Anyone else seeing the first breakings of Spring? I have hyacinthus, daffodils, blue bells, and other small flowers already blooming across the farm. With the freezing coming in the next two days, I'm not sure how long they'll still shine, but Spring is poking out its head and saying 'hello'. Even my cows are finding more and more grass to nibble on.
Today's read fits right into the theme of new life. However, it doesn't concentrate on Spring. Rather, it looks at what happens after a forest fire burns everything to the ground. I'm curious to see how this book handles the theme and hope it has the same hopeful atmosphere the cover radiates.
So, let's open it up and take a look!
A FOREST BEGINS ANEW
by Louise M. Aamodt
Illustrated by Elly MacKay
Astra Young Readers
Picture Book
40 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING MAY 12th!!!
Told through lyrical rhyme and stunning 3D cut-paper illustrations, this is the captivating story of a forest’s renewal as it goes from ashes to new growth in the aftermath of a sweeping forest fire.
Set against the backdrop of a devastating forest fire, A Forest Begins Anew unfolds the life cycle of a particularly resilient ecosystem. As smoke jumpers leap from planes and pinecones eventually unseal from the heat of the fire, the story poetically weaves the effects of a forest fire into a vibrant tapestry that reveals a delicate balance between destruction and renewal.
Back matter containing fascinating facts and further reading portrays forest fires not just as destructive forces but as catalysts for growth and rebirth. With its lyrical rhyming text and breathtaking illustrations, A Forest Begins Anew honors nature’s ability to survive against the odds.
Set against the backdrop of a devastating forest fire, A Forest Begins Anew unfolds the life cycle of a particularly resilient ecosystem. As smoke jumpers leap from planes and pinecones eventually unseal from the heat of the fire, the story poetically weaves the effects of a forest fire into a vibrant tapestry that reveals a delicate balance between destruction and renewal.
Back matter containing fascinating facts and further reading portrays forest fires not just as destructive forces but as catalysts for growth and rebirth. With its lyrical rhyming text and breathtaking illustrations, A Forest Begins Anew honors nature’s ability to survive against the odds.
MY TIDBITS
With care and respect for nature, these pages help readers understand a little more about how forests recover after a fire.
Starting with lightning striking an already very dry forest, this books leads readers through the moments when the fire spreads and the animals run. Then, come the fire fighters, who use different means to get it under control. But most of these pages cover the aftermath and demonstrate how a burned out forest finds life again. These blossoms, blooms, and sprouting greenery also get a little help as volunteers add their contributions. Then, on the last pages, there's detailed and specific information surrounding all of this and more.
This is a lovely read for anyone wanting to raise awareness for forest fires or anyone wanting to explore the entire process of a forest's rebirth with a young reader. The book fits the age group nicely as it gently leads readers through the entire situation, while making the emotions behind each moment clear. For example, while the fire scenes carry a sense of danger and weight, there's also a sense of hope as the animals successfully flee and the fire fighters arrive. There's a sense of wonder as the dead forest slowly shows signs of life, and the pacing is just right to keep readers interested. The entire thing flows nicely and creates a smooth read-aloud.
The illustrations are well done and bring each moment to life. Readers can explore these on their own and still get a sense of the story even if they can't read every word themselves. The end of the book holds quite a bit of information, which adults can use to expand on various aspects related to the happenings in the book. This makes it a lovely addition for group activities, homeschoolers and more.
And here they are...
Louise M. Aamodt is an ESL and science teacher, an active SCBWI member, and children’s book author. A Forest Begins Anew, which won the Marvelous Midwest Conference manuscript contest, is her debut picture book.
Elly MacKay is an award-winning picture book maker whose titles include Butterfly Park (a 2015 Junior Library Guild Selection) and Red Sky At Night (a 2018 New York Public Library’s Best Books for Kids Selection). She has been interviewed about her unique illustration process in CBC Arts and the Washington Post. Visit theaterclouds.com.
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