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Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees
Road trips can be a lot of fun, especially when there are intriguing places to visit and new things to learn. Through a variety of poetic forms, readers are taken on an armchair cross-country journey across the continental United States to visit 14 historic tree sites, some famous and others less well-known. From the Emancipation Oak in Hampton, Virginia, to the Methuselah tree in Shulman Grove, California, readers will discover trees that have traveled to the moon, witnessed the founding of our country, and inspired hope during troubled times. Fascinating facts covering geography, history, and nature will encourage everyone, young and old, to take a closer look at our arboreal friends. An author's note provides tips on how to be a tree champion and how to plan your own "leafy" road trip.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published March 15, 2024
1 person is currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Schaub
16 books39 followersMichelle Schaub is an award-winning children’s author and veteran teacher. Her book Fresh-Picked Poetry: A Day at the Farmers’ Market won the 2018 Growing Good Kids Award and 2019 Northern Lights Book Award. She is the author of Finding Treasure: A Collection of Collections and Dream Big, Little Scientists. Her poems appear in several anthologies, including The Poetry Anthology for Celebrations and Great Morning! Poems for School Leaders to Read Aloud. Michelle speaks at conferences on the power of poetry to boost literacy and shares ways to use poetry in the classroom on her blog POETRY BOOST, www.michelleschaub.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 19, 2025
I found this book on the SLJ 10 Poetry Books for Children of All Ages list. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I very much enjoyed it. I read it with two soon-to-be 5th graders, and they enjoyed it as well. The soon-to-be 1st grader who started it with us quickly lost interest and went to do something else. The book is a non-fiction book about landmark trees around the USA. To tie it together, a family is taking a road trip to see them all. Each 2-page spread has a poem about the tree. It also tells you what kind of poem it is, and the definitions of those poem types are on the inside covers. It also has the historical significance of the tree written not in poetry form. The kids liked learning about American history through trees. They felt it was a different way from the way they usually learn about history, so it was more interesting. I even learned new things. I liked the juxtaposition of the poem with the informational writing. If it were just the poems, I don’t think we would have learned enough. If it were just the informational writing, it would have been dry.
I think this book is good for grades 2-5. I think some younger ones might like this book, but it is a lot of words per page, so they may lose interest, as one of the kids I work with did. This book would be a great addition to a history lesson or a science of trees lesson. Better yet, combine the two. It is important for students to see how different content areas can connect to each other.
I think this book is good for grades 2-5. I think some younger ones might like this book, but it is a lot of words per page, so they may lose interest, as one of the kids I work with did. This book would be a great addition to a history lesson or a science of trees lesson. Better yet, combine the two. It is important for students to see how different content areas can connect to each other.
April 2, 2024
What a fantastic poetry collection with SO many layers. Not only does it take the reader on a road trip across the US (geography) to introduce us to famous and significant trees (science, nature, and history), but it does so through poetry, providing examples of FOURTEEN different types of poems (poetry/writing). So beautifully written, yet so educational! Also, the illustrations by Anne Lambelet bring so much life to all this history and science, with gorgeous colors and textures. A fabulous book all-around. 5 stars!
January 29, 2024
A perfect choice to explore poetry, along with history and nature! Illustrations are beautifully designed, engaging, and fascinating! Each poem format fits the subject and comes alive on the page. Truly amazing collection that crosses curriculum and offers options galore for exploration and meshing science, history and language arts. TREE-mendous!
January 24, 2026
4.5 stars, I appreciate that this book educates the readers about trees with poetry. I’d like to see all of the trees in person one day-the ones that are still standing. I have seen the banyan tree on the Edison property, it’s magnificent!
November 30, 2024
There is SO much to love with this book. I learned about all different forms of poetry and all different types of incredible trees, but to be honest, both of those were just bonuses to losing myself in the beautiful words and art of this gorgeous book. There is so much value packed in--highly recommended for all libraries!
