Abrams Books for Young Readers | 9781419744228
It’s spring now in the northern hemisphere and the trees are leafing out, bright and green. If you’re like me, you look forward to these months of new growth, birds chirping their morning and evening songs.
Spring also means books. New books! I’ve been a fan of both Maria Gianferrari’s and Felicita Sala’s work for a number of years now. What a delight to enjoy their newest book: BE A TREE. Take a peek!
CLICK TO ENLARGE © illustrations by Felicita Sala
Be a tree!
Stand tall.
Stretch your branches to the sun.
Of course, we’re all connected. Without the trees and other growing plants, we would not have the oxygen our lungs need to breathe, the shade that cools our homes and cities, the nutrients trees share with the soil, the shelter they provide for other living creatures.
This lyrical book is all about those connections (per the Author’s Note, inspired by Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees).
CLICK TO ENLARGE © illustrations by Felicita Sala
BE A TREE is a work of art – words and illustrations coming together to create a beautiful picture book for young readers. But one of the most poignant words and significant spreads is the double gatefold in the middle of the book. Here’s the text:
Immigrant trees,
away from their native habitats,
are vulnerable.
But together,
a forest of trees is strong.
Pair this book with others about trees:
- the tree in me by Corrina Luyken
- The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to form a Natural Kingdom
- The Forest by Riccardo Bozzi, illustrated by Violeta Lopiz and Valerio Vidali
- My Tree by Hope Lim, illustrated by Il Sung Na
- Me + Tree by Alexandria Giardino, illustrated by Anna and Elena Balbusso
Check out the BE A TREE Activity Kit! (Scroll down for the giveaway – winners announced on 5/6/21)
