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Celebritrees: Historic and Famous Trees of the World [BYR]
Some trees have lived many lifetimes, standing as silent witnesses to history. Some are remarkable for their age and stature; others for their usefulness. A bristlecone pine tree in California has outlived man by almost 4,000 years; a baobab tree in Australia served as a prison for Aboriginal prisoners at the turn of the twentieth century; and a major oak in England was used as a hiding place for Robin Hood and his men (or so the story goes…).
The fourteen trees in this book have earned the title “Celebritrees” for their global fame and significance. Both in fact and in legend, these fascinating trees remind us not only how much pleasure trees bring, but what they can tell us about history.
The fourteen trees in this book have earned the title “Celebritrees” for their global fame and significance. Both in fact and in legend, these fascinating trees remind us not only how much pleasure trees bring, but what they can tell us about history.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Margi Preus
22 books195 followersMargi Preus is a children's writer. She is a 2011 Newbery Honor winner and won the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature for Heart of a Samurai.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 13, 2020
Fourteen famous and noteworthy trees are profiled in this charming picture-book from author Margi Preus and illustrator Rebecca Gibbon, which is as engaging as it is informative. From 4,800-year-old Methusaleh - a bristlecone pine, and the oldest known tree in the world - to the 379-foot-tall Hyperion - a coast redwood that currently holds the title of tallest tree - many of the arboreal beings discussed in Celebritrees are distinctive for being the record-holder in some measurable quantity. General Sherman (whose location is kept secret, to protect his health), a giant sequoia whose trunk is a massive 52,500 cubit feet, is the largest by volume; while the Tule Tree, which is currently 177 feet around, is considered the thickest. Other trees are included because of their historical and cultural significance, from The Bodhi Tree under which Buddha is believed to have gained enlightenment (the most famous of the "bo" trees is said to have been planted in 288 BCE, from a cutting taken from the original), to The Major Oak, a hollow oak in Sherwood Forest that is said to have been a hiding place for Robin Hood, and his band of Merry Men.
As a confirmed tree-lover, I found Celebritrees absolutely delightful! I learned quite a bit about a number of specific trees from around the world, and I also was led to consider how important trees are to human beings in general, not just as physical "resources," but as meeting places, symbolic locations in a larger landscape of meaning, and spiritual retreats in our bustling world. As someone who, in the course of my daily commute, passes through some immensely crowded places, I find just the idea of trees refreshing, and never find myself in a more tree-dominated locale without feeling that these arboreal friends are a true blessing. The main text of the book is followed by an informative afterword that gives more details about each tree profiled, while the artwork, done in acrylic ink, colored pencil, and watercolor, is fresh and appealing, with a somewhat vintage style that is very charming. All in all, this is an excellent work of natural history for the picture-book set, one I would recommend to any young tree lover!
As a confirmed tree-lover, I found Celebritrees absolutely delightful! I learned quite a bit about a number of specific trees from around the world, and I also was led to consider how important trees are to human beings in general, not just as physical "resources," but as meeting places, symbolic locations in a larger landscape of meaning, and spiritual retreats in our bustling world. As someone who, in the course of my daily commute, passes through some immensely crowded places, I find just the idea of trees refreshing, and never find myself in a more tree-dominated locale without feeling that these arboreal friends are a true blessing. The main text of the book is followed by an informative afterword that gives more details about each tree profiled, while the artwork, done in acrylic ink, colored pencil, and watercolor, is fresh and appealing, with a somewhat vintage style that is very charming. All in all, this is an excellent work of natural history for the picture-book set, one I would recommend to any young tree lover!
July 7, 2012
I love this book. My only quibble is that I’d have loved to have photographs of all the trees/living trees included. Otherwise, this is an excellent book about some special trees, trees famous enough, for various reasons, to have their own names.
Reading this made me want to visit all these trees, and further piqued my interest to travel to all the places where these trees live. Three of the fourteen are in my state of California, though not all are easy to find. At least one is hidden in sight within its own grove of trees, all the more reason to have included photos.
The illustrations are great, giving a feel for each tree and what it offers to other species and how it appears.
The text, including expanded text in the back of the book, for each tree, is told in a very interesting manner.
This is a wonderful book for those interested in trees, ecosystems, nature in general. It’s really engaging and fascinating, for a wide age range and even interest range.
