This Tree Counts!

March 8, 2010
“Trees will speak only if you listen closely,” Mr. Tate tells his students, as they prepare to plant trees near a large oak. As they listen, they hear the tree tell a counting story, which describes the animals that make the tree their home: “One owl sits high on my branches, waiting for the moon. Two spiders cling tight to webs, spinning all day long.” Snow's joyful cut-paper collages feel alive with activity, making this a green counting book with panache. Ages 4–7.

February 1, 2010
Gr 2-4-At Oak Lane School, Mr. Tate's class decides that the lone oak tree in the school yard needs friends, so they decide to plant some saplings. Before they begin to dig, their teacher tells his students, "Trees will speak only if you listen closely." As the children listen to what the tree has to say, the narrative slips into the style of a counting book. The tree counts all the different creatures making their home in its vicinity, from one owl "waiting for the moon" to 10 earthworms "munching rich soil." Mr. Tate continues his lesson, and the youngsters talk about different types of trees as well as a variety of objects made of wood. At last, the class is ready to dig and they plant 10 trees, companions for the stately old oak. Snow's collage illustrations add texture and natural beauty to the story. The characters are dressed in outfits that showcase their individual personalities. The picture of the industrious kids working together in the grassy field under a bright blue sky epitomizes the story's theme of cooperation and friendship."Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
Preschool-G Not only does this tree count, it matters! The double meaning of the title uses the lone tree behind the Oak Lane School as a taproot for a counting book as well as an environmental message. The tree needs friends so Mr. Tates class (no grade cited) decides to plant more treesbut first he claims the tree has a story to tell. As the kids gather round the tree, they hear and see: one owl, two spiders, four robins, seven crickets, etc., all the way up to 10 earthworms. Not only is the tree a home for many creatures but also it contributes to nature by providing shade and washing the air, and eventually it becomes things like a tree house, a pencil, and a guitar. The message branches out into a concisely written story with a childs point of view that is enlivened with realistic and artfully composed paper-cut and digital-collage illustrations. Teachers will welcome this going green tale, which ends with the junior tree huggers planting more trees.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2010
Mr. Tate tells his class, "Trees will speak only if you listen closely," whereupon an oak lists the creatures sheltering in its branches. The students then discuss other trees and their gifts and plant some new trees alongside the oak. Snow's eye-catching cut-paper collages are stronger than Formento's scattered text in this plea-for-arboreal-appreciation/counting-book amalgam.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)