The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form a Natural Kingdom

by Lita Judge (Author)

The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form a Natural Kingdom
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

With lush illustrations, poems, and accessible scientific information, The Wisdom of Trees by Lita Judge is a fascinating exploration of the hidden communities trees create to strengthen themselves and others.

We clean the air and seed the clouds, we drench the thirsty land with rain. We are like wizards.

The story of a tree is a story of community, communication, and cooperation. Although trees may seem like silent, independent organisms, they form a network buzzing with life: they talk, share food, raise their young, and offer protection. Trees thrive on diversity, learn from their ancestors, and give back to their communities. Trees not only sustain life on our planet--they can also teach us important lessons about patience, survival, and teamwork.

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School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 3-5--This title explains how trees communicate and collaborate in their environments. The text uses a combination of nonfiction prose and poetry to teach readers about the science, chemistry, and growth of trees. Lovely, soft illustrations that highlight a variety of trees around the world accompany the dense text, including Africa, the United States, and Canada. There is an abundance of interesting information about how trees "share" information between themselves and their environments. One of the strengths of this title is that Judge highlights different species of trees and describes each tree in the context of its habitat and its relation to other trees and animals within its environment. Each section indicates the species, location, and how this particular species relates to all trees. The research is thorough and the details are engaging. The illustrations capture the diversity of environments and beautifully highlight the connectivity of forests. Labeled diagrams spotlighting specifics from the main text are an added bonus. The poetry adds a wonderful lyrical quality to the text. The title concludes with additional background on each poem and how that poem reflects real-life science. There is also information on how fires impact trees, why it is important to care for our forests, and suggestions for action. A glossary, sources, and suggested websites are included. VERDICT Wonderful illustrations and poetry highlight cutting-edge scientific information about how trees communicate and share information. Don't leave this one behind.--Susan Lissim, Dwight Sch., New York City

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"Wonderful illustrations and poetry highlight cutting-edge scientific information about how trees communicate and share information. Don't leave this one behind." —School Library Journal, starred review

"In poetry, prose, and art, examples from around the world teach both basic botany and current, even cutting-edge, research about trees." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Praise for Homes in the Wild:

"A must for nonfiction collections everywhere." —School Library Journal, starred review

"An attractive, visually engaging introduction to animal homes." —Booklist

"Solid, appealing nonfiction for the younger set." —Kirkus Reviews

"Advanced young readers will appreciate the combination of adorable animals and sophisticated text, while others will enjoy having the details read aloud as they look at endearing kits and pups." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Praise for Born in the Wild:

"Warmly friendly and inviting for a wide range of ages." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"This charming picture book presents more than 20 baby animals . . . so tenderly that readers may forget that these are wild creatures." —School Library Journal, starred review

"An intimate study of the lives of animal babies and their parents." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A visually captivating volume on animal families." —Booklist

Lita Judge
Lita Judge is the award-winning author and illustrator of many children's books, including Flight School, Penguin Flies Home, Red Sled, Red Hat, Good Morning to Me!, Born in the Wild, Even the Smallest Will Grow, When You Need Wings, and her illustrated young adult novel, Mary's Monster. She lives with her husband, two cats, and a parrot in New Hampshire. You can visit her online at LitaJudge.com.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781250237071
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Roaring Brook Press
Publication date
March 02, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF042000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Poetry | General
JNF037040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Trees & Forests
JNF051100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Environmental Science & Ecosystems
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Trees

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