Lois Ehlert uses watercolor collage and pieces of actual seeds, fabric, wire, and roots in this innovative and rich introduction to the life of a tree. A special glossary explains how roots absorb nutrients, what photosynthesis is, how sap circulates, and other facts about trees. “Children will beg to share this book over and over.”--American Bookseller
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Ehlert ( Color Zoo ) uses a variety of materials--including paper, ribbons and paints--to depict the beginning of a sugar maple's life. Some time after seeds fall from a tree in the woods, nursery workers collect the slender sprouts; years later the tree is sold to a customer (the young first-person narrator of the book), taken home and carefully planted. Once again Ehlert provides a visual bounty: her pages are awash in the riotous reds and golds of autumn and the fresh, vibrant greens of new growth. There is bounteous information, too: in addition to the tree itself she includes several varieties of birds and many of the objects associated with gardening. An appendix provides further details on the biology and upkeep of trees. Less successful is the story line linking the tree to the narrator; the child remains an unseen abstraction whose utterances ("I love my tree") appear stiff and a bit forced. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3-- This very striking book examines the life of a sugar maple tree from the point of view of a young child. Each spread is a visual masterpiece; Ehlert has added elements of collage and watercolored paper that lend sophistication and diversity to her ever-evolving style. Preschoolers will delight in naming objects found on each double-page spread, newly independent readers will appreciate the oversized type, and slightly older children will make use of the appendix explaining the various functions and parts of a tree, along with tips on selecting and planting one. Although the book is absolutely stunning, text and illustrations in several instances are not a perfect union. Youngsters may question the "I" in the opening narration, or wonder why seeds covered with snow are mentioned but not depicted. The cover spread is gorgeous, yet the title is not particularly apt or telling. Still, both public and school libraries will find this book popular and valuable, especially when used along with Janice Udry's A Tree Is Nice (HarperCollins, 1956) or Alvin Tresselt's The Dead Tree (Parents Magazine Pr., 1972; o.p.). --Eve Larkin, Chicago Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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More About the Author
LOIS EHLERT has created many picture books, including Leaf Man, Pie in the Sky, In My World, Growing Vegetable Soup, Planting a Rainbow, and the bestselling Waiting for Wings. She lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A child recounts the life of a maple tree selected from a nursery to grow in the family's yard. Although it's narrated by a person, the natural world or plants and animals are the primary focus. Hands involved in the various stages of planting are the only human elements included in the illustrations. Taking the tree from a tiny seed in a maple key, to a young seedling, to a leafy haven for birds, to a glorious display of autumnal reds and yellows, Ehlert uses simple cut paper and textured collage against primary backgrounds to illustrate this simple story that's rich in color and love of nature. Following the story Ehlert includes simple scientific facts and illustrated information about trees as well as detailed instructions for planting a tree and making treats for the birds. An excellent addition to a fall story time or classroom science segment. Ages 3-6.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By D. Bell
Format:Hardcover
This is the book to use when launching your fall themes. Every fall I read this book. The children listen intently and are drawn to the bright vivid colors. They love to predict and actively participate in the word patterns. There are so many lessons that you can use from this one book.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Great Book for using with science experiments about autumn leaves.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this Author
I am a big fan of Lois Elhert, and when I saw this book, I had to have it for my pre-k classroom. In the fall we discuss how the leaves change color, and we go around the... Read more
Published 27 days ago by Theresa A. Maresco
5.0 out of 5 stars
school book
I used this book and others to teach in the classroom this book is an excellent book. Very colorful, great book
Published 4 months ago by Val
3.0 out of 5 stars
Okay, but nothing special
I purchased this book after seeing it recommended on a list of classic children's books. Unfortunately, I was rather underwhelmed by the book. Read more
Published on December 3, 2010 by HeatherHH
4.0 out of 5 stars
Myriad of illustrative techniques. Informative book about leaves.
The illustrator uses vivid photographs, paper cut images, nature colors and pressed leaves to illustrate a child's description of a seed growing to a sapling. Read more
Published on September 18, 2006 by Cady Hayden
4.0 out of 5 stars
My Kids Love It!
This book is a must-read every autumn in our home and was purchased for us by Grandma who saw how enthusiastically one of her other grandchildren responded to it. Read more
Published on September 10, 2006 by Laurel
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Leafy Review
I didn't really like this book. I wasn't ass colorful as other books. It mostly talked about leaves and trees. Read more
Published on December 15, 2005
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice design and educational story about trees.
What first caught my attention, was the bright textured orange cover. Simple, but beautiful.
The illustrations are collages of real objects, leafs, and colorful paper... Read more
The illustrations are collages of real objects, leafs, and colorful paper... Read more
Published on November 14, 2004 by Bedtime Reader
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book for Children
I think that this book is a great book for children. Not only does it tell the story of how a tree comes to be, it also has detailed pictures with captions. Read more
Published on January 15, 2004 by Holly Mace
3.0 out of 5 stars
red Leaf, yellow Leaf
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf was an all right book! It was about how trees are planted,
which leafs belong to which trees, and also how workers come and pick up tree sprouts to... Read more
which leafs belong to which trees, and also how workers come and pick up tree sprouts to... Read more
Published on October 30, 2002
4.0 out of 5 stars
Straightforward with subtle humor
My baby (10 months old) loves Lois Ehlert's vivid collages. He really enjoyed Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf with its crumpled tissue leaves and real tree tags along with charming... Read more
Published on November 20, 1997
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