A Tree Is a Community (Books for a Better Earth)

One tree supports an ecosystem of life–insects, mammals, and even humans. Discover the surprising biodiversity of trees in this science picture book from award-winning creators of And the Bullfrogs Sing and The Dirt Book.

A tree is more than just a plant, but a whole ecosystem hiding in plain sight, on street corners and in backyards everywhere. Discover how one tree provides shelter, food, and clean air to a host of animals and insects. Robins build their nest in the branches and bees gather nectar from flowers. The tree keeps its neighborhood clean, healthy, and safe. Leaves clean the air and roots keep the dirt from washing away. The tree's residents are safe through thunderstorms and changing seasons. This home is built to last!

Those buds POP open
and bees BUZZ
and rain SPLASHES
and sun SIZZLES

Author David L. Harrison's lively, rhythmic text informs and excites readers about the ecosystem of trees. Illustrator Kate Cosgrove's lush and dynamic illustrations color a charming world aglow with life. This award-winning team, from And the Bullfrogs Sing and The Dirt Book, are back with another picture book that invites young readers into the natural world around them. A Tree Is a Community is perfect for the budding naturalist.

The Books for a Better Earth™ collection is designed to inspire young people to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on. Focusing on solutions to climate change challenges and human environmental impacts, the collection looks at how scientists, activists, and young leaders are working to safeguard Earth's future.

David L. Harrison's books have received state awards in Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, Arizona, South Dakota, Indiana, Texas, Kentucky, and Virginia. Awards also include IRA/CBC Children's Choices, NCTE Notable Poetry Books, and Bank Street College Best Books. The David Harrison Elementary School in Springfield, Missouri, is named in his honor. David lives in Springfield, Missouri.

Kate Cosgrove is the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of A Day With No Words; winner of the Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award. Cosgrove’s book illustrations juried into The 41st and 43rd Original Art Annual Exhibition in NYC. Her other notable picture books include And the Bullfrogs Sing: A Life Cycle Begins, named a Bank Street Best Book of the Year and a Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award Honors book, and The Dirt Book: Poems About Animals That Live Beneath Our Feet, which was selected for the Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List. She’s usually hiding in her probably-haunted art studio, with pencil-smudged fingers and a smelly dog named Stanley.