Today's read was released a couple years ago, so it's not one you have to wait for. I'm not sure if I'll enjoy this one or not. I'll admit that I've become very critical when I pick up a picture book with a message. That's probably due to the huge amount of message-driven picture books I receive. Gosh, there are tons out there. Anyway, I do love a good picture book with a message, which sticks long after the book is laid down or teaches something important along the way.
Today's book may or may not do that. I know it centers around a tree, which has me immediately thinking of the Giving Tree by Silverstein. That's happens to be one of my most favorite picture books since I was a kid...which probably isn't fair to this book, but what's a reader to do?
Anyway, let's take a peek and see how this one does.
(Note: After reading this, I would place it on my favorites of the year...if it hadn't already been released before. I really found it that good.)
THE CHILD AND THE TREE
A Tale for Better Times
by Nohra Bernal
Art by Ruben Rodriguez Ferreira
Arreboles
Picture Book
40 pages
ages 4 to 8
A child. A tree.
Their friendship transforms their world.
And hopefully ours as well.
In her morning exploration, a curious child discovers a little tree in the middle of a desert. So begins a tender friendship that finds delight in simplicity and wonder while both the child and tree learn and grow. In an unexpected twist, a storm uncovers parts of the ancient tree that were hidden under the sand. After the child succeeds in planting a new little forest —with the tree’s guidance— their sweet adventure comes to an end when the child’s family needs to leave.
A moving ode to natural beauty and the wisdom of our truest nature, this heartwarming story invites us to see the world from a new perspective and from a unique place. Interwoven in the fiction are some facts about the care of trees in unlikely circumstances, revealing an ever-present hope for survival.
Beautifully depicted in colorful illustrations and lyrical text, social and environmental awareness come together in a story that touches on migration, resilience, forest regeneration, and individual empowerment.
The ideal book for everyone who loves trees and hopes for better times!
Perfect for fans and frenemies Perfect for fans Great for parents and teachers looking A Spanish language version, Alma Semilla , is also available.
FREE downloadable materials include the list 365 Hugs for the Planet , coloring pages, and a teaching guide.
Their friendship transforms their world.
And hopefully ours as well.
In her morning exploration, a curious child discovers a little tree in the middle of a desert. So begins a tender friendship that finds delight in simplicity and wonder while both the child and tree learn and grow. In an unexpected twist, a storm uncovers parts of the ancient tree that were hidden under the sand. After the child succeeds in planting a new little forest —with the tree’s guidance— their sweet adventure comes to an end when the child’s family needs to leave.
A moving ode to natural beauty and the wisdom of our truest nature, this heartwarming story invites us to see the world from a new perspective and from a unique place. Interwoven in the fiction are some facts about the care of trees in unlikely circumstances, revealing an ever-present hope for survival.
Beautifully depicted in colorful illustrations and lyrical text, social and environmental awareness come together in a story that touches on migration, resilience, forest regeneration, and individual empowerment.
The ideal book for everyone who loves trees and hopes for better times!
Perfect for fans and frenemies Perfect for fans Great for parents and teachers looking A Spanish language version, Alma Semilla , is also available.
FREE downloadable materials include the list 365 Hugs for the Planet , coloring pages, and a teaching guide.
Amazon / Bookshop / with direct link to Ingram (Hardcover only)
MY TIDBITS
With love, heart, and just the right touch of wonder, this is a read to get lost in and enjoy again and again.
A little child is in the desert and discovers a small tree in the middle of the sand, all by itself with nothing around. The child cares for the tree, and they share lovely moments. After a large sandstorm, the child worries about the tree and rushes to make sure it survived. What the child finds is something it never expected...and it's only the beginning of so much more.
This is one of those rare books to snuggle up with and remember long after its put down. The writing is very simple, which seems, maybe, a little too much so, at first, but it's perfect. This is a simple tale with so much depth and wonder. The desert setting also adds a sense of exotic uniqueness and reminds readers how vast the world really is in its variety. It reminds of other cultures and countries without holding it up front and center. Instead, it feels natural and lays the foundation for the story nicely.
The illustrations are lovely and give each scene the needed emotion and setting. The colors match the mood. The relationship between the child and the tree is brought across with warmth and wholesome goodness. And this is kept front and center the entire time.
There's a light hint of magic as the tree and the child converse, but it's subtle. This allows the message of friendship to shine as well as the idea that change can lead to something even more wonderful to hit just right.
It's great for a read-aloud in group and individual settings, or is one for readers to visit themselves when they have a better grip on their words.
And here she is...
Nohra is a Colombian-born indie author and translator. As a literacy promoter and a teaching artist, she shares her love of books and her passion for multilingual storytelling, poetry, and dance. She holds degrees in psychology and modern languages, and has published several books for children illustrated by her husband, including The Child and the Tree, a Skipping Stones Honor Award winner in 2024. They live in Connecticut and have three grown sons. More info at nohrabernal.com
Links:
My Shop at Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/nohrabernal
My Amazon Author Profile: https://www.amazon.com/author/nohrabernal
No comments:
Post a Comment