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The Branch
"When a branch from her beloved tree snaps off in an icy storm, a plucky girl refuses to let it be hauled away. Her neighbor, Mr. Frank, says it's full of potential. So with imagination and spirit (and Mr. Frank's help), the girl creates something whole and new out of the broken branch, to be enjoyed again and again!"--Jacket.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 4, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 30, 2016
I was not familiar with either the author or illustrator, but the cover caught my eye. I love Pratt's compositions and use of color. The people themselves I was less excited by. That's not a criticism, they're fine, just normal cartoony kid illustration style as opposed to something I'd happily hang on my wall like that townscape on the cover.
The story is about a little girl whose favorite branch is broken down by a storm. She wants to save it, but her mom is clearly not excited about having a large tree limb hanging around the house. Luckily, a kindly neighbor with some wood-working tools has a suggestion.
I really loved both that the project was collaborative rather than the neighbor just doing it for her, and that Messier shows how making something from fresh wood is a lot of work and requires patience (the steps take multiple pages) and know-how. Often in picture books kids seem to whip up elaborately crafted items in no time; I feel like this setting kids up for failure because when children try to make things in real life they will be disappointed that it is harder than they expected. (Not just kids: I'm still prone to ruining things by trying to move on to the next step too quickly.)
I enjoyed both the story and illustrations and will be looking for more books by Messier and Pratt.
The story is about a little girl whose favorite branch is broken down by a storm. She wants to save it, but her mom is clearly not excited about having a large tree limb hanging around the house. Luckily, a kindly neighbor with some wood-working tools has a suggestion.
I really loved both that the project was collaborative rather than the neighbor just doing it for her, and that Messier shows how making something from fresh wood is a lot of work and requires patience (the steps take multiple pages) and know-how. Often in picture books kids seem to whip up elaborately crafted items in no time; I feel like this setting kids up for failure because when children try to make things in real life they will be disappointed that it is harder than they expected. (Not just kids: I'm still prone to ruining things by trying to move on to the next step too quickly.)
I enjoyed both the story and illustrations and will be looking for more books by Messier and Pratt.
August 16, 2016
It wasn't just a branch. It was her ship, a castle, her throne, her spy base. That's why when the branch falls during a heavy storm, the girl doesn't want to let it go. She wants to keep it for ever. Mom doesn't like the idea. Thankfully Mr. Frank, her next door neighbor, sees the branch's potential. Her branch can become something great after all. Together they work for a long time on the branch until it is ready to be again a ship, a castle, a throne, a spy base.
I liked many things about this story. I liked all the imagination involved in the girl's (screen free) games, and the love she has for those memories. I liked all the talk about potential, finding a new purpose for the branch, transform it in something great, new but still her branch. I liked the beautiful relationship that grows between her and Mr. Frank. I find cute and important to recognize what elderly people has to give to little kids. They have the time and knowledge to share, and this story, like others I have read recently such as Harry and Walter and Maggie McGillicuddy's Eye for Trouble, make a point of it. The illustrations are colorful and bright, and in them the branch never looks like just a branch.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Find more children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk
I liked many things about this story. I liked all the imagination involved in the girl's (screen free) games, and the love she has for those memories. I liked all the talk about potential, finding a new purpose for the branch, transform it in something great, new but still her branch. I liked the beautiful relationship that grows between her and Mr. Frank. I find cute and important to recognize what elderly people has to give to little kids. They have the time and knowledge to share, and this story, like others I have read recently such as Harry and Walter and Maggie McGillicuddy's Eye for Trouble, make a point of it. The illustrations are colorful and bright, and in them the branch never looks like just a branch.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Find more children's book reviews in Reviews in Chalk
April 17, 2017
4,5!
Beaucoup aimé!
Mon avis sur le blog:
http://moncoinlecture.com/2017/01/bra...
Beaucoup aimé!
Mon avis sur le blog:
http://moncoinlecture.com/2017/01/bra...
October 10, 2021
Featured in a grandma reads session.
Deep, saturated colors dance on the pages of this picture book. Our little narrator waxes poetic about her love for a particular branch on a particular tree in her yard. She tells us, the Readers, about her many adventures on that branch and the wide ranging versatility it provides in her playlife. One's mind wanders to favorite trees that are featured in our Memory Lanes as we hear her adventures. . .
And then comes the storm. Smashing ruination, like giants on holiday, her branch is a casualty of that dark day. She is dismayed when she sees others picking up their woody bits and thoughtlessly throwing them away or worse, burning them. She stands guard over her fallen friend, the branch.
There's a Knight in a Warm Jacket in this tale, in the form of her neighbor who has tools and works with wood. He loves to fix things. He asks if he can help, and she has a Big Idea (no spoilers from me!). . . .and soon she is as happy as can be with the project he helps her with. This was a hit with my crew as their fathers have boatloads of tools and fix things, too!
