From Tree to Sea

October 15, 2018
Qualities found in nature are extolled and parallels drawn to strengths that can help children (and adults) face and overcome challenges.Thomas' first-person narration, which some listeners may find preachy and distant, seems intended to represent the voices of the various children pictured throughout. Their voices are similar, however, as each describes the ways that natural elements teach resilience, strength, and bravery, among other characteristics. Trees, for example, "show me how to stand tall," while "Stones show me how to be strong." The smoothly written, extremely earnest text is leavened by occasional wordplay: "Oceans show me how to travel far and wide. / I see all there is to see, / but I always return / with a friendly wave." Neal's double-page spreads, created in mixed-media and digital, have an appealingly childlike feel and are enlivened by some unexpected perspectives. The progress from day to night and back to dawn offers a logical flow, and a nighttime scene of a tiny boat floating above the shadow of an enormous whale among the reflections of stars and moon is particularly arresting. Characters are depicted with a range of skin tones, and a few glimpses of far-off skyscrapers add a hint of urban flavor to the mostly pastoral settings, but no particular cultural or ethnic group or geographical location is identified.Textually purposeful and visually appealing, this may be useful to caregivers seeking to reinforce both positive traits and an appreciation for nature, but it's unlikely to engender much enthusiasm without this kind of deliberate endorsement. (Picture book. 5-7)

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PreS-Gr 2-"Earth shows me many things" begins this gentle book that bears a powerful message. Each boundless spread depicts children quietly interacting with familiar aspects of the natural world accompanied by poetic observations such as, "Clouds show me how to rise up and float above problems.... A baby bird shows me how not to be afraid to spread my wings and fly.... Soil shows me how to support those around me." The mixed media illustrations in muted colors echo the simplicity of the text and feature a diverse array of young children. Spacious page composition gracefully complements the theme while selective details add interest without distraction. This contemplative book has much to offer solo readers but would be just as effective in group settings and as a bedtime story at the conclusion of a busy or fretful day. Teachers might consider using it to spark Earth Day conversations or to inspire instruction in the practice of meditation or yoga. VERDICT An original book with wide appeal sure to enhance most collections.-Lynn Van Auken, Oak Bluffs School, MA

January 1, 2019
Grades K-2 Thomas, author of the Good Knight series, here offers a series of contemplative, lyrical meditations tied to mindfulness and appreciation of the wonders of the world. In each vignette, an observation is narrated by a diverse cast of children. The narratives demonstrate that there are many parallels between the self and things in nature, such as trees, rocks, oceans, the sun, clouds, bees, baby birds, soil, cats, whales, and the moon. Closing on the message just open your eyes and you will find it, this encourages readers to find inspiration everywhere. In Neal's sumptuous illustrations, the soft, boldly colored scenes feature a wide variety of recognizable environments and snapshot-�like images of children serenely enjoying nature. The story's tempo segues to a gentler, lulling tone at the end, soothing readers into a peaceful mindset, making the book a perfect end for the day. For more explorations of mindfulness, pair this with Susan Verde's I Am Peace (2017), Kate Messner's Over and under the Pond (2017), or Julian Lennon's Touch the Earth? (2017).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)