Tall Tall Tree

January 1, 2018

PreS-Gr 3-An engaging, informative book encouraging ecological awareness for young readers. The ecosystem of a giant redwood tree is charmingly presented in this beautifully illustrated counting book that uses rhyme and rhythm based on the numbers one through 10, stanzas, and snippets of facts about animals who actually live in the redwoods. The text emphasizes counting, number recognition, and simple animal facts. Exquisite, highly detailed illustrations in a palette of natural woodland colors and tones complement the text. The pictures have a soft, blurred edge, which makes all the creatures, even the wood rats, seem appealing. The illustrated animals and the text are displayed in large enough format for young readers to easily discern, enabling them to make the connection between the words, numbers, and pictures. End notes add to the value of this title. There is a fact sheet about giant redwoods, another about the animals featured, a pictorial index to additional animals, and several authoritative online resources listed, as well as QR code access. A STEAM activities page has five educational and age-appropriate projects, such as making bark pictures by using the long side of crayons on paper held against a tree. VERDICT An excellent addition to any nonfiction collection, a great classroom tool for STEAM, and a fun read-a-loud at school, in the library, and at home.-Gretchen Crowley, formerly at Alexandria City Public Libraries, VA

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