The Tree

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-- The striking beauty of this book sets it apart from the many scientifically oriented volumes in print; the elaborate calligraphy and delicate drawings make it pleasing to the eye. Twelve familiar trees are each lovingly described with a single page of spare but well-chosen words; legends, Latin names, unusual facts, and descriptions are all incorporated. The facing page features a small verse about the tree, related watercolor illustrations, and small drawings of the tree's leaves. Readers, thus, can learn why the oak is a longtime friend while coming to recognize its leaves and crookedy winter shape. However, although a clear blow-up of the 12 leaves appears on the endpapers (without identification), the drawings of both leaves and trees in the book's main body are rather small. Also the book's British origin comes through when the sycamore tree described is really the U. S. maple, and the plane tree shown is the U. S. sycamore. While its appealing design will entice browsers, this should be used in conjunction with other guides such as Zim's standard Trees (Golden/Western, 1952) to make it completely useful. --Amy Adler, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, OH