Around the Oak [Hardcover]

Gerda Muller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1994 | Age Level: 5 and up

A gentle story that recounts the trials and tribulations of one child's bout with chicken pox follows Jess's joy about staying home from school with her toys, books, and unlimited ice cream, as well as her struggle with a fever, spots, itching, and boredom.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Reigning as the 300-year-old centerpiece of the forest, a spreading oak tree inspires the seasonal explorations of three youngsters. Ben and Caroline visit their cousin Nick, who lives in the woods with his mom and forest ranger dad. On a fall weekend the children, picnicking beneath the tree, spot a hawk chasing a pigeon; the next day they return and pick chanterelles. During Christmas vacation they ski under the tree and meet screech owls and a marten. They listen to woodcocks and watch badgers and deer drink from a water hole during spring break, and they collect insects, feathers, lichen and fruit in the summer. The easily evoked setting permits the characters to express their affinity for nature believably and readily. Muller's text flows spontaneously, effortlessly dispensing facts--and each successive reading seems to sprout new observations. Invitingly clear, almost folkloric paintings and drawings render the oak and its environs accurately and imaginatively. For curious naturalists, an illustrated supplement amplifies the information contained within the story. Ages 7-11.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-A nature lesson in story format. Once each season, Ben and Caroline visit their cousin Nick, who lives in a house in a forest clearing. With the help of Uncle Hank, a forest ranger, the children observe the wildlife in the vicinity of a 300-year-old oak. They learn about some of the animals' habits as well as a bit about ecology, pollution, and the life cycle of the tree. Muller has appended several pages of diagrams and illustrations that contain tidbits of additional information, and several identification pages with clear likenesses of forest birds, leaves, plants, and mushrooms. Acrylic paintings done in a primitive, realistic style have a charm akin to that of Barbara Cooney's work. Vivid colors change with each season, and tiny details abound. Although the book was originally published in Germany, all of the flora and fauna can be found in the U.S. and Canada as well. This title cannot compete in terms of informational content with the abundant factual literature available on the topic for the same age group, but might be read in preparation for a nature hike.
Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (June 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525452397
• ISBN-13: 978-0525452393
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,621,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book, August 13, 2007

By 

H. Hawkes "mamaof4kidlets" (AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Around the Oak (Hardcover)

My kids and I love this book. It is a great read and has lovely art work. It is a great way to explore the seasons and the beauty of nature inside then take that outside and really see it!

Heather mom of 5