"I know just how that smells," yelled one of mine. I had to smile. I did, too.
Deep, saturated colors dance on the pages of this picture book. Our little narrator waxes poetic about her love for a particular branch on a particular tree in her yard. She tells us, the Readers, about her many adventures on that branch and the wide ranging versatility it provides in her playlife. One's mind wanders to favorite trees that are featured in our Memory Lanes as we hear her adventures. . .
And then comes the storm. Smashing ruination, like giants on holiday, her branch is a casualty of that dark day. She is dismayed when she sees others picking up their woody bits and thoughtlessly throwing them away or worse, burning them. She stands guard over her fallen friend, the branch.
There's a Knight in a Warm Jacket in this tale, in the form of her neighbor who has tools and works with wood. He loves to fix things. He asks if he can help, and she has a Big Idea (no spoilers from me!). . . .and soon she is as happy as can be with the project he helps her with. This was a hit with my crew as their fathers have boatloads of tools and fix things, too!
"I know just how that smells," yelled one of mine. I had to smile. I did, too.
October 5, 2017
My son is the one who wants to keep every stick, every stone, every straw he has ever used. He can't bear to let go of anything. So this book about a little girl who has a branch of her beloved tree break off during an ice storm really resonated with us. Definitely a sweet story.
August 8, 2016
During an ice storm, a little girl is awakened by a loud sound outside. It turns out to be her favorite branch falling from the tree in her yard. It was the branch she played on, dreamed about and that was a big part of her day. The little girl asks to keep the branch after finding out that it can’t be reattached to the tree and her mother agrees. Her neighbor is next door with his chain saw and the girl stands guard so that no one takes her branch. Her neighbor, Mr. Frank, sees her standing there and asks about her branch. He sees “potential” in it and offers to help her make something with it. It turns out to be just the right solution, one that helps the girl remember the fun she had and looks forward to future happiness too.
Messier conveys the little girl’s emotions very clearly. From the feel of the fallen branch to her attachment to it to the importance of creating something new with it. Each moment echoes with emotions, creating a book that is conducive to discussing feelings with young children listening to the story. The book is also anchored in sensations, the feel of the icy branch in her hands, the noise of the chain saw, the hard work of transforming the branch into something else.
The illustrations by Pratt are filled with deep colors that brighten the pages. The beauty and destruction of the ice storm are captured, each branch encased in ice. The change is seasons is also nicely shown, moving from ice and snow to green in the illustrations.
A book about resilience, connections to nature and its power, and the value of memories, this picture book is full of potential itself. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Messier conveys the little girl’s emotions very clearly. From the feel of the fallen branch to her attachment to it to the importance of creating something new with it. Each moment echoes with emotions, creating a book that is conducive to discussing feelings with young children listening to the story. The book is also anchored in sensations, the feel of the icy branch in her hands, the noise of the chain saw, the hard work of transforming the branch into something else.
The illustrations by Pratt are filled with deep colors that brighten the pages. The beauty and destruction of the ice storm are captured, each branch encased in ice. The change is seasons is also nicely shown, moving from ice and snow to green in the illustrations.
A book about resilience, connections to nature and its power, and the value of memories, this picture book is full of potential itself. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
June 3, 2016
When an ice storm wakes up a little girl with a loud snapping sound she is sad and upset that her favorite branch from the tree in her yard has broken off. This is the branch she sat on, jumped on, played under, pretended it was her castle, ship etc. Her mother does not understand at first but then lets her keep the branch. Her neighbour, Mr. Frank builds things, so he says he will help her make something else with it. He tells her the branch has "Potential". “What's potential?” she asks. “It means it's worth keeping.” Mr. Frank and the little girl work together to make something new that will remind the little girl about her branch and all the fun she had with it.
This book could be used when teaching about perseverance, teamwork and initiative. It also shows how older people can be partners in activities and about spending time with them. It could also be used in environmental activities about repurposing things instead of throwing them out and getting new things. The illustrations are great in this book, bright, colourful and imaginative. A great book for school and classroom libraries.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book could be used when teaching about perseverance, teamwork and initiative. It also shows how older people can be partners in activities and about spending time with them. It could also be used in environmental activities about repurposing things instead of throwing them out and getting new things. The illustrations are great in this book, bright, colourful and imaginative. A great book for school and classroom libraries.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2016
Repurposing.
Memories.
That is basically what this book is about. Well, yes, this book is about a branch that falls during an ice storm, but it is really about the memory of the branch, what the branch had, and what it would have now that it was not part of the tree.
Thanks to the help of her neighbor, the little girl is able to make something else of the branch, something that can continue to be with her, now that the branch is not part of the tree. I liked that the girl make the swing with the help of her neighbor, but that he didn't do all the work for her.
