Happy Birthday, Tree!

August 20, 2012
In this charmingly illustrated and fun tale surrounding the Jewish holiday of Tu B'Shevatâliterally the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, which is the date on which the birthday of the trees is celebratedâJoni decides that singing "Happy Birthday" to the tree in her yard simply won't suffice. She enlists the help of her neighbor Nate to spice up the celebrations, and together they brainstorm what would make Joni's tree happy. As they water the tree, help bring it sunshine, decorate a branch, and sway in unison with the tree to keep it company, Joni is suddenly inspired with the perfect gift. The front and back inner pages, with their branchlike list of ways to help the Earth, will help children put into practice what they've learned from Joni. Vibrant colors and delightful storytelling bring the holiday, and its universal message to life. Ages 4â7.

September 1, 2012

PreS-Gr 2-Joni wants to celebrate Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish "Birthday of the Trees" (as explained in an author's note at the front of the book). She offers various gifts to the tree in her front yard: water, sun, a dirt "cupcake," but concludes that it needs a companion. Friends and family help her plant a sapling, and their gift is a promise to take care of the trees of the world. In a lovely conclusion, the rattling of leaves sounds "as if the trees were clapping." Endpapers list "ways to help the Earth," including a suggestion to spread the word to friends. Warm, impressionistic digital paintings show resourceful Joni, her cooperative friend Nate, and their peaceful, leafy neighborhood. Their ideas for gifts are realistic, their love for nature is palpable, and they make fine role models for readers. An excellent choice for caregivers to read before holding a tree celebration of any kind with children.-Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2012
On the Jewish holiday of Tu B'Shevat, the birthday of the trees, Joni strives to create a celebration befitting her old majestic tree. She brings water; with friend Nate, she blows and blows the clouds away until the sun peeks out; she even places a large mud cupcake at the base of the tree's trunk. Although the tree doesn't eat the cupcake, it may look a little happier. Really, it's a frustratingly unresponsive honoree. Determined to find the right gift for her leafy friend, Joni concludes that a new tree planted close by and a promise to continue to nurture her arboreal companions is the best way to observe the holiday. "I promise to protect you and water you and love you....I'll be good to the trees of the world." Demure characters colored in the hues of pale spring create a peaceful atmosphere for this environmentally conscious holiday, which encourages a respect for the Earth's natural offerings. Joni's "thinking out loud" conversational dialogue is balanced against an omniscient narrator, providing an easy-to-interpret text. And while directed at a Jewish audience, the overall ecological message can be applied in just about any cultural milieu. Ingenuous and sweet. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)

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