Be a Tree!
by Maria Gianferrari (Author) Felicita Sala (Illustrator)
A lyrical, gorgeously illustrated look at the majesty of trees--and what humans can learn from them
Stand tall. Stretch your branches to the sun. Be a tree!
We are all like trees: our spines, trunks; our skin, bark; our hearts giving us strength and support, like heartwood. We are fueled by air and sun. And, like humans, trees are social. They "talk" to spread information; they share food and resources. They shelter and take care of one another. They are stronger together. In this gorgeous and poetic celebration of one of nature's greatest creations, acclaimed author Maria Gianferrari and illustrator Felicita Sala both compare us to the beauty and majesty of trees--and gently share the ways in which trees can inspire us to be better people.
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Publishers Weekly
"Stand tall. Stretch your branches to the sun." Gianferrari writes a hymn to attributes shared by humans and trees, guiding readers through lessons to be learned from their arboreal brethren. The bodies of trees and humans are not so different ("Your skin is bark, / protecting what's within"), and both species live in communities, sharing information. Trees signal each other through underground networks of roots and fungi: they "alert each other to danger. A wood wide web of information." In strong, sweeping lines, Sala draws massive trees with trunks of green and brown, but also lilac, rust, and deep blue, that often dwarf the children playing underneath them; visitors of many ages and ethnicities stroll under the trees in a park. Diversity enhances both communities; "Immigrant trees, away from their native habitats, are vulnerable. But together, a forest of trees is strong." By foregrounding living beings that exemplify grace, strength, and endurance, Gianferrari gives readers a new way to think about their individual and collective existences. Back matter includes information about trees, community-building, and more. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)
Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
"This book has the advantage of lyrical, accessible poetry and vibrant watercolors from an ever changing palette."— "Kirkus Reviews"
Maria Gianferrari lives in northern Virginia with her scientist husband, artist daughter, and rescue pets, Becca the dog and Lucia the rat. She has written several books for Roaring Brook Press, including Bobcat Prowling, Hawk Rising, and Hello Goodbye Dog.
Maris Wicks is a writer and illustrator of science comics, as well as a self-proclaimed gigantic nerd. She has written, drawn, and colored comics for First Second Books, New England Aquarium and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, as well as Spongebob Comics, Marvel Comics, and DC Comics.
JUV009120 - Juvenile Fiction | Concepts | Body
Picture books
Community life
Trees
Comparison (Philosophy)
