Big Tree Down!

by Laurie Lawlor, David Gordon (Illustrator)

Big Tree is the neighborhood's biggest landmark. It presides over street games, barbeques, and water fights. But crack! Oh no! Big Tree has been split by lightning! In this warm and positive book, people from all parts of the community--neighbors, city workers, and children--come together to clean up and remember Big Tree, and to plant Little Tree in its stead. This wonderful story of neighborly cooperation and community engagement will introduce kids to the joys of being involved in the world immediately around them.

Genres: Picture Books, Stem, Nature, Childrens, Environment, Juvenile, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 23, 2018

About the author

Laurie Lawlor grew up in a family enamored with the theater. Along with her five brothers and sisters she spent summers in a summer stock repertory company in a small mountain town in Colorado that was run by their mother (costumer, cook, accountant, and resident psychiatrist) and their father (artistic director).

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the street corner stands Big Tree, a tree that's been a huge part of the community for a very long time. Big tree offered shade and a meeting place for people from everywhere, until a big storm comes and blows the poor tree down. Big Tree is damaged and the community is without power.

This is a realistic story of what happens after a tree comes crashing down and teaches about the jobs of the emergency and clean up crews. One of our favorite aspects was the community and how they came together for one another. It was sad for everyone to lose Big Tree, especially after how long it was a part of them, but the story ends on a positive note and with a wonderful message. It's educational too as children will learn how Big Tree-even though he has fallen- has been put to good use. Pretty illustrations and a simple read.

5*****

[Starjustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 2018 book by Laurie Lawler and illustrated by David Gordon. I really appreciated this book for the lesson it teaches when a group of professionals and a neighborhood, including the children, come together to solve a problem that involves all of them. For ages 4 and up, this children's book is one you'll want to share!

[Richie Partington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richie’s Picks: BIG TREE DOWN! by Laurie Lawlor and David Gordon, ill., Holiday House, February 2018, 32p., ISBN: 978-0-8234-3661-3

“I’ve seen fire
And I’ve seen rain”
-- James Taylor (1970)

“On the corner towered Big Tree: shelter, shade, hiding place. Just right for sharing secrets, leaning, and dreaming. All seasons, all weathers.
‘Meet me at Big Tree!’ we told one another. Everyone knew where to go.”

There has been a profusion of natural disasters lately. The Gulf coast is still regaining its footing after Harvey. Puerto Rico isn’t even close to back to normal after Hurricane Maria. There’ve been deadly mudslides in Southern California. And I’ve driven through some of the empty streets up in Santa Rosa where several old friends lost their homes in last fall’s firestorms, which leveled entire neighborhoods.

BIG TREE DOWN! is the picture book tale of a smaller, not-so-tragic, close-to-home, natural disaster. A huge tree, one that was growing long before the neighbors were there, snaps and tumbles in a windy storm, knocking down power lines and a fire hydrant as it falls. Big Tree’s demise and the ensuing power blackout become the subject of an unforgettable day in the neighborhood, featuring community helpers and big machines.

First the police cars race to the scene to protect everyone from the dangerous conditions. Young kids who love giant trucks will be thrilled by the cherry pickers, log loaders, and stump grinders that arrive to help in the removal of Big Tree’s remains and in the repair of the power lines.

With the blackout silencing TVs and computers, neighbors come together, watching and conversing as workers focus on their tasks. By evening, with power yet to be restored, families pull out their thawing food and gather in neighborhood picnic mode.

“There was plenty of food for everyone--neighbors and community helpers alike. We shared flashlights and plates, candles and songs, grills and lemonade.
We stayed up late and told stories about Big Tree and how this neighbor had lived here longer than anyone.”

In a very satisfying conclusion, the young narrator is part of the group that plants a new tree to replace the fallen giant.

Particularly notable in David Gordon’s bright and lively illustrations is a spread featuring a pair of blurred police cars speeding to the scene.

It’s sad to see an old tree fall, but glorious to see a neighborhood come together in response.

Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a bit of the spirit of the Giving Tree, Big Tree is the focus on the neighborhood, and after an electrical storm downs the neighborhood landmark, big tree finds a way to live on. The bright vivid illustrations provide a starting point for discussing natural disasters, power outages, and how well...life does go on.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's never a good thing when a familiar landmark disappears. In the case of this picture book, Big Tree, a sturdy tree that has been a gathering place for many in the community, is struck by lightning during a storm, and must be removed. The tree's destruction causes the power lines to go down so that there is no electricity until the debris is removed. Interestingly, several of the families who live nearby watch as Big Tree's branches are eaten by a wood chipper, and when night falls, they have a picnic, sharing food and memories while waiting for the power to be restored. Various parts of their old friend are used for firewood, mulch, and as a place to sit. Later, one of the families decides to plant a new tree near where Big Tree once stood. I appreciated how the community came together, united in their affection for this old tree, but I also felt sad to think of the many old trees that are removed to make room for progress in the form of new buildings. Surely there is room for both. This picture book reminds readers that trees do matter, and that they are often the centerpiece of the communities in which we live.