August 14, 2024
I have nothing but praise for this new picture book which is structured with individual poems about specific iconic trees, paralleled by informational sidebars providing details and background about that tree, beyond the rich content of the poems themselves. Each poem is also in a particular poetic form that is named and explained briefly, and each is masterful in execution.
The premise is revealed in end papers that feature the named trees and poetic forms on leaves with brief descriptions, followed by a double-spread map of the continental USA showing the trees, their approximate locations, and the coast-to-coast-and-back route that the imagined explorers are traveling. The explorers on this journey represent a diverse and delightful family, with others along the way equally representing our mosaic of Americans.
Some trees are familiar (Japanese Cherry Blossom trees in Washington, D.C.) while most will be exciting discoveries and offer new connections to familiar history. In the same way, the poetic forms range from those that will be familiar to even young children (list poems, narrative poems) to forms that offer entirely new challenges and fun.
The blend of poetry and informational text is well-balanced and appealing, moving readers from the lyrical lilt of a poem that evokes emotions and reactions to the nonfiction content that is accessible and often intriguing. The only drawback to this lovely new offering is my question about how it will be shelved-- with poetry, with nature, with history, with geography, or...? The good news is that Leafy Landmarks offers such appeal to individual readers and for use by teacher and librarians, it is not likely to be left for long on whatever shelf is used. Give it a look and plan to hit the road!
Whether you and your own carload of leaf-lookers attempt cross-country travels like these, or locate one of these remarkable living-history trees within a day-trip of home, just learning about them should be an inspiring mind-trip for readers of any age.
The premise is revealed in end papers that feature the named trees and poetic forms on leaves with brief descriptions, followed by a double-spread map of the continental USA showing the trees, their approximate locations, and the coast-to-coast-and-back route that the imagined explorers are traveling. The explorers on this journey represent a diverse and delightful family, with others along the way equally representing our mosaic of Americans.
Some trees are familiar (Japanese Cherry Blossom trees in Washington, D.C.) while most will be exciting discoveries and offer new connections to familiar history. In the same way, the poetic forms range from those that will be familiar to even young children (list poems, narrative poems) to forms that offer entirely new challenges and fun.
The blend of poetry and informational text is well-balanced and appealing, moving readers from the lyrical lilt of a poem that evokes emotions and reactions to the nonfiction content that is accessible and often intriguing. The only drawback to this lovely new offering is my question about how it will be shelved-- with poetry, with nature, with history, with geography, or...? The good news is that Leafy Landmarks offers such appeal to individual readers and for use by teacher and librarians, it is not likely to be left for long on whatever shelf is used. Give it a look and plan to hit the road!
Whether you and your own carload of leaf-lookers attempt cross-country travels like these, or locate one of these remarkable living-history trees within a day-trip of home, just learning about them should be an inspiring mind-trip for readers of any age.
October 25, 2024
I love trees and I love this book! Sleeping Bear Press in Ann Arbor, MI produces the most unique and beautiful books for children. It never fails that some of the books I love the most are from their publishing house.
The story begins with a family about to embark on a roadtrip meant to visit notable trees across the U.S. As they visit each tree, the reader is presented with a poem (and each poem takes a different form), the location of the tree, the species of tree, and a passage explaining its background and significance. Fourteen trees are highlighted, including: the Emancipation Oak (Hampton, VA); Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees (Washington, D.C.); the Boston Liberty Tree (Boston, MA); the Tree of Independence (Portsmouth, NH); Moon Trees (Camp Koch, Cannelton, IN - and elsewhere); the Arbor Day Oak (Nebraska City, NE); the Pando Aspen Grove (Fishlake National Forest, UT); the Wishing Tree (Seattle, WA - and elsewhere); the Grove of Titans (Redwood National and State Parks, CA); General Sherman (Sequoia National Park, CA); Methuselah (Schulman Grove, Inyo National Forest, CA); the Petrified Forest (Petrified Forest National Park, AZ); the Survivor Tree (Oklahoma City, OK); and the Banyan Tree (Fort Myers, FL).
