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The Oak Tree
The story of Hurricane Katrina through the eyes of an old oak tree.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2015
About the author
J. Steven Spires
5 books3 followersA children's book author, teacher, and story teller.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 31, 2017
I'd like a do-over when it comes to book collecting. How I wish, with all my heart, that I would have held on to my childhood books. I do have a few but most are just a fond memory. And speaking of do-overs, I wish I would've started my book collection many years ago. I've wasted so much precious time and there are so many beautiful books to acquire. Of course, if my family could say one thing about me they would tell you I own too many books. How many times have I heard my husband say, "The last thing you need is another book"?! Excuse me. There will always be another book! When I'm asked what I want for Christmas, or birthdays - BOOKS!! If you know me personally, you know I own lots & lots of books. I'm a proud bibliophile. I adore books. I'd rather buy a book than shoes, clothes, makeup, purses...O.k. Wait. I like those, too! My point is, I wish I had taken books much more serious when I was younger. Imagine the books I would own! A girl can dream. Now, here I am. Forty-eight years old and in love with books of all kinds but not enough time. I need ALL the books!!Yes! I do have a specialized collection and that is children's books. Since the first grandchild was born I've been collecting. My hope is to pass on the joy of reading to each one and eventually, when I'm no longer with them, they'll inherit a world of wonder and learning. I want them to remember my love of books and the adventure reading lends to one's life. I'd like to recreate my childhood library as best as I can. I'm not sure I'll be able to recall every book - because I had many, but I plan to add those I remember fondly. My mother read to my brother and me every night. She did character voices and knew how to bring a story to life. I can almost hear the pages turning and will never forget those enchanting bedtime stories.
My mother purchased a sign copy of The Oak Tree as an early Christmas present. J. Steven Spires wrote a lovely inscription to me and I'll cherish this book until it is time to pass it on to the grands. It's a great story about an old oak tree that is left behind when the family, whose yard he lives in, must evacuate for a storm. It's quite a touching story and reminds me of the oak trees that I played in as a child. The illustrator, Jonathan Caron, did a remarkable job of depicting daily life that surrounds this tree. It's a wonderful story and can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. This book is dedicated to victims and survivors of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, and other natural disasters.
*Thanks for the book, Mother! Ya did good. 😁
My mother purchased a sign copy of The Oak Tree as an early Christmas present. J. Steven Spires wrote a lovely inscription to me and I'll cherish this book until it is time to pass it on to the grands. It's a great story about an old oak tree that is left behind when the family, whose yard he lives in, must evacuate for a storm. It's quite a touching story and reminds me of the oak trees that I played in as a child. The illustrator, Jonathan Caron, did a remarkable job of depicting daily life that surrounds this tree. It's a wonderful story and can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. This book is dedicated to victims and survivors of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, and other natural disasters.
*Thanks for the book, Mother! Ya did good. 😁
September 23, 2015
This book is written in memory of the victims of the hurricanes Katrina, Rita and other natural disasters, and with this already in mind, I read the book.
The old oak is a lovely tree, one that is easy to picture growing in the front yard. I had no trouble wishing that I too could swing from its branches (or at least, watch my kids play on it) and would have enjoyed such a tree in my own yard as a kid. In other words, this is an old oak to fall in love with.
The illustrations of the tree and surroundings are a joy to flip through, and my youngest daughter went through the book twice simply to look at the pictures. Interesting thing was, she discovered something. Although not mentioned, there is a small creature hiding in every picture. When my daughter noticed this, she loved going back through all the pictures to find the little guy. So extra bonus points on this idea! The only thing that bothered a little bit was the illustration of the youngest boy, who didn't really look the age he should have...but this is easily forgotten.
The first scene starts out as a normal day, allowing the reader to get to know the family and the tree a little bit before disaster strikes. And when the storm comes, the sadness and destruction it brings is very tangible. We felt for the oak as it battled to survive. As for the writing itself, it's an easy read and very appropriate for the age group. A few spots didn't flow as well as they might have, but that didn't ruin the story or the relationship between the family and the tree. I did, however, miss a little more at the end of the story since it felt a little suddenly cut off.
Summed up, this is a lovely tribute to people who suffer these natural disasters, and I think the author did a great job in bringing over the feelings and problems that such a situation involves in a way children will understand.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The old oak is a lovely tree, one that is easy to picture growing in the front yard. I had no trouble wishing that I too could swing from its branches (or at least, watch my kids play on it) and would have enjoyed such a tree in my own yard as a kid. In other words, this is an old oak to fall in love with.
The illustrations of the tree and surroundings are a joy to flip through, and my youngest daughter went through the book twice simply to look at the pictures. Interesting thing was, she discovered something. Although not mentioned, there is a small creature hiding in every picture. When my daughter noticed this, she loved going back through all the pictures to find the little guy. So extra bonus points on this idea! The only thing that bothered a little bit was the illustration of the youngest boy, who didn't really look the age he should have...but this is easily forgotten.
The first scene starts out as a normal day, allowing the reader to get to know the family and the tree a little bit before disaster strikes. And when the storm comes, the sadness and destruction it brings is very tangible. We felt for the oak as it battled to survive. As for the writing itself, it's an easy read and very appropriate for the age group. A few spots didn't flow as well as they might have, but that didn't ruin the story or the relationship between the family and the tree. I did, however, miss a little more at the end of the story since it felt a little suddenly cut off.
Summed up, this is a lovely tribute to people who suffer these natural disasters, and I think the author did a great job in bringing over the feelings and problems that such a situation involves in a way children will understand.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2015
This is a very sweet story with a theme close to my heart. The book itself is well written and the illustrations are really good too. The theme will resonate with anyone who experienced Hurricane Katrina.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews