MIGHTY TREE

Three conifers begin to grow at the same time. At maturity, one is cut to manufacture paper (including gift-wrap, other party goods, and ``even this book''); one becomes a giant Christmas tree (for Rockefeller Center); while, next to the two stumps, the ``most important'' tree still stands, home to an unrealistic peaceable kingdom of birds and beasts—eagle and titmouse, nocturnal raccoon and owl, and many more, all together under a sunny sky. The value of the ecological message goes without saying; the presentation here in simple text and engaging cartoon-style illustrations is cheerful, though not very thoughtfully developed. (Picture book. 4-8)