Amazing fact found within - some of the trees highlighted are groves, which in actuality are not multiple trees but rather the offshoots of one organism whose root lives underground. The DNA of each tree in the grove is the same. (Why did I not know this?? Blew my mind!)
Geography, poetry, history, science connections all found here. Back matter includes information on how to find landmark trees near you (fantastic follow-up assignment for older students would be to add an entry to the book for a local tree).
The story begins with a family about to embark on a roadtrip meant to visit notable trees across the U.S. As they visit each tree, the reader is presented with a poem (and each poem takes a different form), the location of the tree, the species of tree, and a passage explaining its background and significance. Fourteen trees are highlighted, including: the Emancipation Oak (Hampton, VA); Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees (Washington, D.C.); the Boston Liberty Tree (Boston, MA); the Tree of Independence (Portsmouth, NH); Moon Trees (Camp Koch, Cannelton, IN - and elsewhere); the Arbor Day Oak (Nebraska City, NE); the Pando Aspen Grove (Fishlake National Forest, UT); the Wishing Tree (Seattle, WA - and elsewhere); the Grove of Titans (Redwood National and State Parks, CA); General Sherman (Sequoia National Park, CA); Methuselah (Schulman Grove, Inyo National Forest, CA); the Petrified Forest (Petrified Forest National Park, AZ); the Survivor Tree (Oklahoma City, OK); and the Banyan Tree (Fort Myers, FL).
Amazing fact found within - some of the trees highlighted are groves, which in actuality are not multiple trees but rather the offshoots of one organism whose root lives underground. The DNA of each tree in the grove is the same. (Why did I not know this?? Blew my mind!)
Geography, poetry, history, science connections all found here. Back matter includes information on how to find landmark trees near you (fantastic follow-up assignment for older students would be to add an entry to the book for a local tree).
March 5, 2024
This picture book has everything a reader could want. Beautiful illustrations that help tell a story jammed pack with interesting information kids, parents, and teachers will gobble up.
I love the text you wrote for the map that kicks off the story:
Hit The Road
Come take an arbor road trip
in search of sights TREE-mendous;
landmarks of the timber kind,
with stories quite stupendous.
We’ll seek out trees superlative
in height and size and age;
others famous for their role
on history’s grand stage.
We’ll zigzag up steep mountainsides,
meander shore to shore,
and learn about these trees through verse.
Branch out, and let’s explore!
And I adore the colorful map showing the little hands marking up the map with colored pencils, crayons, to mark the route for their trip. Every illustration Anne Lambelet created for this book is perfect.
Michelle Schaub's poems use different poetic forms to tell the story of a family crossing the United States to visit 14 historical tree sites. What a great fun way to share interesting information about each stop along their journey. It was pure genius. In addition to the poems, I love how Anne used the endpapers to show the leaves from the trees featured in the book and how each leaf had a description of each poetic form that readers can use to help them try their hand at writing that type of poem.
Example: Etheree: a 10-line poem. The first line has
1 syllable. Each line adds a syllable until the
tenth line has 10 syllables. Etherees can also
“shrink” from 10 syllables to 1.
Teachers will love this book since it opens doors to so many lesson plans children will be eager to soak up.
I love the text you wrote for the map that kicks off the story:
Hit The Road
Come take an arbor road trip
in search of sights TREE-mendous;
landmarks of the timber kind,
with stories quite stupendous.
We’ll seek out trees superlative
in height and size and age;
others famous for their role
on history’s grand stage.
We’ll zigzag up steep mountainsides,
meander shore to shore,
and learn about these trees through verse.
Branch out, and let’s explore!
And I adore the colorful map showing the little hands marking up the map with colored pencils, crayons, to mark the route for their trip. Every illustration Anne Lambelet created for this book is perfect.
Michelle Schaub's poems use different poetic forms to tell the story of a family crossing the United States to visit 14 historical tree sites. What a great fun way to share interesting information about each stop along their journey. It was pure genius. In addition to the poems, I love how Anne used the endpapers to show the leaves from the trees featured in the book and how each leaf had a description of each poetic form that readers can use to help them try their hand at writing that type of poem.
