We Planted a Tree

We planted a tree and it grew up,

While it reached for the sky and the sun. . . .

In this simple poem illustrated by award winner Bob Staake, two young families in two very different parts of the world plant a tree. As the trees flourish, so do the families . . . while trees all over the world help clean the air, enrich the soil, and give fruit and shade.

With a nod to Kenya’s successful Green Belt Movement, Diane Muldrow’s elegant text celebrates the life and hope that every tree—from Paris to Brooklyn to Tokyo—brings to our planet. Perfect for young readers!

Publishers Weekly

As Staake shows families around the world planting trees and enjoying their gifts, Muldrow sets an incantatory mood: “We planted a tree./ We planted a tree and it grew up.” Each spread bubbles with retro-styled, wide-eyed exuberance; it's a kick to see how Staake wields geometry as he gleefully globe-trots, wrapping his curvilinear-inclined aesthetic around locales as far flung as the African savanna, downtown Paris, Brooklyn, and snowy New England. Its unconditional joy and exuberance stand out. Ages 5-8. (Mar.)

Diane Muldrow, an editorial director at Golden Books, has written dozens of children’s books, including Mama, Where Are You?, Mama, What’s in There?,Who’s Your Daddy?, and the Dish series for middle graders. She lives in Brooklyn.

Bob Staake’s The Red Lemon, was a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book of the Year. The Donut Chef has received great reviews and is featured on the popular blog BOING BOING. He lives on Cape Cod.