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."
The Busy Tree
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Book Description
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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
Author Jennifer Ward lives in Edwardsville, Illinois. Her other titles include The Busy Tree, There Was An Old Monkey Who Swallowed a Frog, and There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea.
Lisa Falkenstern has been a professional illustrator for more than twenty five years. She graduated from Parsons School of Design and has studied at the New York Academy, School of Visual Arts, Art Students League, National Academy of Art and Cooper Union. She has illustrated the books Mermaids, The Busy Tree, My Very Own Pirate Tale, and her new book which she has written and illustrated, A Dragon Moves In.
Lisa Falkenstern has been a professional illustrator for more than twenty five years. She graduated from Parsons School of Design and has studied at the New York Academy, School of Visual Arts, Art Students League, National Academy of Art and Cooper Union. She has illustrated the books Mermaids, The Busy Tree, My Very Own Pirate Tale, and her new book which she has written and illustrated, A Dragon Moves In.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By MBear217
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
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.
By Mama L
Format:Kindle Edition
This was a great explanation of habitats and ecosystems for young children. The pictures and rhyming text made this book worth the 5 stars we gave it.
Format:Kindle Edition
Beautiful illustrations. Kids were very attentive, and loved the book. Great book, strongly recommend it to anyone with little ones.
Format:Kindle Edition
Great for beginning readers. My 6 year old loved it. Was easy for him to follow and read himself with a little help.
By darcyfarrow
Format:Hardcover
The illustrations in this book are the best part... in my mind, the text merely serves as a means of introducing very young children to the beautiful images of the ecosystem surrounding an oak tree. My little one loves it!
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is an excellent book showing the birds and animals that rely on a tree for their growth and protection.
Format:Hardcover
Jennifer Ward's THE BUSY TREE is illustrated with gorgeous, realistic drawings by Lisa Falkenstern and reaches ages 5-8 as it offers a rhyming text describing the activities that go on in a tree from roots to branches. From chipmunks and spiders to ants, this offers a fine survey of the various animals involved in a tree's life.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not suitable for kindle download
Pictures are beautiful, with that said I am able to read the story with great difficulty as the print is too small and am
Not a le to enlarge it and the small size does not do... Read more
Not a le to enlarge it and the small size does not do... Read more
Published 1 month ago by SUE
2.0 out of 5 stars
Too simple even for 5 yr old
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.
Published 16 months ago by Laura
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great nature-themed book that is fun and educational
"The Busy Tree" is an excellent book that will entertain young children with the sweet story and beautiful illustrations whilst teaching them about nature. Read more
Published on December 14, 2009 by Z Hayes
