Little Tree and the Wood Wide Web

Gr 1-2–Though a fictional treatment, this book will spark reader interest in how trees communicate with one another. A sweet story reveals there is an underground network of fungus, termed the “Wood Wide Web,” through which trees form a symbiotic relationship. A thirsty Douglas fir sapling named Little Tree sends a distress signal through its roots to the fungal network, hoping against hope that its plea will be heard. Much to its surprise, Little Tree learns it is not alone as other trees relay messages and nourishment, thanks to a generous Paper Birch. The cycle of giving is complete by story’s end as Little Tree returns the favor in winter, forming a simple yet comprehensible representation of this little-known form of synergy and connection in the natural world. Abbo’s colored pencil illustrations portray etched textures, including gnarly roots and spiky leaves, that layer in natural tones, brightened with pinks and purples, for equally vibrant underground and aboveground elements. The notably small font used for the main narrative text and the trees’ speech bubbles may prove difficult for younger readers to follow in order, although the style choice leaves room for unhindered views of the landscape and depictions of sprawling roots and the Wood Wide Web. The trees’ facial cues, including eyes, eyebrows, and mouths, are equally small, as they subtly hint at the trees’ emotions; however, the narrative and relatively trite, pop-up speech bubbles voicing the trees’ plain-spoken thoughts clarifies their intent and creates a quick story flow.