Example: Etheree: a 10-line poem. The first line has
1 syllable. Each line adds a syllable until the
tenth line has 10 syllables. Etherees can also
“shrink” from 10 syllables to 1.
Teachers will love this book since it opens doors to so many lesson plans children will be eager to soak up.
January 22, 2026
There are so many valuable layers to this beautiful book that is part poetry, part history, part road trip book! For those interested in using it as a travel companion with kids, the road trip travels to:
Virginia: Hampton, Emancipation Oak (Live Oak)
DC: Washington, DC, Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees (Ornamental Cherry Tree)
Massachusetts: Boston, Boston Liberty Tree (Elm)** **tree no longer at this location, plaque only
New Hampshire: Portsmouth, Tree of Independence (Horse Chestnut)
Indiana: Cannelton, Moon Tree (Sycamore)
Nebraska: Nebraska City, Arbor Day Oak (Bur Oak)
Utah: Fishlake National Forest, Pando Aspen Grove (Aspen)
Washington: Seattle, Wishing Tree (Cedar)
California: Redwood National Park, Grove of Titans (Coast Redwood)
California: Sequoia National Park, General Sherman (Giant Sequoia)
California: Inyo National Forest, Methuselah (Bristlecone Pine)
Arizona: Petrified Forest National Park (Ancient conifers, ginkgoes, cycads)
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City National Memorial, Survivor Tree (Elm)
Florida: Fort Myers, Edison Banyan (Banyan)
This book could be a wonderful way to introduce new forms of poetry for a class poetry unit, introduce the concept of champion trees for a biology unit, or to anchor plans for family adventure travel.
Highly recommended for young readers and for elementary library collections.
Virginia: Hampton, Emancipation Oak (Live Oak)
DC: Washington, DC, Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees (Ornamental Cherry Tree)
Massachusetts: Boston, Boston Liberty Tree (Elm)** **tree no longer at this location, plaque only
New Hampshire: Portsmouth, Tree of Independence (Horse Chestnut)
Indiana: Cannelton, Moon Tree (Sycamore)
Nebraska: Nebraska City, Arbor Day Oak (Bur Oak)
Utah: Fishlake National Forest, Pando Aspen Grove (Aspen)
Washington: Seattle, Wishing Tree (Cedar)
California: Redwood National Park, Grove of Titans (Coast Redwood)
California: Sequoia National Park, General Sherman (Giant Sequoia)
California: Inyo National Forest, Methuselah (Bristlecone Pine)
Arizona: Petrified Forest National Park (Ancient conifers, ginkgoes, cycads)
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City National Memorial, Survivor Tree (Elm)
Florida: Fort Myers, Edison Banyan (Banyan)
This book could be a wonderful way to introduce new forms of poetry for a class poetry unit, introduce the concept of champion trees for a biology unit, or to anchor plans for family adventure travel.
Highly recommended for young readers and for elementary library collections.
September 20, 2024
Children's nonfiction, nature poetry. This book shares leafy landmarks-- famous trees throughout the United States. While some of them are fairly well-known; such as the DC Cherry blossoms, Petrified Forest, and Redwoods, there are several that I had not heard of. Each page features a poem about the tree, with the type of poem labeled, the location and species of the tree, and then a blurb about why it qualifies as a famous tree. Many have historical significance, such as a tree planted after a Founding Father signed the Constitution, or the lone elm tree that survived the Oklahoma City bombing. Others are of scientific interest, such as a moon-tree planted after NASA took the seed to the moon.
It is an easily readable book, with the poetic forms giving it some variety. Endpapers include brief definitions of the types of poetry, front matter includes a map of the US with the trees all starred, and back matter features information on how to track down trees locally and nationwide as well as encouragement to plant your own tree. While I would have appreciated actual photographs of the featured trees, this is still a really cool collection. I did not see an art note but the illustrations are full-page, full-color, and show the diversity in trees represented.
