A Tree Is Nice

Rating:
Summary: The giving trees
Review: Evocative. In this simple 1957 Caldecott winner, the author and illustrator take a little time to give their full attention to the glory of trees. In simple easy to understand sentences we hear about all the wonderful things trees do for us. From protecting houses from dangerous winds to shading us from the sun's strong rays, this is all about the wonders of foliage and greenery. Written in 1956, it's definitely lacking in the minority department. You might be able to make the case that some of the kids are Asian, but on the whole there are a ton of children in this story and they are white white white. Then too, even in a book about the timelessness of trees, there are dated elements to the story. In one section the author revels in the wonders of autumnal leaf piles. She then goes on to say, "We build playhouses out of the leaves. Then we pile them up with our rakes and have a bonfire". Accompanied, of course, by a shot of a kid standing next to a smoldering pile. Better explain quickly to your children why setting huge piles of leaves on fire, as the child in the picture is, probably isn't the best of ideas in this day and age.

Altogether though, I've few complaints. The pictures are truly stunning and the story a nice quiet read. I was a little baffled by the gargantuan apple tree the kids climb at one point. Where the heck do they grow apple trees that TOWER over the land like this one? But this is a great tale to read in terms of environmental consciousness. The story ends by telling the reader that if he or she plants a tree of their own, their friends and neighbors will see how much fun it is and suddenly wish that THEY had a tree to plant as well. So the cycle continues. Consider bringing this book up on Earth Day. It's a nice compliment to a simple staid message.

Rating:
Summary: The giving trees
Review: Evocative. In this simple 1957 Caldecott winner, the author and illustrator take a little time to give their full attention to the glory of trees. In simple easy to understand sentences we hear about all the wonderful things trees do for us. From protecting houses from dangerous winds to shading us from the sun's strong rays, this is all about the wonders of foliage and greenery. Written in 1956, it's definitely lacking in the minority department. You might be able to make the case that some of the kids are Asian, but on the whole there are a ton of children in this story and they are white white white. Then too, even in a book about the timelessness of trees, there are dated elements to the story. In one section the author revels in the wonders of autumnal leaf piles. She then goes on to say, "We build playhouses out of the leaves. Then we pile them up with our rakes and have a bonfire". Accompanied, of course, by a shot of a kid standing next to a smoldering pile. Better explain quickly to your children why setting huge piles of leaves on fire, as the child in the picture is, probably isn't the best of ideas in this day and age.

Altogether though, I've few complaints. The pictures are truly stunning and the story a nice quiet read. I was a little baffled by the gargantuan apple tree the kids climb at one point. Where the heck do they grow apple trees that TOWER over the land like this one? But this is a great tale to read in terms of environmental consciousness. The story ends by telling the reader that if he or she plants a tree of their own, their friends and neighbors will see how much fun it is and suddenly wish that THEY had a tree to plant as well. So the cycle continues. Consider bringing this book up on Earth Day. It's a nice compliment to a simple staid message.

Rating:
Summary: Gets the imagination going
Review: I had this book in early childhood and still love it. The pictures excite the imagination: picking fruit, climbing trees, snoozing after a picnic, etc. Brief words don't convey the worlds that open up to the person who opens the book.

Rating:
Summary: A Tree Is Nice
Review: The best early readers are those that focus on a subject that a child can easily understand, use simple words, and have illustrations that perfectly capture the words. A Tree Is Nice easily passes those tests. The book is a Caldecott medal winner for its illustrations.

The book explores all of the many benefits that trees bring us. They "fill up the sky," and "make everything beautiful." "Even if you have just one tree, it is nice too." The book goes on to describe the beauty of leaves, the fun of playing in them, and even bonfires with them in the fall when they are at their most beautiful. You can climb the tree, lean things up against the tree, enjoy the shade, be protected from winds, use the sticks for drawing in the sand, and hang swings and flower baskets in the branches. Trees make perfect backgrounds for picnics, too.

My favorite part of the book is the section about planting a tree. Ms. Udry points out that you can put a tree in, and watch it grow. Then you can tell others that you planted it, and they will want to plant one, too. I remember planting some trees as a cub scout, and revisiting them as a middle-aged man and taking great delight in seeing them become a large, leafy oasis in what had been a barren field.

The illustrations are terrific. The book's designer has created a vertically elongated page shape that accentuates the graceful trunks of trees. Half of the illustrations are in color (using watercolors with inked outlines and details) and half in black-and-white. The choices for full color are good ones (fall leaves, being next to a house, and with a picnic). The pen and ink ones with grey washes are very poetic in their simplicity. The design also minimizes the words, which appear almost like a memorial plaque at the base of a tree in an arboretum. The style is very reminiscent of the best simple drawings of the fifties, and provide a nostalgic feeling.

In addition to reading this book to your child, and having your chld read this book to you, you each must plant a tree!

Where else does nature provide well for us, where you can help nature along a little? Perhaps you should consider a bird feeder or bird bath (if you have a yard).

Enjoy the natural sculpture and art all around you!

Rating:
Summary: Create Tree Envy by Planting One!
Review: The best early readers are those that focus on a subject that a child can easily understand, use simple words, and have illustrations that perfectly capture the words. A Tree Is Nice easily passes those tests. The book is a Caldecott medal winner for its illustrations.

The book explores all of the many benefits that trees bring us. They "fill up the sky," and "make everything beautiful." "Even if you have just one tree, it is nice too." The book goes on to describe the beauty of leaves, the fun of playing in them, and even bonfires with them in the fall when they are at their most beautiful. You can climb the tree, lean things up against the tree, enjoy the shade, be protected from winds, use the sticks for drawing in the sand, and hang swings and flower baskets in the branches. Trees make perfect backgrounds for picnics, too.

My favorite part of the book is the section about planting a tree. Ms. Udry points out that you can put a tree in, and watch it grow. Then you can tell others that you planted it, and they will want to plant one, too. I remember planting some trees as a cub scout, and revisiting them as a middle-aged man and taking great delight in seeing them become a large, leafy oasis in what had been a barren field.

The illustrations are terrific. The book's designer has created a vertically elongated page shape that accentuates the graceful trunks of trees. Half of the illustrations are in color (using watercolors with inked outlines and details) and half in black-and-white. The choices for full color are good ones (fall leaves, being next to a house, and with a picnic). The pen and ink ones with grey washes are very poetic in their simplicity. The design also minimizes the words, which appear almost like a memorial plaque at the base of a tree in an arboretum. The style is very reminiscent of the best simple drawings of the fifties, and provide a nostalgic feeling.

In addition to reading this book to your child, and having your chld read this book to you, you each must plant a tree!

Where else does nature provide well for us, where you can help nature along a little? Perhaps you should consider a bird feeder or bird bath (if you have a yard).

Enjoy the natural sculpture and art all around you!

Rating:
Summary: A Tree Is Nice
Review: This book is a good book because it teaches kids how important a tree is to the world. It also teaches them how much fun they can be. Young kids will enjoy the pictures while parents enjoy reading the story to them. I strongly suggest reading this book to someone you love.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful sweet story
Review: This book is even shaped like a tree, long and narrow. My 3 year old son loves it. I loved it as a child. The book presents the beauty of trees. Very simple but important. A must for any parent who wants to teach his or her child empathy, beauty, spirituality and the beauty of nature. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Sheer Magic
Review: This is a beautiful book. It describes all the joyous experiences that trees provide for us including shade for a picnic, a place to tie a swing, a place for cows to rest in the shade on a hot day. I have read it many times and never tire of it. The words are like poetry. A must for any young child.