Within my Branches

This beautiful book follows the life of a single tree, from acorn to mighty oak and the fate that befalls it at the hands of men. Red text on stark white pages tells the story accompanied by gorgeous black and white illustrations, making the book a thing of beauty to be lingered over again and again.

The book celebrates the tree’s role in nature, the many creatures and birds it shelters and feeds, the many seeds it scatters which in turn grow to be trees as the world changes around it. Steadfast through storms, it is man’s actions which ultimately topple it, launching the tree into a new, unfamiliar life on the seas, carrying adventurers on their journeys.

The illustrations are just beautiful. The endpapers show the acorn’s germination as it grows to a small sapling, spreading its leaves to the light and each picture tells a story of its own, offering much to discuss and explore. It is a very special book, focusing attention on the beauty of trees and the essential role they play in our world.

Within My Branches Nicolas Michel

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782694083

My Heart Was a Tree

My walk was the walk of a human child, but my heart was a tree.

-Ted Hughes

Inspired by the bluebell woods behind his house, the story of Jean Giono (the man who planted trees) and the poem the above quote is taken from, ‘My Own True Family’, this book is a love song to trees.

Yuval’s glorious illustrations make the book visually stunning, a fitting tribute to the lush richness of trees and the abundant life which they support. From the insect and leaf strewn end papers and hard cover under hidden beneath the dust jacket to the , each page is beautifully decorated.

The collection contains both stories and poems, some taking the viewpoint of the trees themselves, some about the animals who live in and around them and some about the people who rely on their bounty. One of my favourites, ‘I Was There’ is written as if by an olive tree which witnesses Penelope, wife of Odysseus, longing for her husband, his return and then the writing of the poem by Homer. Another, ‘A Whisper of Blossom’, is accompanied by a note about van Gogh’s painting ‘Almond Blossom’, giving the reader some context for the poem. ‘The Singing Tree’, having survived bombing, sees life return once more, a symbol of hope and renewal.

The poems and stories in this collection are ideal for sharing, exploring and enjoying, perfect for school and home alike. It is a treasure trove of treats, celebrating the majesty and beauty of trees.

My Heart was a Tree: Poems and Stories to Celebrate Trees

Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Yuval Zommer

Two Hoots ISBN: 978-1529094794

Around the World in…

‘Around the World in 80 Trees’ celebrates the role played by trees across the Earth, starting with general information about the different types of tree and the parts which they share. Apparently, there are more than 60,000 different tree species and the book selects 80 of these from across the world to focus on. A gatefold in the centre of the book opens to reveal all of these 80 trees, showing how they relate to one another. For children learning about classification keys in Year 4 and Year 6 Science, this is very useful and the book might also support them when working scientifically to observe, identify and categorise the trees in their local environment.

The trees are organised in ‘continent’ sections, starting with a map of that region showing where the named trees are located. Snippets of text about each tree includes information about related myths and legends, statistics as well as how the tree is used by creatures and humans. It is a fascinating read, perfect for dipping in and out of or for reading in one sitting and returning to again and again.

A picture of each tree is included and the information about certain trees, like cherry and river red gum are presented as a two page spread, with additional illustrations. The book ends with a reminder about the importance of trees and how we can help them.

Beautifully presented, with contents and index, this is a book which will tempt children to explore the trees of the world.

Around the World in 80 Trees

Ben Lerwill, illustrated by Kaja Kajfez

Welbeck Editions ISBN: 978-1913519360

Also in the series is ‘Around the World in 80 Musical Instruments’. Focusing on the fact that music is something people all over the world have in common, this lovely book is organised into sections relating to how instruments make their sounds. Once again, there is a gatefold in the centre, showing how everything is related, although it offers the cautionary note that it’s not a perfect system for instruments!

Additional spreads focus on related topics such as the orchestra or the human voice and there is a page in each section- percussion, stringed and wind- suggesting how you might make your own instrument of this type. There are many instruments to discover and which might lead to further investigation by budding musicians!

Once again, the attractive format and appealing illustrations are sure to make this book a hit in schools and at home!

Around the World in 80 Musical Instruments

Nancy Dickmann, illustrated by Sue Downing

Welbeck Editions ISBN: 978-1913519353

Out on 14th April 2022