Raven’s Family Tree…. I mean Squirrel’s Family Tree is really a 4.5 rating as it is not my OMG FAVORITE book ever, but it is a book with some strong pieces to it.
The story is about how squirrels and oak trees depend on each other. If the oak tree did not grow, the squirrel would not have a home or acorns to eat. And since the squirrels bury the acorns, and forget where most of them are stashed, oak trees can grow from these caches. Therefore, for all practical purposes, the squirrel is building a home and grocery store for future generations of squirrels.
While the story is a bit about the toddler level, Beth Ferry’s book will grow with your child as there are facts at the end of the book about squirrels and acorns. And even though I grew up with squirrels and nuts (human and the fruit), there were facts even I was unaware of. This is a good book for a classroom (be it just for story-time or for an addition to studying plants) or for a one-on-one story time.
A.N. Kang’s illustrations are realistic but still have a soft, animated, drawn look. They are their own story while accenting the text. Kang is probably best known for their Papillon series about their sassy cat.
Ferry’s other new book, Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish, is getting attention as well. Due to the different illustrators, the feeling of each book is different, therefore, you can find the book that fits you and your child’s needs.