[Mrs. Melaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows the enormous local landmark affectionately named Big Tree. When it comes down during a storm, a host of community employees mobilizes to handle the emergency – police cordon off the dangerous downed wires, power company staff restring the lines, town forestry workers cut up and chip the tree, and a water department worker fixes the toppled fire hydrant. Clear, colorful illustrations detail the machinery and their operators. With no electricity, neighbors of all colors gather outside to barbeque and eat the ice cream melting in their freezers. Sadness at the loss of the tree is acknowledged, and people share their happy memories of "this neighbor [that] had lived here longer than anyone." In a final scene, a new sapling is planted and people look forward to Little Tree growing to play the same role as Big Tree. Lawlor deftly provides an opportunity here to spark discussions about local landmarks, handling emergencies, the roles of community workers, and recovering after a disaster.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lawlor, Laurie Big Tree Down! Illustrated by David Gordon. Holiday House, 2018. $18. 9780823436613.

On a wild, stormy night, Big Tree, a generations long fixture in the neighborhood, comes down. It takes a large amount of workers to clear all of the debris and the power isn’t restored until the next day. While everyone in the neighborhood is sad, they remember Big Tree fondly and a few mementos made from its wood.

As much as I liked Lawlor’s story, the art is very flat. While I would be happy to share this with a group of children to show them what has to happen to clear away storm-downed trees, the experience will not be memorable without more vibrant pictures.

EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Esutterlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! I like the illustrations and the straightforward narrative. I enjoy the interconnectedness of this community, and how the story comes full circle as a new tree is planted at the end.

Many children, including my 2 year old grandson, are fascinated by trucks in all shapes and sizes. He loves to watch the workers and to learn the names and jobs each truck does.

This is the book I planned to write this summer! A large tree came down during a rain storm, right down my street on the corner across from the playground.
I took photos for illustrations of the workers and the trucks as the branches of the tree were being chopped up and the streets cleaned up afterwards.
Now I see this story has been told, so I will go back to some of my other ideas, and see where they lead me!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a perfect preschool story about a neighborhoods's beloved tree, and how everyone coped after a large storm felled the tree. The police, power workers and forestry workers all arrived to help with various stages of the emergency. With no power, freezers and refrigerators were emptied and the families and community workers had plenty to eat. Happy memories were shared about the tree. This is an excellent story about community workers, and community bonding.

[Eliot Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very big tree is knocked down by wind, which causes a neighborhood to lose power. Detailed illustrations depict all the steps to clean up and restore power, including the arrival of police, linemen from the power company, and the forestry department with their wood chipper. I love how at the end of the story the tree is recycled and a new sapling is planted in its place.

[Alyssa Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book included various commuity workers and told what jobs they do throughout the story. It also showed how the community came together in the midst of the tree falling and there being no power. They were all there for one another in this time and even shared stories, food and refreshments to keep one another company.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge tree that is the focal point of a neighborhood street comes down in a windy storm, knocking down power lines and a fire hydrant when it falls. The big tree’s demise and the power outage it causes bring neighbors together and brings out featuring community helpers and big machines.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has all the appeal of a big tough construction equipment story, but it is secretly a heartwarming tale about community, with a neighborhood coming together after a storm knocks down their tree, causing a power outage. Great sound effects! Highly recommended for ages 4-6.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet me at the Big Tree is what everyone in town says, until a storm takes it down. What will the towns people do now?

A great story of community, cooperation and ingenuity.

Nice illustrations.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the big tree on the corner, a local landmark, comes down in a storm, the neighbors all come together. Reminded me a bit of Blackout. My kindergarteners do a unit on wood, so this will be a terrific edition.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story about how a tree fell down during a storm and what the family did afterwards. This story shows the good things that can come out of bad situations and how to make the best of things.

[Mister David · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a HUGE tree falls down in the neighborhood, all different types of emergency and utility vehicles arrive to deal with the aftermath. This provides lots of opportunities for the reader to make different fun sounds of vehicles and power tools!

[Anastasia Tuckness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shows a community that loves its big tree and comes together when a large storm takes it (and their electricity) down. Reminded me of the derecho we had. I picked it because of the large vehicles it takes to remove the tree (vehicles being beloved by nephew).

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happens when a tree falls in a neighborhood?

Perfect for young fans of machinery.

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Details what happens when a big tree falls in a neighborhood.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of details and chain of events. Perfect for the child obsessed with big machines.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about how a community deals with an emergency. It's length, narrative, vocabulary and illustrations were all just right.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A town's famous tree has fallen down and cut power to the area. Love the sense of community. Preschool and up

[Jj · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a good choice for a "community helpers" theme storytime or lesson plan.

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story of what happens after a tree falls down in a neighborhood.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

We had so many trees down in a winter storm this year. This book would have been great (even though it's set during a spring/summer storm).

[Nadia Wazzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet circle of life story about a big, old tree.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book regarding a Big Tree Down and how the neighborhood comes together.

[Mary Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there would have been a little more sadness and grieving over the loss of this big tree. Very factual about all the steps taken when a tree goes down and the power goes out.

[Shannon Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book about a tree, a storm, a community and a fresh start.