We Planted a Tree

We Planted a Tree, written by Diane Muldrow and illustrated by Bob Staake, is at face value, the story of the planting and growth of a tree, but is it really so much more than that.

The story begins with a family in Brooklyn and a family somewhere in Africa planting a tree.  Throughout the book we watch not only the trees grow but also the  families.  We learn about what a tree can do for a family, for wildlife and for the greater good of the earth.

That may seem like a lot for a children's book, but the clear and simple repetitive language, such as, (We planted a tree. We planted a tree and it grew up, While it reached for the sky and the sun.  The sunshine went into the leaves and brought food to the tree, and the tree grew up) along with the quirky illustrations of trees growing, fruit growing, children growing and so much more, all works together to teach a clear lesson to your little one.

The colors are bright and the caricature like illustrations depict not only types of trees, but different countries, difference settings, seasons, people, etc. - so there is a lot to talk about with each page.

Also, Bob Staake's illustrations are just fun to look at and if you have as much fun looking at them as I do, check out this awesome poster on his website (Note: that was not an ad, I just found it when I was googling him and it made me laugh)

This one will definitely go on my list of good books about nature to read to the little ones, but I did notice that one eco-thoughtful reviewer on Amazon pointed out in the reviews that this book does not seem to have been printed on recycled paper or with soy based inks.  Bummer, that would have been in good keeping with the theme.  Hmmm, in that case, why not try and get a used copy, or get it from the local library, like us.