This is a good way to honor the branch that was.
to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Memories.
That is basically what this book is about. Well, yes, this book is about a branch that falls during an ice storm, but it is really about the memory of the branch, what the branch had, and what it would have now that it was not part of the tree.
Thanks to the help of her neighbor, the little girl is able to make something else of the branch, something that can continue to be with her, now that the branch is not part of the tree. I liked that the girl make the swing with the help of her neighbor, but that he didn't do all the work for her.
This is a good way to honor the branch that was.
to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
October 11, 2016
A surprise find, and the story is lovely. For anyone who has experienced an ice storm and discovered branches falling, this book tells that story. Most particularly, it's about a little girl's favorite branch, one she sat on, jumped from. As the story goes, it was "her castle, her spy base, her ship".
And it fell, broken from the heavy ice. What happens then comes from loyalty, a friendly neighbor, and imagination. The illustrations are kid-friendly bright colors, edged with blacks. Both the author and illustrator, Mireille Messier and Pierre Pratt are well-known Canadian writers and illustrators of children's books. I loved this discovery, will look for more by these two!
And it fell, broken from the heavy ice. What happens then comes from loyalty, a friendly neighbor, and imagination. The illustrations are kid-friendly bright colors, edged with blacks. Both the author and illustrator, Mireille Messier and Pierre Pratt are well-known Canadian writers and illustrators of children's books. I loved this discovery, will look for more by these two!
April 13, 2018
I really like how the effects of the ice storm in this story are made so personal for the main character. There are also lots of sensory details: "the sound of icy rain hitting my window" and "the splintery part on the trunk." The ending was a lovely surprise and very fitting. Unlike many recent picture books, this one is on the longer side at 774 words. Teachers will find this book offers many possibilities for discussion, such as weather and storms, losing something you care about, fear, imagination, reusing materials and community.
August 21, 2016
I think this might be my new favorite book for 2016. After an ice storm, a branch falls out of the tree in the girls yard. She loved that branch and wants to keep it. The neighbors are all out cleaning their yards too. One neighbor thinks that he can help the girl turn the broken branch into something she will love. Great illustrations and it made me think of an ice storm that I lived through as a child.
February 6, 2017
An imaginative little girl's favorite branch falls from the tree outside her window during an ice storm. Instead of losing her favorite playtime inspiration, her neighbor helps her transform the branch into something long-lasting and fun. We especially enjoyed the detail that went into describing their project. Budding builders and craftsmen (and women!) will want to have a go at simple projects themselves after reading this one. Perfect for preschool through 2nd grade.
June 3, 2016
I like the idea of the book! It is a great lesson for grown ups to take more seriously our children's memories. The illustrations are nice and the story is just lovely! The only thing i don't like is that it skips the part when the girls plays with the branch. This part would have been important for kids to be able to empathize with the main character.
October 8, 2016
I loved the quiet tone of this book.
November 6, 2016
Everybody needs a "Mr. Frank" in their lives....reminding us that you can still make something good out of something sad.
November 21, 2016
Beautifully illustrated book of icy weather and a fallen branch. So much what I would want as a child. Loved it.
May 10, 2017
A unique and quiet story about change, creativity, and finding a new use for broken or unwanted items.
September 25, 2018
J’ai bien aimé le message. Réutilisation des matières premières, complicité avec les voisins aînés et sens de communauté.
Read
August 10, 2017It is amazing how attached kids can become to things, and how sad they can become when something happens to their favorite things. This cute and brightly illustrated story shows how one can cope with the loss. Bonus points for having the neighbor help, but not completely make, the final object.
Possible Objectionable Material:
A child is around power tools, but with lots of supervision.
Who Might Like This Book:
Any child who experiences attachment to something, or has lost something, or likes to create new things from old.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC. This book also reviewed at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/20...
Possible Objectionable Material:
A child is around power tools, but with lots of supervision.
Who Might Like This Book:
Any child who experiences attachment to something, or has lost something, or likes to create new things from old.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC. This book also reviewed at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/20...
February 13, 2019
When a young girl's favorite tree branch breaks off in an ice storm, a neighbor skilled in carpentry helps her turn the broken branch into something she can enjoy for years to come. This picture book demonstrates a good example of creative recycling/reuse, an important idea to present to young people. The child comes up with the idea and the illustrations show her helping her neighbor, learning new skills and using tools under his supervision. At the end, she enjoys their new creation.
November 5, 2017
Messier, Mireille The Branch, Illustrated by Pierre Pratt. PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press Ltd. 2016. $16.95. Content: G.
