One TreeA book to begin on written by Leslie Bockol
Illustrated by Jillian Phillips
Published by InnovativeKids, 2009
For any age
20 pages
found: on the shelves
One Tree is part of a series of books by Green Start for educating children about the importance of caring for the earth. It is the story of a tree and the community it supports. There are bees, birds, bugs, and squirrels all living in the tree and in each season, the tree interacts with them differently. By spring, its berries have sprouted into a new sapling and now two trees grow in the meadow. The book concludes with an informational page on the conservation of trees including a series of small steps easily followed at home or school. This book provides an excellent opportunity to give students information on something valuable to others (humans and animals) and ways to care for them. Giving students a sense of responsibility increases their confidence.
I was initially drawn to this book because of it’s brown kraft paper composition and collage-like use of pattern in its illustrations. The animals are endearing and could easily be imitated by students in an art exercise. The story vividly describes the extensive community which composes this ecosystem. I love any opportunity to give students an idea of their own existence in time. Trees are my favorite way to do this because if conditions permit, they will live hundreds of years. Ask students to thing about the trees they see. How old are the trees? What was going on when they were small seedlings? What about the small trees they see, what will it be like when they grow big and tall in 50 years? These questions are good for helping kids comprehend their own mortality and grow to appreciate the vitality of trees.
This simple story is appropriate for any age, even babies will enjoy the bright pictures. At home or in the classroom, the suggestions for caring for trees are easily discussed and implemented. Take students outside to observe the trees in their surrounding. Students can draw a picture of a tree and all the critters that make up the community. Encourage students to draw some resources the tree needs (water, sunlight, soil). Finally, ask students to write a few sentences on one thing they can do to preserve their tree. Ensure they understand that in taking responsibility for this one tree, they are also helping all the little animals who depend on that tree.