The back of the book, in additions to more about each tree, also has a section on what the reader can do to help trees, a bibliography, and a short list of web sites for further reading and study.
I think for families and schools, this is a book well worth owning.
4 ½ stars
Reading this made me want to visit all these trees, and further piqued my interest to travel to all the places where these trees live. Three of the fourteen are in my state of California, though not all are easy to find. At least one is hidden in sight within its own grove of trees, all the more reason to have included photos.
The illustrations are great, giving a feel for each tree and what it offers to other species and how it appears.
The text, including expanded text in the back of the book, for each tree, is told in a very interesting manner.
This is a wonderful book for those interested in trees, ecosystems, nature in general. It’s really engaging and fascinating, for a wide age range and even interest range.
The back of the book, in additions to more about each tree, also has a section on what the reader can do to help trees, a bibliography, and a short list of web sites for further reading and study.
I think for families and schools, this is a book well worth owning.
4 ½ stars
November 22, 2019
Fascinating!
June 26, 2012
Great history and description of famous trees including record holders. There is also a section on those species of trees in general and then a section on preserving trees. 5 stars for the text, 2 stars for the illustrations. Overall 4 stars.
April 5, 2017
We loved this book! A very fun way to get a worldwide perspective of famous and unusual trees. We would read about a couple of them, and then look up pictures or videos of the trees online.
February 17, 2012
If trees could talk, what stories would they tell? Driving to the Maryland seashore as a child, we always passed signs for the great Wye Oak in Talbot County, Maryland. I finally had a chance to see this huge white oak, Maryland's state tree, as a teen. It lived for more than 450 years before it was felled during a storm in 2002. If this tree could talk, it would tell the story of a birth of a nation. The Wye Oak was definitely a celebritree. Preus and Gibbon take the reader on a journey over time and across the globe to share fabulous stories of famous trees, often important and historical landmarks.
March 17, 2012
One of the reasons I love to read is because I like learning random things that non-reading people don't know.
Celebritrees is a fascinating book about fourteen remarkable trees. Formatted like biographies, each two page spread shares the history of each tree and provides statistics about its size, age, and interest to humans.
The back matter includes additional factual information about trees as well as a tips on tree care and conservation. The paper used for this book comes from sustainable and recycled sources.
Celebritrees is a fascinating book about fourteen remarkable trees. Formatted like biographies, each two page spread shares the history of each tree and provides statistics about its size, age, and interest to humans.
The back matter includes additional factual information about trees as well as a tips on tree care and conservation. The paper used for this book comes from sustainable and recycled sources.
January 28, 2012
A very cool collection of famous trees. Each two page spread describes the tree, its reasons for celebrity, and provides interesting facts. This would be a great book to use for note-taking practice in grades 3 - 5. Students could take notes on each short page to share as part of a jigsaw activity.
Recommended for grades 2 - 5. These are also perfect time fillers in the library -- I will read just a few sections as a book talk or to end class.
Recommended for grades 2 - 5. These are also perfect time fillers in the library -- I will read just a few sections as a book talk or to end class.
October 14, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! My back yard consists of many trees and after reading this book I just want to take a tour for myself and find out the history that lies behind every tree. The author did an excellent job in telling the history or the significance of each of the 14 trees. This is a very good book to read to children because it is important to notice the significant things that are around on everyday. I recommend this book to every classroom!
July 6, 2012
Maybe this is nitpicking, but I feel like the part after the title should have been "of America and the World." Half the trees here here are in US states. (More than that if you want to count the moon trees.) Also, I felt like some of the comparisons were out of place for the intended audience. (Like saying that the Little Dipper pointed south when one tree was planted.)
March 26, 2011
Finally, a title to booktalk on Arbor Day!
September 22, 2011
I found my self fascinated with each of the celebritrees in this book. Still can't believe how old some of those trees are. Kids will love this nonfiction picture book.
August 28, 2014
What a great book for Arbor Day! There are several trees that I had not heard of. My favorite is "The Tree That Owns Itself."
January 31, 2022
Interesting! Nonfiction description of famous ancient tress which are mostly still alive. My husband and I were looking for the "Wye Oak", but it is not in the book. Wye not??
