The Tree

Rating:
Summary: I cannot recommend this one highly enough!
Review: ***** Wow! Looking at the cover of this new book from Illumination Arts is like standing at the base of a giant tree, tilting your head backward, and looking toward the heavens. The scope is powerful and compelling, and the colors are breath-taking.

This story is told from the perspective of an 800-year-old Douglas fir in the Pacific Rain Forest. The Tree tells of its history and the many things it has seen over its lifetime, as well as the wildlife it has seen and sheltered. Each illustration is so realistic that it feels possible to reach in and touch the rocks or to actually hear the babble of tumbling water, experence the flash of lightning, and tremble at the mighty roar of a bear. Children will also enjoy finding the many tiny surprises hidden within the pictures: A Butterfly, Dragonfly, Spotted Owl, Tree Frog, Mouse, Bald Eagle, Bark Beetle, and many others.

At the end of the story, there is an informative page about the Pacific Rain Forest that impressed me a great deal. After reading that page, I asked several children what country came to mind when they heard the words rain forests. Most of them mentioned Africa and one or two said South America. They envisioned a tropical climate with hot, humid jungles, big broadleaf plants, monkeys, and brightly colored birds. None of them knew that there was such a place as the Pacific Rain Forest right here in the United States. A temperate rain forest that is cool and wet, filled mostly with cone bearing trees, and stretches along the coast from Southern Oregon to the Gulf of Alaska.

I cannot say enough good things about The Tree. I highly recommend it as a book to be treasured and reread for years to come. It entertains the reader while teaching a love for nature's delicate balance and the urgency to act now in order to save our valuable forests from disappearing forever. Read it with a child and enjoy the light in his eyes as he searches its pages for each of the tiny surprises...

Rating:
Summary: Every child should read this book -
Review: and every adult will love reading it to them. I've bought this one more than once, because it makes a wonderful gift for anyone you know with children. Best 'treehugger' children's book since the Lorax.

Rating:
Summary: The Tree
Review: Deftly written by Dana Lyons, The Tree is beautifully illustrated by David Danioth and is enthusiastically recommended as an engaging, impressive, full color picturebook for beginning readers. This is a truly memorable story about the joy a tree feels giving life, shade, sustenance, and comfort. Yet the threat of human expansion and destruction could destroy the tree, unless humans band together to save it. A brief postscript with facts about the Pacific rainforest rounds out this charming, ecology-minded picturebook tale.

Rating:
Summary: Great opportunity to discuss an environmental concern
Review: From endpaper to endpaper this story signifies the importance of ecological conservation, specifically in the old growth forests. Told from the perspective of an 800 year old Douglas fir, we as readers are given the opportunity to witness the life within the forest firsthand. Following the growth of the tree, we gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of forest life and grasp an idea of the impact of its demise. The words, though written in English by the author, are truly the lyrics to the tree's song which sings of flowing rivers, grizzly claws, and a lone wolf's cry and asks questions of who will fulfill this role when the tree no longer stands. The emotions offered by the poetic words are illuminated through the sensations depicted in the representational artwork. This unity of text and image exemplifies the interconnectedness of the old growth forest. Just as the story requires investigation into the depletion of old growth forests, the beautifully composed illustrations encourage close examination by incorporating hidden images on several pages. These concealed images represent two authentic Native American totems and include many species of animals that are threatened by extinction. The dedications, forewords and afterword all contribute to the richness of this story and should not be missed. This book offers a real life depiction of the seriousness of the situation while simultaneously offering a message of hope.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding publication!
Review: The Tree absolutely captivates the reader, whether he/she be an adult or youth. I have been using it in classrooms, and the kids find it fascinating to pour over the illustrations while at the same time absoribing the message. This is definitely a perfect tool for anyone interested in environmental education but is also great entertainment. I will definitely pass this book on to my children, grandchildren and so on.

Rating:
Summary: Short but to the point.
Review: Winner of the Earth's Hero Award, THE TREE is the book form of the song of the Douglas fir tree. Native American's know that everything has a song -- I only wish that Dana Lyons had included the actual notes within ...

What is included are rich illustrations and some valuable teaching information. Julia Butterfly Hill (Legacy of Luna) has written one of the forewords and the author has included his personal story of THE TREE in the back. It is there that you will also find some information about the Pacific Rain Forest.

Proceeds from the book go to the Jane Goodall Insitute and the Circle of Life Foundation. (You can find them on the web or via the book) Readers are also encouraged to find all the species that have been included within the illustrations from a short list at the end. If you have a kid that is constantly up in the branches (like I was) or are interested in teaching your kids about the value of a tree or conservation then this book would be one of the places you might start.