NONFICTION

The Secret Life of Trees: Explore the Forests of the World, with Oakheart the Brave

by Moira Butterfield (text) & illus. by Vivian Mineker
Quarto/words & pictures. Aug. 2020. 48p. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9780711250024.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3-6–Butterfield’s knowledgable prose and Mineker’s tender illustrations introduce readers to the beauty of trees. Oakheart the Brave, a personified tree, describes his own growth and development. He also shares fanciful, folktale-like stories gathered from his bird friends. Oakheart explains how and why his bark is so rough and wrinkly. He discusses tree communication, tree rings, and tree defenses as well as different types of forests and the tallest, biggest trees in the world. The text ends with information about how trees live and grow through the four seasons. Mineker’s pleasant illustrations are effectively incorporated throughout the text. The artwork complements the book’s mix of narrative fiction and facts; the trees are depicted as friendly, smiling guardians of the forest.
VERDICT A well-constructed, informative, and entertaining book about trees.
Reviewed by Heidi Grange, Summit Elem. Sch., Smithfield, UT , May 08, 2020

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Making Science Fun and Accessible for Teens and Kids, a guest post by Jorge Cham
by Amanda MacGregor
NONFICTION

Tiny Floating Coral
by Auld, Mary
NONFICTION

Little Seasons: Autumn Leaves
by Hokkanen, Mirka
NONFICTION

The Heartbeat Drum: The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist
by Havrelock, Deidre
NONFICTION

How Sweet the Sound
by Alexander, Kwame
NONFICTION

The One and Only Googoosh: Iran’s Beloved Superstar
by Westergaard, Azadeh
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?