You ever see a tree in the city? Well as a girl who grew up around trees, had a swing tied to a tree, and got her cowboy boot stuck between two limbs once (don’t ask) I never thought much of it. That is until I went to the city and saw them. That looks odd and really out of place I thought. I mean what good is a tree in the city? Little did I know that the city needs trees, and The City Tree shows us how.
Shira Boss tells us how a new tree on the street gives so much to the community. It not only gives shade and a place to hide, it gives the community something to look after, take care of, and it helps cut out the noise and air pollution. It might not be impressive, but it is special. It shares the changing of the seasons, celebrates holidays and makes a neighborhood grow.
The busy and colorful and funny and sweet and simple, and complete, and wonderful art of Lorena Alverez ties everything together. The illustrations really make the story. While, the text is fun, the art is its own character and allows the tree to be showcased. And the pictures should be enjoyed and I need to read it a second time just to read them. There is a lot going on, lots of open and hidden gems. And the afterwards on the things that the tree does to help “behind the scenes” (we see just the “up front” stuff in the actual story) is a nice touch as well.
Both educational and entertaining, this book is great for all ages, and for the classroom or personal library. It would work well as a one-on-one read or even a small group. I am hoping the final product is “just the right size” as though the day I read it was the books Book Release Birthday, I read it via online reader copy.