January 5, 2026
Dendrophiles will adore this sweet nonfiction picture book about some of the oldest and most famous trees in the world. Each tree included has a special name or nickname that often refers to its history. I pulled it off my shelf inspired by my recent trip to New Orleans, thinking that it might include a giant oak (Tree of Life) located in Audubon Park which is said to have been planted in the mid 1700s. While this tree wasn’t actually included, there was mention of the Dueling Oaks which were a pair of trees under which duels occurred in the mid 1800s. Only one is actually still there. I was also curious if the “Major Oak” in Sherwood Forest was the tree that was vandalized and cut down in England. It was not, but sadly another younger (still 200 years old), the Sycamore Gap, was killed in 2023.
In addition to these individual biographies of particular trees, this book includes some interesting fun facts as well as tips on how to protect trees. For example, oak trees are struck by lightning more than any other trees. This would actually help explain why the oak tree that I saw in New Orleans had a lightning wire attached to it in order to protect it from thunderstorms. Also, some of these older trees have to be protected from good-intentioned visitors as their many feet can cause damage to the roots. Some of the trees locations are unknown in order to protect them. I also liked the tips about Christmas trees which include not merely buying an artificial tree which will never disintegrate, but rather using living trees outdoors or a potted tree. 🌲 💚 🌲
In addition to these individual biographies of particular trees, this book includes some interesting fun facts as well as tips on how to protect trees. For example, oak trees are struck by lightning more than any other trees. This would actually help explain why the oak tree that I saw in New Orleans had a lightning wire attached to it in order to protect it from thunderstorms. Also, some of these older trees have to be protected from good-intentioned visitors as their many feet can cause damage to the roots. Some of the trees locations are unknown in order to protect them. I also liked the tips about Christmas trees which include not merely buying an artificial tree which will never disintegrate, but rather using living trees outdoors or a potted tree. 🌲 💚 🌲
November 3, 2020
From the beautiful introduction to the six pages of rich back matter, this book is a fascinating tribute to some of the world's most famous trees. As a geographer, I loved to see trees in locations from California to France to Sri Lanka. Each 2-page spread had some general overview information followed by a couple of short paragraphs about a particular tree, some of its rich history, and what's going on with it today. Here's one sample:
The Chapel Oak
(Chene-Chapelle)
Oak
Allouville-Bellefosse, France
Age: said to be 1,200 years old
Hollow trees have found many uses. In 1696 the inside of a huge oak tree in France was made into a chapel. A second chapel was later added upstairs and large wooden staircase constructed around the outside. A hermit lived in one of the chapels for a time.
Although it has undergone many repairs, the tree is still standing, and it is one of the biggest and oldest trees in France. It continues to serve as a religious monument and a place of pilgrimage. Some 60,000 people visit it every year.
Love the illustrations throughout the book. And the back matter covers ideas about how to help trees, a bibliography of suggested readings, and more info about certain types of trees (baobab, moon trees, etc.).
The Chapel Oak
(Chene-Chapelle)
Oak
Allouville-Bellefosse, France
Age: said to be 1,200 years old
Hollow trees have found many uses. In 1696 the inside of a huge oak tree in France was made into a chapel. A second chapel was later added upstairs and large wooden staircase constructed around the outside. A hermit lived in one of the chapels for a time.
Although it has undergone many repairs, the tree is still standing, and it is one of the biggest and oldest trees in France. It continues to serve as a religious monument and a place of pilgrimage. Some 60,000 people visit it every year.
Love the illustrations throughout the book. And the back matter covers ideas about how to help trees, a bibliography of suggested readings, and more info about certain types of trees (baobab, moon trees, etc.).
March 8, 2021
This is a fascinating look at fourteen of the most famous trees still (or recently still) standing in the world. Each of these “Celebritrees” has their own name and information about the history of the kind of tree it is and why it has reached a level of stardom. The only negative I would say about his book is the layout, which is not uncommon in similar non-fiction picture books, some of the additional information about each tree is listed in the afterward portion, instead of on the page where the original information is given. Thankfully, I noticed this before reading and flipped back and forth as I went to have a more linear read. Additionally, I recommend doing a google search of each tree as you go, to see actual photographs, instead of only the cute illustrations provided. A nice addition to any library or classroom for kids and adults of all ages.
