The Tree That Bear Climbed

July 1, 2012

K-Gr 2-This cumulative, nondescript text, in the spirit of "The House That Jack Built," focuses on the growth of a tree and the natural inhabitants that impact the great outdoors. Gentle, lightly colored spreads depict the tree from the ground up, providing a higher and higher perspective as branches reach out to the sky. Phrases naturally build with a growing intensity as more elements come into view. "These are the branches/that stretch from the trunk/that stands in the rain/that waters the soil/that feeds the roots/that anchor the tree/the bear climbed." The focus remains on the tree at all times; soil, placed in someone's hands without a face in view, showcases the sturdy trunk in the background. As bees collect the pollen from the flower blossoms, the encroaching bear sticks out his tongue for a delightful slurp; the accompanying spread shows the animal (now small in stature on all fours) as he scurries away from the swarming insects. Backgrounds, predominately in earthy greens and pale blue skies, could benefit from a more striking color palette. Concluding educational resources include teacher activities. A buzzing twist concludes this ho-hum effort.-Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.