Tree Song

There are few things as inspirational to a poet or a picture book artist as a tree.

From seed to shade-throwing canopy, through all weathers, Stone and Hatam show readers the life of that symbol of steadfastness, the oak. An acorn is dropped from a flying bird’s beak. The acorn sends out a green shoot, a tree takes hold amid a backdrop of small animals and other plants.

We observe the first autumn, winter, spring. A sapling pushes its way up.

Roots reach deep and branches high.
S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g up to tickle sky.
Tee-hee-hee! Sky laughs along
As tree grows singing loud and strong.

Throughout Tree Song, cheerful children enjoy this outdoor world, skating, swinging and playing tag.

At one point our focus, the central oak, escapes being felled by a woodsman’s axe, remaining to provide shade and shelter for more years. But then, in the inevitable pattern of life, a last winter snowfall is one too many.

Hushhhhhhhhhhhh soothes wind eventually.
Whirling round the ancient tree.
Tree sings out one final sound. C-R-R-A-A-A-CK!
Tree lies, silent, on the ground.
Song of sunshine, song of rain…

And we see another new acorn sprouting.

Tree-tra-la begins again.

British Columbia writer Stone has used verse to good effect in much of her previous work (Baaad Animals, Teatime

Holly Hatam has contributed delicate illustrations in clear, watery tones appropriate to each season, with the tree trunks and leaves superimposed in a collage effect. There are small details to enjoy – readers will have fun picking out the underground burrows of a mouse, snail and rabbit; and the animated facial expressions of the boys and girls - among the main images of the title subject, the tree.

Tree Song is a good addition to primary collections and would be useful in conjunction with discussions about natural cycles and conservation.