Busy Tree [Hardcover]

Jennifer Ward (Author), Lisa Falkenstern (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 20, 2009 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Spectacular illustrations rendered in oil paint, and a rhyming text that describes a tree's activities from its roots to its branches, introduce young readers to the amazing activities that go on in a tree. Acorns nibbled by chipmunks, ants scurrying across a trunk, a spider spinning a web, leaves "breathing out air for all to breathe in"--everything adds up to a "busy tree" for all to "come and see."

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—In rhyming couplets, an old oak introduces children to the wildlife that lives and feeds in and around it ("I'm a tree, a busy tree.../come and see"). In its branches and on its trunk are ants, a spider on a web, a downy woodpecker, an owl, squirrels, baby robins in a nest, a moth's cocoon—even children on a swing—while chipmunks and a tiny mole live and eat beneath. The large oak describes its roots ("winding and long;/they anchor and feed me and help me grow strong"), leaves ("...breathing out air for all to breathe in"), and boughs ("…that creak, bend, and sway/shading the children below as they play"). Handsome realistic oil paintings set on white pages show details of the tree and its denizens in daytime, at sunset, and at night, in fall and in summer. Observant eyes will notice grubs burrowed underground, new leaf buds, and a tiny ladybug nestled on a leaf. The cycle of new life and growth is demonstrated as the youngsters collect and plant an acorn that grows into another large tree "as seasons pass by." Children will enjoy this brief glimpse at a familiar species that reinforces much that they have already observed.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH END

About the Author

Jennifer Ward lives in Edwardsville, Illinois.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Childrens Books (September 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761455507
• ISBN-13: 978-0761455509
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #320,416 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Great Book from Jennifer Ward, August 31, 2009

By 

MBear217 "ElBurk" (Upper Midwest) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Busy Tree (Hardcover)

We've been a fan of Jennifer Ward since, "There Was A Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea". This book is exactly what we expected. The illustrations are simple yet incredibly effective and beautiful. The rhythm is terrific and the idea brings to light the many things going on in our trees. Our three-year-old loves reading it and then walking outside to look at our trees to see what she can find. It helps bring animation to trees and can be used as a great introduction to the environment. An excellent teaching tool hidden in a fun book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Tree, Beautiful Book, November 14, 2011

By 

Laura A. Jackson "laurelprincess" (Houston, Tx, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Busy Tree (Hardcover)

I LOVE this book, partly because of my tree obsession and partly because it is a simple but poignant look at one of nature's most beautiful creations.

Most people look at a tree as something that stands, provides shade, and can cause a lot of damage when falling. However, they are so much more. They are home to creatures, playgrounds for children, and the source of the very air we breathe.

The illustrations are magnificent and add vivid images to the short couplets.

2.0 out of 5 stars Too simple even for 5 yr old, February 18, 2012

By 

Laura (San Francisco, CA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Busy Tree (Hardcover)

The pictures and words in this book are a little boring and simple. My 5 yr old niece can handle much more involved stories and likes looking at complex pictures. Snoozer.