This Tree Counts!

Plot Summary

If you listen carefully to the lone tree behind Oak Lane School, it has a story to tell about... one owl, two spiders, three squirrels, four robins, five caterpillars, six ants, seven crickets, eight flies, nine ladybugs, and ten earthworms, all living safe and free in their tree home.

What does this tree need?  The children know -- it needs friends!

Alison Formento's gentle story, illustrated with Sarah Snow's beautiful papercuts, whispers important ideas to all young tree lovers.

Reviews

"Not only does this tree count, it matters!...The message branches out into a concisely written story with a child’s point of view that is enlivened with realistic and artfully composed paper-cut and digital-collage illustrations. Teachers will welcome this “going green” tale, which ends with the junior tree huggers planting more trees." Booklist

"Snow’s collage illustrations add texture and natural beauty to the story. The characters are dressed in outfits that showcase their individual personalities. The picture of the industrious kids working together in the grassy field under a bright blue sky epitomizes the story’s theme of cooperation and friendship." School Library Journal

"The result gives a very earthy, made-from-nature feel to the illustrations. Snow’s animals are easy to count and will keep young readers occupied....this will suit many audiences."

Kirkus Reviews

"a green counting book with panache." Publishers Weekly

Associated Keywords
environment, tree, planting, earth, green, counting, nature