Poetree

Reynolds explores the joy of unexpected kinship in this gentle springtime ode. A thoughtful girl welcomes spring with a poem, which she ties to a birch tree that stands atop a hill; the birch's response precipitates a back-and-forth between the two. "White birch on the hill/ Speaks out loud through rustling leaves/ Great green Poetree," the child writes in haiku form. The tree responds in kind: "I've wondered a while/ Can a tree and child be friends?/ Your words give me hope." Maydani illustrates in airy pink, blue, and yellow pastel layers that call up the loveliness of the season. In one spread, readers will see Sylvia's classmate Walt also visiting the tree. Both children are disappointed to learn that they were communicating with one another all along, but their mutual interest leads them to strike up a friendship of their own, and a useful message for all: "A friend of the tree is okay with me." Ages 4-8. (Mar.)

PreS-Gr 2--A quiet and warm book that celebrates the power of poetry, nature, and friendship. After Sylvia leaves a poem tied to a birch tree at the beginning of spring, "hoping that it didn't count as littering if it made the world more splendid," she is shocked to discover a new poem waiting for her when she next passes by. She believes the tree has written her back and is "her new leafy friend." Soon Sylvia is daydreaming about the tree and composing a beautiful haiku in the tree's honor. When she finally realizes that a boy in her class named Walt, who has made fun of her at school, actually wrote the poems, she is unbearably sad. As Walt and Sylvia try to come to terms with the realization that the tree cannot write poetry, they also make the first tentative steps toward a new friendship based on their mutual love of words and the birch tree. The language is lyrical and sweet, and the soft pastel-colored illustrations perfectly match the tone of the story. VERDICT A beautiful tale that celebrates friendship, lovely words, and glorious nature.--Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, CA

"[Poetree] celebrates a child's love for words and self-expression...Readers will be inspired by Sylvia's strong sense of self and ability to follow her heart regardless of the perceptions of others." —School Library Connection

"Delicate illustrations in graphite pencil and pastel watercolors encourage the possibilities of finding beauty in nature and diversity in relationships. Certain to inspire budding poets." —Booklist