A Tree Is Growing

by Arthur Dorros, S.D. Schindler (Illustrator)

A picture book introduction to trees by the author of Rain Forest Secrets follows the growth of an oak tree over the course of a year.

Genres: Picture Books, Science, Nonfiction, Nature, Plants, Childrens

Hardcover

First published April 1, 1997

Reviews

[Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent nature guide! Simple, lovely, and interesting.

[Tim Vandenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking & stunning "field-guide" artwork "leaves" the reader in awe of the arboreal world of Trees! Fascinating tree facts abound, with many "Wow! I never knew that!" moments. Makes me want to go climb a tree again, like I'm 9-years old! (my boyhood passion....33 years ago!)

Very recommended for any & all would-be tree lovers!

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

we are crazy for trees in this house and enjoyed this book. Reminded me of A Seed is Sleepy or an Egg is Quite. Illustrations like a field guide.

[Spencer Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this non-fiction informational book does not employ the most creative strategy to present the reader with factual information on differing types of trees, and their similarities and difference in their respective functioning processes, growth, leaf style, collection of nutrients, and seeds, the illustrations in the book stunningly reinforce the text in a manner that keeps the reader engaged. For instance the book describes Baobab trees (which exist in dry and arid parts of the world) to have tree trunks that swell up and bulge out as they store immense amounts of water (during the limited time they have access to water), and then get thinner during extended breaks without access to water as they slowly take from their water storage. Reading a description of these trees might provide the reader with a general idea as to the look of these trees, however, the provided illustrations of before and after being swelled up with water truly provides the reader with a glimpse of nature that might be unfamiliar to the reader due to the natural location of these trees.

[Emily VanNess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book utilizes easy to understand language that would be perfect for younger readers. It goes into detail about how trees grow and how they function. This book doesn't just talk about a tree as a whole, it goes into detail about the different elements that help trees survive and function. For example: roots, leaves, the trunk, and branches. It also talks about how trees react to the changing seasons, the different kinds of bark, and how you can tell how old a tree is. One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the illustrations. They're so detailed and further the meaning of the text. They added context to the book and made the text come to life. I also enjoyed the smaller text that was off to the side on each page because it would give a fun fact or give information that gave more context to what the page was talking about. This would be a good book to use when introducing photosynthesis or when talking about how plants grow because it gives specific examples and shows many different types of trees.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This text provides information on trees, the organisms that live around and use trees (including humans), and how seasons affect trees. S.D. Schindler’s illustrations showcase the beauty and majesty of these great organisms.
This book can be used in grades 1 & up. The details are so exquisite that it would make a great supplement for a high school environmental science course. For an ELA course, this book can help students with their nature details when making haikus.

[Elly Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: Informational Grade: K-5
This had been a book about trees and the different aspects that go with a tree. Knowing the parts of s tree. How a old fir tree can live up to a hundred years old by the number of rings that it has.

[June Brault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-School - 4th Grade
Genre: Informational Nonfiction

This book is very informational about trees. It talks about the different parts of trees. I found interesting that you can tell how old a tree is by counting the rings the tree has.

[Liz E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite kids’ picture book on trees by far, we read it in two sittings with my 7 and 4 year old. It has aside illustrations that are interesting and support the main text. I find picture books with too many factoids littering the page annoying to read aloud, but this one is well done.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful drawings and a wonderfully informative book about trees. A lot of the info was new to me. It's a fast read and perfect for a young reader who might be doing a science project about trees. Fun for adults as well.

[Merve Cebeci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book with beautiful illustrations and beneficial information even for adults. I am glad I will be able to spot trees on my walks in nature without having to get lost in a field guide book to trees.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We enjoyed this. I think it’s the best explanation of photosynthesis we’ve come across in picture books.

[Adriana Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trees get bigger”. “Trees are like big plant.” “Trees are living things”. Those are some of the responses from my children when I asked –what do we know about trees? After reading the book my children learned more about Trees and how they grow. This is the subject of this clear, beautiful book.
This is an informational text but instead of photos the book includes skillful illustrations. The illustrations vary in size and color. Some are set off pieces of the page in defined panels and columns. The book also gives some interesting information about the oldest tree, the tallest tree, and how trees grow.
The kids were amazed by the trees. They really got into reading the captions and did a great job at retelling or summarizing the story. Another great book to include when integrating science into the reading block.

[Larissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dorros, Arthur, and S. D. Schindler. A Tree Is Growing. New York: Scholastic, 1997. Print. Ages 10-14. This long text picture book is a very in-depth book about everything involved in planting, growing, as well as what is entailed in what may seem like a simple, but yet very complex tree. This book is a hard to follow at times book, but it ensures that the readers put this book down with no further questions. This book is a very hard to engage book because of the long-text on the page. This book also ensures that the most educational value will come from this. It isn't the most fun read, but it definitely is very interesting. I think that this book will be extremely beneficial for when my students want to learn about trees/plants, etc. It will be a very beneficial book especially for student learning and that way I am able to explain more about personal examples as well.

[Emmanuela]

i did not read it because it is not working

[Angelica]

A

[Robert John]

The book shows lots of different trees. It explains how they grow and how they are different from one another. This would help students have a better understanding of trees.