Mighty Tree

Gackenbach, Dick

ISBN 10: 0152005196 ISBN 13: 9780152005191

Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books, 1992

Synopsis

Three seeds grow into three beautiful trees, each of which serves a different function in nature and for people

About this title

Reviews

PreSchool-Grade 2-- This pleasant nature story should be welcomed by teachers. In a simple, dignified text and with characteristically cheerful illustrations, Gackenbach tells how three wind-blown seeds take root in the forest, where they grow into mature trees. One is cut down and taken to a paper mill, where it is turned into a variety of products (which are shown being used by a group of multiracial children). The second becomes the beautiful centerpiece for a big city's Christmas celebration (some readers will recognize New York's Rocekfeller Center). The third remains in the forest and becomes ``the most important tree of all'' because it offers food and shelter to a variety of insects, birds, and other small animals. The bright watercolors are full of cheeky, charming children, as well as animals ambling and flying. Large readable type is placed against the lighter backgrounds to ease the way for young readers and storytellers alike. A simple, unpedantic ecology lesson. --Rosanne Cerny, Queens Borough Pub. Lib., NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Three conifers begin to grow at the same time. At maturity, one is cut to manufacture paper (including gift-wrap, other party goods, and ``even this book''); one becomes a giant Christmas tree (for Rockefeller Center); while, next to the two stumps, the ``most important'' tree still stands, home to an unrealistic peaceable kingdom of birds and beasts--eagle and titmouse, nocturnal raccoon and owl, and many more, all together under a sunny sky. The value of the ecological message goes without saying; the presentation here in simple text and engaging cartoon-style illustrations is cheerful, though not very thoughtfully developed. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0152005196
• ISBN 13: 9780152005191
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 1