Are Trees Alive?

“Are trees alive? How do they breathe? They don't have noses.”

And so begins a conversation between the author and her daughter that leads to a remarkable discovery: Trees are like children in so many ways! They may look very different from people, but trees have roots that hold them to the ground like feet and leaves that blow in the wind like hair. Their bark even comes in different colors, just like our skin.

From this poetic comparison of plants and humans, readers will learn how trees live and grow, and how they get their food. They will learn about the baobab trees of Africa, the banyan trees of India, and the bristlecone pines of California. They will see, through Stacey Schuett's exquisite art, that trees come in all shapes and sizes—just like people—and provide a home to many different animals. But most of all, they will look at trees with greater respect and a bit of awe, after realizing that trees are alive too.

An introduction to trees that compares parts of a tree to parts of the human body, with illustrations and brief descriptions of trees found around the world.

“Are trees alive? How do they breathe? They don't have noses.”

And so begins a conversation between the author and her daughter that leads to a remarkable discovery: Trees are like children in so many ways! They may look very different from people, but trees have roots that hold them to the ground like feet and leaves that blow in the wind like hair. Their bark even comes in different colors, just like our skin.

From this poetic comparison of plants and humans, readers will learn how trees live and grow, and how they get their food. They will learn about the baobab trees of Africa, the banyan trees of India, and the bristlecone pines of California. They will see, through Stacey Schuett's exquisite art, that trees come in all shapes and sizes—just like people—and provide a home to many different animals. But most of all, they will look at trees with greater respect and a bit of awe, after realizing that trees are alive too.

Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz - Children's Literature

To answer the title question, the brief text compares many characteristics of trees to those of people. Each double spread depicts a particular tree in its environment, with people and creatures who live around it, as it lists the qualities that make it "alive." The trees and people are from all over the world, places that are identified on a map on the endpapers. The double-page, acrylic and gouache paintings are naturalistic but simplified to focus on providing visuals to illuminate the text. The birds, animals and people enhance the overall design, adding visual interest to the factual. A section at the end, "About the Trees," not only adds information about the trees but also a bit about the other creatures pictured. 2002, Walker & Company,

Debbie Miller has written many acclaimed children’s books, including Arctic Lights, Arctic Nights. She lives in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Stacey Schuett has illustrated many popular books for children, including her own Somewhere in the World Right Now. From her studio window, she enjoys a view of her backyard, home to many oak, redwood, and fruit trees. Stacey lives in Northern California.