April 25, 2018
I loved this book. Margi Preus presents 14 trees located around the world that are famous for their age, size, use, etc. She gives extra details about the trees at the end of the book along with advice on how to take care of trees. A bibliography is included. Reading this book makes me want to plant more trees in my yard.
November 17, 2018
S -- AGRICULTURE
I found this while browsing the shelves at my branch. It seemed like an interesting read for the "S" of Library of Congress Classification. The book features short, informative passages about "famous" trees in the world. I have to admit that I had not heard about most of them.
I found this while browsing the shelves at my branch. It seemed like an interesting read for the "S" of Library of Congress Classification. The book features short, informative passages about "famous" trees in the world. I have to admit that I had not heard about most of them.
July 23, 2020
The art was great and the history behind each tree was interesting. I liked the section at the end about helping trees. I wish there could have been an additional end section with photographs of the still existing trees. I ended up looking up a lot of them online.
August 6, 2024
This picture book was very well done. It tells the story of fourteen trees located around the world and what makes them special. The stories inspire the reader to want to visit the trees and gives the reader action items they can do to help save trees.
March 9, 2017
I loved reading about these amazing trees from all over the world, and finding out where they are, and why they are "Celebritrees!"
June 12, 2017
Staff Pick
Heather
I love trees and books about trees. This book is full of interesting stories about some of the world's most famous trees. It's amazing how old some of these trees are.
Heather
I love trees and books about trees. This book is full of interesting stories about some of the world's most famous trees. It's amazing how old some of these trees are.
January 29, 2019
Interesting. My child got a bit bored with the topic, but she loved the illustrations and the inclusion of the Bodhi tree.
April 21, 2021
It is very informative talking about different trees related to history. They are nonfiction books.
May 8, 2023
Homeschool science project. Loved the different trees in there. Very interesting.
June 27, 2023
A very interesting volume paying homage to some of the earth's most venerable beings. My only complain was the handling of the Boab Prison Tree, which felt a little flippant.
June 4, 2025
A wonderful kids book but I still enjoyed reading and learning about all of these fascinating trees.
September 14, 2011
This book carries readers through the stories of fourteen “celebritrees” which have made a name for themselves. Many of the tress are very old, some are special in different ways, and all are fascinating. Here you will visit Methuselah, the oldest known single living organism on earth, and General Sherman, the biggest living inhabitant of earth, and Hyperion, the tallest tree in the world. There are trees famous for events around them, trees that have objects stuck in them, and even a tree that owns itself. This is an inviting book of trees that is a pleasure to spend time in.
Preus paints pictures of moments in history to help tell the amazing stories of these trees. From the events they witnessed to the events they were at the heart of, the trees are much more than simply largest, oldest, and tallest. Here they have stories that bring them fully to life.
Gibbon’s art has a simplicity that is almost that of folk art. There is a richness to the color palette and a flatness to the perspective. The trees are central to the art, as they should be, and the book celebrates them in browns and greens.
It is great fun to wander through this a veritable forest of famous trees. Enjoy the journey, I certainly did! Appropriate for ages 7-10.
Preus paints pictures of moments in history to help tell the amazing stories of these trees. From the events they witnessed to the events they were at the heart of, the trees are much more than simply largest, oldest, and tallest. Here they have stories that bring them fully to life.
Gibbon’s art has a simplicity that is almost that of folk art. There is a richness to the color palette and a flatness to the perspective. The trees are central to the art, as they should be, and the book celebrates them in browns and greens.
It is great fun to wander through this a veritable forest of famous trees. Enjoy the journey, I certainly did! Appropriate for ages 7-10.
March 21, 2014
I thought that the topic of this book was very interesting. It is not everyday that you read a book dedicated to just trees. This book explored some trees that live around the world and explained why they are known as a "celebritree". Many of these trees were included in this book because they were the tallest or the widest. Some were included because they had a neat story behind it. For example, one try that was included in this book was a post office tree. People would post messages to this tree and check to see if anyone left them messages. I really enjoyed this book because not only did I get to learn about trees and different types of trees I also got to travel the world through this book and learn something about that area that the tree is from. I think it would be great to use this book in the classroom and introduce students to these amazing trees and discuss the types of trees introduced in this book. Many projects could come out of this book. Students could even try and nominate their own tree! Towards the end of the book the author included tips on how we can save trees and I think it would be great to try to do one of those tips as a class.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews