final page includes a glossary, sources, and websites for more information.
Verdict: A good choice for classrooms studying the science of trees, Earth Day, or for kids interested in nature and the outdoors. The combination of poetry and nonfiction text makes this accessible to a wide range of ages and interests and the art is attractive. Recommended.
ISBN: 9781250237071; Published March 2021 by Roaring Brook; Purchased for the library
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