Customer Reviews

Trout Are Made of Trees

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a lovely combination of brief informative text and colorful illustrations. The author uses simple declarative sentences to describe the natural process of decomposition of a leaf that falls into the river, is broken down by bacteria, and its passage from one form of life to the next until it ends up nourishing a trout. The provocative opening line reads, "Trout are made of trees." The first mixed-media collage illustration shows two children as they gaze at a trout swimming in a river that is framed by a beautiful landscape of trees, bushes and leaves. A double spread shows the children collecting and examining leaves, one holds a magnifying glass, the other a container with a sample of algae. The author thoughtfully includes in an addendum a description of the life cycle of a trout, some suggestions for readers on how to help protect a stream habitat, and a list of resources, both books and web sites.

The information is solid and access accessible. The artwork is overall good and well-suited to the story. However, I can't get past the weird-looking children. Why mess up an otherwise great book (story and illustrations) with football-shaped heads?

Science nerds unite! I love this book because it doesn't dumb down the ecological connection between the land and water for little minds. The graphics are spot on, and concepts engage my 3 year old to think about what is happening under the water. Highly recommended.

This book is very engaging for young children. It explains the life cycle and interdependance of plants and animals. Love the collage art!