If I Were A Tree

by Dar Hosta

Tree Huggers everywhere will rejoice in this colorful and poetic celebration of the woody-stemmed wonders with whom we share our Earth. In this fourth picture book from Dar Hosta, trees are brought to life with vibrant color and cut paper collages. Gentle verse describes a variety of tree species in all seasons. Hosta pays homage to their importance in our day to day lives and encourages thoughtful readers to imagine how it would be to BE a tree. Includes tree fact page and a diagram of a tree's basic parts.

Genres: Childrens, Poetry, Nature

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kate Atherton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of this book is beautiful, as is it's text which is essentially a poem asking the reader, young or old, a lot of questions and making, sometimes magical, suggestions about the life of a tree. The illustrations, to my taste, are a little cheesy and crafty but the overall experience reading this book (especially the height and skinniness of the books proportions) is very satisfying.

[Sarah Washburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dedication made me cry. So sweet. Beautiful pictures too.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't make it through the dedication in the front of the book without tears:

"This book is dedicated to my courageously courageous sister...If I were a tree, Baadi, I would grow the cure." (followed by a pink ribbon)

Oh, won't someone find a cure?

Dar Hosta is my daughter's hero. She reads each of her books with immense passion and poise, it's like a reading from Dar Hosta herself. She's met Dar, listened to her read each of her books, and has gone to a workshop with her. She draws her pictures to look like Dar Hosta pictures and talks each night about what gift she would bring "if she were a tree". Her writings have shaped the beginning of the 7th year of my daughter's life.

<3

[Maria Almaguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brief summary of what makes us love trees in the beginning is wonderful. Trees mean many things in our life and resemble so much in life. These living organism should be cherished very dearly. The dedication in this book is very touching as well.

The author describes trees and its versatility in many ways, from the way their leaves change, to the way a tree is in different seasons and even the different fruits found on trees. And towards the end it talks about the parts of the tree and their job. As well as what tree do for us, create oxygen.

I would definitely have this book in my classroom year round. I am totally in love with this passionate book on trees.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful little story about what trees can do. Found this gem on the shelf in the horticultural library children's section. It's a bit (physically) narrow compared to the average children's book, but it's equally colorful and smart.

[CFAITC]

Through collages, this book reveals the importance of trees in daily life. Includes tree facts and a diagram illustrating the parts of a tree.