Today's read made me smile thanks to the curious animals and the oak tree. We have quite a few oaks in our woods, so the theme hits home. Plus, it's a great time of year to head out into nature...or it should be thanks to the decreasing temperatures this weekend. (I'm sick of the 100s). I'm also curious to see the artwork, since the cover already promises goodness on that end, too.
Let's dive in and see what this book is about!
THANK YOU, OLD OAK
by Britt Crow-Miller
Illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford
Barefoot Books
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 6 to 8
COMING AUGUST 26th!!!
A charming story about the lifecycle of a mother tree and the creatures who rely on her.
Just like that, Old Oak’s rooted life came to an end.
Even with her tap root severed, Old Oak would bring new life to the forest.
After 400 years in the forest, it’s time for Old Oak to fall. With a pop, frenzy of snaps, and a flurry of movement, she leans to one side and falls heavily to rest on the forest floor. When news of beloved Old Oak spreads throughout the forest, creatures big and small gather to show their gratitude for all she gave in her rooted life.
The squirrels thank her for the acorns, leaf buds, and catkins. The rabbits remember the cozy burrows her roots provided. Even the weevils scuttle aboveground to acknowledge all she gave them as tiny grubs. But the creatures soon discover Old Oak’s life is actually just beginning, and her legacy will serve the forest for hundreds of years to come.
Just like that, Old Oak’s rooted life came to an end.
Even with her tap root severed, Old Oak would bring new life to the forest.
After 400 years in the forest, it’s time for Old Oak to fall. With a pop, frenzy of snaps, and a flurry of movement, she leans to one side and falls heavily to rest on the forest floor. When news of beloved Old Oak spreads throughout the forest, creatures big and small gather to show their gratitude for all she gave in her rooted life.
The squirrels thank her for the acorns, leaf buds, and catkins. The rabbits remember the cozy burrows her roots provided. Even the weevils scuttle aboveground to acknowledge all she gave them as tiny grubs. But the creatures soon discover Old Oak’s life is actually just beginning, and her legacy will serve the forest for hundreds of years to come.
- Teaches kids about all of the unique ways trees provide resources for the forest ecosystem
- Features a wide range of forest creatures
- Includes endnotes about oak trees, tree rings, and the forest ecosystem
MY TIDBITS
With lyrical grace, these pages unveil many ways an oak tree supports the ecosystem in a forest.
After a long life, an old oak tree falls to the ground. Soon after, the various animals and creatures, which were helped by the tree, come by to offer their thanks. Squirrels, insects, and more appear in groups, one after the other, while a short explanation of the benefits they received from the three unfold. When the final guest has paid its visit, the cycle of the tree continues. Even in this fallen state, it provides to the forest and opens the door to continued support in the future.
The illustrations bring the forest beauty and life across with care, offering textured details and a visual glimpse into the various ways the oak tree adds to the life in the forest. The other animals and creatures hold more vibrant colors and hint of playfulness as they pay honor to the tree in their own ways. The scenes are lovely and invite for a little gazing as listeners/readers will recognize most of the visitors as they come and go.
The text is very descriptive and adds beauty to harmonize with the illustrations. When I first saw this book, I wondered why it was recommend to ages 6 to 8 rather than slightly younger reading bracket (4-8). The writing style as well as information surrounding the oak's contribution to the ecosystem would be why. The text is kept short, but more impatient or younger readers/listeners, might have trouble enjoying the descriptions and manner in which the information flows into the poetic text. The writing is almost an ode to the oak tree itself.
There are quite a few facts melded into the flow. The tree's importance to each creature and the forest, in general, is mentioned on each page and remains the main theme throughout the book. At the end, several pages offer more information concerning oak trees, nature, and more. This makes it a nice addition to themes surrounding trees, forests, and other biological topics for homeschoolers and classrooms as well.
And here they are...
Britt Crow-Miller's life has played out against the backdrop of incredible, old trees — from climbing their branches and enjoying their shade, to walking among their roots. She now explores the forests and advocates for trees in western Massachusetts, USA, where she lives with her family and too many pets. In addition to writing, Britt also works as a professor of environmental geography and as an environmental educator.
Amy Schimler-Safford recently relocated from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest, USA, with her family. She is having fun discovering new plant and animal life to draw and paint. Having grown up by the beach, she is also finding it wonderful to be reacquainted with the local seagulls. She has illustrated many children's books including The Seagull and the Sea Captain, Inky's Amazing Escape, Look and Listen, and At the Pond.
