The Tree

This stunningly illustrated picture book takes a fascinating journey through time as it imagines the beginnings of New York City's oldest Elm.

In the heart of New York City stands a great, proud Elm tree, now 250 years old. Stronger than any skyscraper, this tree witnessed the very beginnings of the city's settlement, has persisted through vast fires and long wars, and has stood tall as the city has grown even taller around it. In this affectingly told and beautifully illustrated volume, Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland DeSaix imagine what might have been the beginnings of this grand tree, as well as describe the history it has witnessed.

Children's Literature

The 250-year history of a tree in Madison Square Park in New York City is presented in a rather dense text accompanied by bleak illustrations in dark tones. Speculating that a seed was dropped in the soil by a frightened chipmunk in 1686 and that the resulting sapling grew and thrived through the seasons, the tree was witness to many changes. In 1794 a potter's field held victims of yellow fever. Soldiers leaned against the tree when a military arsenal occupied the grounds in 1806. The arsenal was converted to an orphanage in 1825 which was later destroyed by a fire. Civil War campgrounds occupied the space from 1860-1865 and then P. T. Barnum established a hippodrome for his circus in 1873. The arm of the Statue of Liberty was displayed nearby beginning in 1876. A period of parades, celebrations, and riots occurred from 1889 -1920. Dutch elm disease killed many of the trees in the 1930s and the park fell into disrepair for over fifty years. Restoration began in 1986 and a 150th anniversary celebration of Madison Square Park was held in 1997. The featured tree is reaching the end of its life cycle, but the majestic trunk still stands tall. A time line of these events appears on the bottom of the pages, and three pages of historical notes appear at the end of the book. The audience for this book is not clear. Students and teachers in New York City might find the information useful in historical units of study. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.

Karen Gray Ruelle is a former librarian who now works full-time as a children's book writer and illustrator. Her Harry & Emily Adventure easy reading books have been favorites of children learning to read. SLJ called her Snow Valentines, "an attractive addition to holiday shelves," while Booklist called her The Thanksgiving Beast Feast, "a rewarding Thanksgiving book for children." Ms. Ruelle lives in New York City.

Deborah Durland DeSaix, a former college professor, has written and illustrated many books for children. Reviews for her artwork are outstanding. Booklist praised her art in Know What I Saw by Aileen Fisher saying, "DeSaix steals the show, though, with lush, photorealistic scenes that are both large enough to use with groups and appealing enough to sweeten the subtraction lesson built into the 10-to-1 countdown premise." Ms. DeSaix lives in Asheville, North Carolina.