What is a girl to do when her favorite branch on her favorite tree breaks during a bad storm? In the aftermath of a storm, this spunky young girl helps with the neighborhood cleanup, which includes her favorite branch. As she laments the loss of her favorite place to play and imagine, she talks with her woodworking neighbor. Together they hatch a plan for the broken limb.
Interesting illustration style and a great story. I love this book. As you read along you will take a trip from tragedy to triumph through the eyes of a young girl and the loss of her beloved tree branch. Engaging read aloud that will have young readers guessing what idea she cooked up with her kind neighbor.
EL (K-3), ESSENTIAL. Jen M. Elementary Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
What is a girl to do when her favorite branch on her favorite tree breaks during a bad storm? In the aftermath of a storm, this spunky young girl helps with the neighborhood cleanup, which includes her favorite branch. As she laments the loss of her favorite place to play and imagine, she talks with her woodworking neighbor. Together they hatch a plan for the broken limb.
Interesting illustration style and a great story. I love this book. As you read along you will take a trip from tragedy to triumph through the eyes of a young girl and the loss of her beloved tree branch. Engaging read aloud that will have young readers guessing what idea she cooked up with her kind neighbor.
EL (K-3), ESSENTIAL. Jen M. Elementary Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
November 28, 2017
The Branch by Mireille Messier, illustrated by Pierre Pratt and published by Kids Can Press is a great book that checks off so many boxes. It fits in with STEAM programming, character education programming, and environmental stewardship lessons.
During an ice storm, a little girls favourite branch breaks from her beloved tree and falls to the ground. It's the branch that was her "castle, (her) spy base, (her) ship". She's so upset that her branch has broken and wants to keep it forever but Mom gives her the old "we'll see". Mr. Frank, the neighbour, is outside cleaning up his backyard when he catches sight of the girl and her branch. He helps her to see the potential of the branch and what it could become. The two work hard together to create something new.
A beautiful story about taking something old and broken and turning it into something that can be enjoyed for so many more years to come. It's a story of finding potential in all things and the delight of having relationships between different generations.
During an ice storm, a little girls favourite branch breaks from her beloved tree and falls to the ground. It's the branch that was her "castle, (her) spy base, (her) ship". She's so upset that her branch has broken and wants to keep it forever but Mom gives her the old "we'll see". Mr. Frank, the neighbour, is outside cleaning up his backyard when he catches sight of the girl and her branch. He helps her to see the potential of the branch and what it could become. The two work hard together to create something new.
A beautiful story about taking something old and broken and turning it into something that can be enjoyed for so many more years to come. It's a story of finding potential in all things and the delight of having relationships between different generations.
April 21, 2017
Great book for early school years.Wonderful that there really are kind neighbors still out in the world who are able to make a little girl's dream become a reality. She is able to make something new out of a beloved object.
April 26, 2017
Une belle histoire, très touchante et qui fait réfléchir. À lire, pour petits et grands!
January 14, 2018
A beautifully illustrated picture book inspired by the author's life experience with an ice storm. The premise of explaining potential, while inspiring the idea of persistence, patience, creativity, and hard work. A loved read-aloud for my students and recommended for Kindergarten through to grade 5.
October 26, 2016
UPDATE 10/25/2016: Congrats to Mireille Messier and Pierre Pratt for being shortlisted for the Governor General's award!
4ish stars.
A creative story about how imagination and elbow grease (not to mention the assistance of some wise, understanding adults) can transform something cherished and meaningful, now broken, into something new and equally meaningful.
I really enjoyed the story and its reminder of the power of 'potential.'
The illustrations of the landscapes by Pierre Pratt are beautiful, the characters not quite as much so.
Illustrations: 4
Story: 4.5
4ish stars.
A creative story about how imagination and elbow grease (not to mention the assistance of some wise, understanding adults) can transform something cherished and meaningful, now broken, into something new and equally meaningful.
I really enjoyed the story and its reminder of the power of 'potential.'
The illustrations of the landscapes by Pierre Pratt are beautiful, the characters not quite as much so.
Illustrations: 4
Story: 4.5
May 27, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway. This book is about a girl who is disappointed when her favorite branch breaks off her tree. She learns a great way to cope with her disappointment by having a neighbor suggest she turn the branch into something else and he helps her do that. The illustrations are great and it teaches children that when disappointments come we can change those disappointments into something better.
October 2, 2017
The Branch is a really cute read, recommended for anyone in need of a lighthearted picture book. A story of making something broken into something new is one that always deserves to be told. The illustrations are really cute, and suit the story well. I imagine any children with a special interest in woodwork will get extra enjoyment out of this one.
March 22, 2017
A truly Canadian experience and story. I like the imagination and the making. Thumbs up for elementary school K-4.
May 13, 2017
Lovely book! I can relate to saving something and repurposing it. Beautiful illustrations. Children will love to hear it and enjoy the bold and bright artwork.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews