ARBORAMA

Inside the world of trees.

Published in Switzerland and translated from French, this title begins with the basics of what a tree is and what its essential parts—its leaves, fruit, cones, and seeds—do, followed by “Portraits,” a more in-depth look at 30 individual types of trees found in North America. These are grouped into three main habitats where they may most commonly be seen: towns, cities, and parks; forests and countryside; and forests and mountains. This approach is much more kid-friendly that grouping by taxonomy, since young readers will know what types of trees they may encounter in their own neighborhoods. Each portrait begins with an illustration of a mature example of the tree and some fun facts. The page turn gives more detail—type of bark, observation guide, similar trees, and images of what the tree looks like throughout the seasons. The presentation is the same for each species, with appealing gouachelike, full-color illustrations that are integral to the text. The portraits section is followed by tree identification tips and more information, such as how trees reproduce, their role in the forest ecosystem, and benefits to humans. Inevitably, the bad news comes—30% of all tree species globally are endangered—but the book assuages this dire information with a double-page spread on what readers can do to help.

Chock-full of information, clearly and delightfully presented.