Arbor Day

Children's Literature

Cooper helps young readers understand the history, purpose and observance of Arbor Day, which is celebrated in the U.S. and in Canada, although the actual date varies. The word arbor comes from Latin and it means tree. As the text points out, April is generally a good month to plant trees. In the northern states, however, Arbor Day is celebrated in May and some of the southern states celebrate as early as January. The book points out that our Earth is fragile and if we don't take care of it, it will not be a good place for plants, animals or people. Tree are very import to the ecosystem, they provide cooling shade, help remove pollutants from the air, provide homes for animals and food, and their roots keep the soil in place. When Julius Sterling Morton moved to the open prairies of Nebraska, he felt that they could benefit from having some trees so he and his neighbors planted some. When he became involved at the state level, he suggested a special day to plant trees and the idea took root. Now it is a day that encourages both the planting of trees and an understanding of their role in protecting the environment. Bolded words in the text are defined in the glossary. At the end of the text there is also an index and references to a couple of related books and Internet sites as well a very brief blurb about the author. Part of the "Holidays and Celebrations" series. 2003, Rourke,
— Marilyn Courtot