WHAT DO YOU SEE WHEN YOU LOOK AT A TREE?

Each tree is a unique living being.

A young, tan-skinned child with dark hair explores the trees in their yard and other surroundings as readers are encouraged to think about trees differently. “What do you see when you look at a tree? / Leaves and twigs and branches? // Or do you see a living thing / that moves and breathes and dances?” Every tree has a unique shape and name. Some touch other trees; others are great for climbing. Trees provide habitat for animals. The text turns philosophical when musing whether trees have feelings and what history they might have seen. And it ponders future trees: Who will pick their cherries; what will their wood make? In a meta turn, the book asks readers: “Have you ever curled up with a tree in your hands, / as stories or songs in a book?” While the text rhymes, it spreads across page turns and includes just enough info and questions that readers may not notice until they reread it—or they question the few words chosen for (near) rhyme instead of meaning. Backmatter offers more info about trees, including the wood wide web, and suggests ways that readers can be like trees (e.g., being authentic and taking time for self-care). Muted colors in the pencil-and-watercolor illustrations match the tree theme and give the scenes a cozy feel. Other people in the pictures are diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Readers will look at the forest and see each tree in a whole new light.