It is an easily readable book, with the poetic forms giving it some variety. Endpapers include brief definitions of the types of poetry, front matter includes a map of the US with the trees all starred, and back matter features information on how to track down trees locally and nationwide as well as encouragement to plant your own tree. While I would have appreciated actual photographs of the featured trees, this is still a really cool collection. I did not see an art note but the illustrations are full-page, full-color, and show the diversity in trees represented.
February 27, 2024
Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees is an un-be-leaf-ably fun, smart, and re-readable collection of poetry for kids and adults alike. Much like the coast-to-coast road trip the book represents, the "destinations" can be read in one adventure, or browsed and enjoyed one at a time. Throughout the collection, Schaub and Lambelet draw readers' attention to trees across the United States, each with significant historical meaning and fascinating stories. The poems and art capture emotion, nature, and connection, while each spread also includes nonfiction information to help readers dig deeper into the stories of each tree. A range of poetic forms (simply and clearly defined in the endpapers) and a variety of clever wordplay keeps attention and gives young poets room to grow and explore. With ties to science, art, history, geography, English, discovery, community, and responsibility, this title has so much to offer every classroom, library and home collection!
June 26, 2024
I learned SO MUCH from this book, aimed at kids but a must-read for any age!
This fascinating picture book begins with an explanation of poetry forms, then dedicates a page to fourteen different historic tree sites, each with a paragraph of information and a poem designed to foster awareness, love, and respect for trees. Beautifully written by Michelle Schaub and illustrated by Anne Lambelet, it's a book that I loved and from which I learned SO MUCH. I can't stop telling my friends about all the different things I discovered, from the Nebraska oak that inspired Arbor Day to the Pando Aspen Grove of thousands of trees that cover 106 acres in Utah but actually stem from a single root system that has spread and sent new trunks above ground over a space as big as 90 football fields. Aimed at ages 6 to 9, this book is, in fact, a must read for any age! Don't miss it!
This fascinating picture book begins with an explanation of poetry forms, then dedicates a page to fourteen different historic tree sites, each with a paragraph of information and a poem designed to foster awareness, love, and respect for trees. Beautifully written by Michelle Schaub and illustrated by Anne Lambelet, it's a book that I loved and from which I learned SO MUCH. I can't stop telling my friends about all the different things I discovered, from the Nebraska oak that inspired Arbor Day to the Pando Aspen Grove of thousands of trees that cover 106 acres in Utah but actually stem from a single root system that has spread and sent new trunks above ground over a space as big as 90 football fields. Aimed at ages 6 to 9, this book is, in fact, a must read for any age! Don't miss it!
October 31, 2025
A book about 14 notable trees told under the guise of a family road tripping across the US. Each tree has the location, species, and a paragraph about the history and importance of the tree. Each tree also has a poem written about it using a different form of poetry for each tree. Endpapers explain each form of poetry along with drawings of a leaf from each of the 14 trees. A map at the start shows the trees' locations and the "route" of the road trip, which shows the order of the trees in the books. Most of the trees are interesting, but the poetry is inconsistent. I wish the order had been chronological instead of using the fabricated road trip model. There are cute illustrations of the family along their road trip (multiracial family and adorable dog), and illustration of the trees (no photos). No real backmatter, just a page about planting trees and respecting existing trees.
February 27, 2024
There are so many wonderful layers to this book: lovely poems to read aloud which also introduce the reader to many different kinds of poetry formats; an invitation to discover different tree species; concise, compelling stories from US history linked to specific landmark trees; an overall feeling of hope, inspiration; and back matter that encourages readers to visit other landmark trees (while minimizing impact on them) and to plant trees in their own neighborhoods. Michelle Schaub has written beautiful poems and interesting, easily digestible sidebars, and Anne Lambelet has done vibrant illustrations that follow the same family as they explore the landmark trees on a road trip around the country.
