Before We Stood Tall

August 15, 2021
The cutting-edge topic of tree communities is expressed in a lyrical story bolstered by robust backmatter. "Before we were mighty in the kingdom of trees...." This tantalizing beginning sets the stage for a series of short, unrhymed verses, all but one beginning with before. Although the subtitle and the art help decipher the poem, readers are advised to simply go through it aloud, savoring its sound and enjoying its rhythmic use of words and phrases that invoke magic and monarchies while weaving in arboreal vocabulary. Otherwise, it is heavy work to figure out pronoun references and backward-and-forward time sequences. For younger readers, the poem and illustrations are a lulling, if slightly confusing, introduction to forest life. For older readers, accessible paragraphs in the backmatter explain such concepts as mycelium's role in tree communication, mother trees, arboreal layers, a seed's journey, and species in a North American hardwood forest. The word kingdom is technically neutral, but it conjures images of kings to many ears, clashing with the note about mother trees. It was likely used for the sake of the poetry--arguably an acceptable reason. The appealing, sophisticatedly childlike art shows stylized flora, fauna, and humans of varied racial presentations, all within a palette of earth tones and with a nice variety of side, aerial, and underground views. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Relax and enjoy. (sources) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

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November 1, 2021

PreS-Gr 1-The life cycle of a tree is highlighted in this simple nonfiction title filled with lovely illustrations. Minimal text shows trees of many shapes, sizes, and species. However, the tree life cycle is not described in the usual seed-to-tree sequence. The adult tree tells readers about how it gives back to the earth with its seeds. It describes its leaves, branches, and bark, and the images show children and their dog examining tree rings that illuminate the tree's age. Readers are then transported with the seed underground. While detailed, earthy illustrations help kids see animals above and below ground, it will be difficult for kids to make out the sprouting seed. A bird grabbing a worm, two foxes in their burrow, and lots of rocks and soil are featured, obstructing the view of the seedling. Children will eventually be able to make out the words "out, out, out...POP!" and see a very small sprout. The lyrical text complements the realistic images but provide little for those studying the life cycle. The author's note features a dense description of recent developments in tree communication and connection, tree layers, and the odds for seeds successfully reproducing. VERDICT Gentle text and realistic illustrations will help young children recognize details of trees and animals in hardwood forests, but students will find little to support their research.-Susan Lissim, Dwight Sch., New York City

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