March 13, 2024
This book is a TRIP! A family takes a road trip to experience the range of trees that grow across our country, from the flowering cherries of the capitol, to groves of aspens in Colorado, to the General Sherman in Sequoia National Park. I thought I knew a lot about trees, but I had never heard of the Emancipation Oak or the Wishing Oak. Amazingly, the appreciation of each tree is expressed in ingenious individual poetry formats, with additional information in sidebars. Each spread is beautifully illustrated, taking us home to the best tree of all - the one by our own door. Each type of poem is defined in the end papers, and readers will be intrigued to try their own versions. Impressive achievement.
March 7, 2024
LOVE this TREE-mendous Book!
Take a road trip across the USA and learn about important trees in our nation's history . . . some ancient and some newer. Travel by poem with Michelle Schaub's lovely lyrical words and Anne Lambelet's gorgeous illustrations. . . along the way you'll learn incredible history, get better acquainted with poetry, and revel in glorious trees from Cherry Blossoms, to awesome Aspen Groves, to bristlecone pines. This book is for readers from 0 to 99 - everyone will learn something new and be inspired to plant your own special tree this spring! Highly recommended for your library AND for gift-giving.
Take a road trip across the USA and learn about important trees in our nation's history . . . some ancient and some newer. Travel by poem with Michelle Schaub's lovely lyrical words and Anne Lambelet's gorgeous illustrations. . . along the way you'll learn incredible history, get better acquainted with poetry, and revel in glorious trees from Cherry Blossoms, to awesome Aspen Groves, to bristlecone pines. This book is for readers from 0 to 99 - everyone will learn something new and be inspired to plant your own special tree this spring! Highly recommended for your library AND for gift-giving.
March 8, 2024
What a fun concept. The author seamlessly intertwines poetry, trees, and US History. The book is set up like a fun little road trip to see some of the coolest trees in the USA. Each poem is written in a different poetry which is identified with the poem. Layered text gives additional context to the poems when needed. An infographic on leaves at the beginning of the book defines all the different poetry forms used.
The text and illustration are intricately woven together. Many of the compositions are dynamic and on arches -- like they are going grow right out of the page.
The perfect book for a budding dendrophile.
The text and illustration are intricately woven together. Many of the compositions are dynamic and on arches -- like they are going grow right out of the page.
The perfect book for a budding dendrophile.
May 18, 2024
Love this for the different poetry forms used, the science, the geography via road trip idea, and the trees themselves! Each spread has a poem about the honored tree, facts about the tree, and engaging illustrations of the tree in its setting with the road trip family enjoying the tree and each other. It's too bad that the cover doesn't show here, because it's a joyful illustration of the family--with dog--on the road among trees. I had never thought of trees as historical landmarks, making this a unique book. I am thinking about other potentially historical trees that the author did not include.
May 27, 2024
This beautiful book is just what I would've reached for when my kids were younger and we were taking lots of road trips. I'm still excited to use it in my classroom because Michelle Schaub uses a variety of different poetry formats to write about specific trees in different locations. Definitions of the types of poetry are included in the back matter, making this a wonderful book to use as a mentor text for various poetic forms.
Anne Lambelet's illustrations are impressing, showcasing a variety of types of trees, and the back matter includes information about helping trees and going on your own tree sightseeing road trip.
Highly recommended for all homes, schools, and libraries!
Anne Lambelet's illustrations are impressing, showcasing a variety of types of trees, and the back matter includes information about helping trees and going on your own tree sightseeing road trip.
Highly recommended for all homes, schools, and libraries!
November 17, 2025
This book is an absolute treasure! Leafy Landmarks takes readers on a wonderfully fun cross-country adventure through poetry that's both beautifully written and accessible. Michelle Schaub's varied poetic forms keep things engaging, while Anne Lambelet's gorgeous illustrations and page designs make every spread a visual delight. Perfect for classrooms—the book strikes that rare balance of being educational without feeling like a lesson. From the Emancipation Oak to California's ancient Methuselah tree, each stop on this poetic road trip is a memorable one. Highly recommend for teachers, parents, and anyone who loves quality children's literature. Well-deserving of its awards!
March 4, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful book about 14 famous trees across the continental US and the history behind them. Framed as a road trip, this collection of poems offers readers insight into the nation's past, while also celebrating some of the most steadfast witnesses to this history: trees! From moon tree to petrified forest to bristlecone pine, these poems are sure to ignite children's curiosity about trees, and about the past. Engaging illustrations and gorgeous poetry make this a must-have for classroom and home!
March 7, 2024
This book is filled with awesome layers. Vignettes about historical trees tie into various subjects of interest, including history, math, biology, and geology. Among all the poems you start to see just how diverse trees are, and how they have impacted and interacted with humans. The beautiful poetry is written in a variety of interesting forms, all defined for young readers and writers to replicate easily on their own. The art feels grand and sweeping while inviting discovery on repeated reads. Highly recommend!
March 8, 2024
This book is incredible! If you love trees, history, poetry, or America, you'll want to buy this for a young person in your life. Each spread highlights a different tree somewhere in the US. The text includes a short poem as well as a longer text explaining where it is and why it's special. The author also notes the different kinds of poems she uses on each page.
In the vibrant illustrations we see a family traveling around the country to visit each tree. The front of the book features a map and the family's route and the location of each amazing tree.
In the vibrant illustrations we see a family traveling around the country to visit each tree. The front of the book features a map and the family's route and the location of each amazing tree.
April 28, 2024
What an amazing book! I have never learned this much from a children's book - EVER. There is so much to discover, so much to take in: details about the tree landmarks themselves, as well as all of the different poetry styles and formats. Such care, such detail - and so fun to explore with my 11-year-old daughter. This is that rare book that will inspire my family to go VISIT some of these actual landmarks, these amazing trees! This book reads like a true labor of love. It's a wonderful read, and quite inspirational.
November 14, 2025
Teachers will love this book that follows a family embarking on a unique adventure highlighting trees. And if that’s what you’re planning to discuss, each destination features a different tree with end papers that highlight their leaves. Starting a unit on history? Learn all kinds of interesting facts on how US history connects to these trees. And if you’re looking to introduce poetry, Michelle Schaub brilliantly demonstrates 14 unique forms. Everywhere you look, there’s so much to discover, and Anne Lambelet’s wonderful illustrations add to the fun.
February 26, 2024
A wonderful-written and beautifully-illustrated introduction to both famous trees and to poetic forms! Unlike anything else on the market, the browsable format allows kids to explore rare and famous trees while also learning different poetic forms. The poems themselves are beautiful and compelling, creating a sense of awe. Lush illustrations will pull readers in to learn about these natural wonders. Great curricular connections and reading experience!
June 9, 2024
Such a unique book! Poetry of all kinds, science and history combined into one book. Each 2-page spread highlights a different form of poetry, a different historical event or person, and their connection to a specific tree. Different parts of the country are included. This book could be utilized in a classroom in so many ways but can also make a great read aloud or enjoyed solo by a curious reader. One of my favorite books of 2024!
July 6, 2024
There is so much to love packed into this perfect picture book! It's a lovely sampling of poetic forms, each defined in the endpapers. It's a collection of historical and biological facts about some particularly noteworthy trees across the United States. And it's a love letter to trees in general. The poems themselves are wonderful. The artwork is vibrant and fun. This is an absolutely beautiful book to be enjoyed again and again.
July 8, 2024
Michelle Schaub brilliantly takes the reader on a trip across the United States finding various historic trees. A beautiful book that combines facts about historic trees with lovely poems that provide whimsey, fun, and thoughtful moments throughout the book. Cool end papers explain the various poetic forms. Gorgeous illustrations created by Anne Lambelet portray a family's cross-country journey to find the trees.
September 12, 2025
This is a super-cool picture book. Readers follow a family across the country as they visit 14 historic landmark trees. At the time that readers explore different poetic forms, they also discover the history behind each impressive tree. Fascinating facts on history, nature, geography, and poetry. Great choice for Earth Day and Poetry Month. A fabulous resource for educators. I’m excited to try my hand at all these different poetry forms.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews