Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing on Earth

by Josh Crute, John Taesoo Kim (Illustrator)

This story tackles the familiar feeling of being in someone's shadow—in a hilarious and endearing way. Readers will be able to relate to Oliver as he stretches his limbs in winter, lifts logs in spring, soaks up the sun in summer, and munches on mulch in autumn, trying to grow big enough to be noticed. Set in Sequoia National Forest, this story will appeal to national park visitors as well as kids who love nature and clever humor.

The bright and playful art brings the giant sequoias to life, and the interactions between the trees and furry forest buddies add subtle—and sometimes not-so-subtle—humor. Readers will want to join in on the fun and visit Oliver, Sherman, and all their friends in Sequoia National Forest.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Nature, Childrens, Humor, Self Esteem, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 11, 2018

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oliver was a giant sequoia, living life large in the forest. But despite his many amazing attributes, he always came second to Sherman, the largest living thing on Earth. When his dietary and exercise regime, intended to make him grow even bigger, fails to make him larger than Sherman, he at first despairs. Then he notices the other trees around him, and comes to the realization that he is part of something bigger even than Sherman - the Sequoia National Forest...

A debut from both author Josh Crute and illustrator John Taesoo Kim, Oliver: The Second Largest Living Thing on Earth pairs an engaging narrative that is equal parts ecological tale and emotional exploration with cute, cartoon-style artwork. I liked the conclusion here, in which the conflict about who is the biggest is resolved by recourse to the idea that the totality - the entire forest - is always bigger than any one part. I also appreciated the inclusion of the final page, which gives more information about sequoias, and other second-largest things on Earth. Recommended to young tree-lovers, and to any child that has wished he were bigger.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much to love about this tender, relatable picture book. Not only is it an ode to nature, trees to be exact, it captures humanity at its core. The desire to be noticed, to be considered important is universal to mankind and, apparently, to trees as well. Oliver, who is only the second-largest living thing on earth wears his heart on his branch. Readers will recognize the sense of longing so masterfully expressed in this marvelous story packed not only with heart but humor and eye-popping illustrations as well.
Nature lovers, third wheels, and those picked last for the team, Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing on Earth is for you.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kinda loved this. On jealousy and feeling invisible and finding something you've been missing.

[Michelle Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Themes: trees, friends

[نسيبة العزيبي · Rating 4 out of 5]

أوليفر هو ثاني أطول شجرة على وجه الأرض، وهذا أمرٌ مزعجٌ بالنسبة له خاصة حين يقارن نفسه بشيرمان، الشجرة الأطول على الإطلاق. وعلى الرغم من أن طول أوليفر يتجاوز الـ٢٦٨ قدمًا إلا أنه لا يملك لوحة تعدد صفاته مثل شيرمان، فلا ينتبه لوجوده الزوار ليلتقطوا له الصور، أو يعانقوه، أو يجلسوا فوق جذوره البارزة لتناول الطعام. تخيب كل محاولات أوليفر في التفوق على شيرمان، ويبلغ به الأسى حدًا يدفعه إلى الإلتفاف بجذعه بعيدًا عن شيرمان والنظر إلى الجانب الآخر، عندها فقط يدرك أوليفر أن هناك غابة من الأشجار التي تشبهه وتتوق مثله إلى الانتباه والحب والتقدير.

على الرغم من كل القيم التي تلهمنا بها القصة، إلا أن أكثر ما علق في قلبي كان عبارتها الأخيرة التي عللت فرح أوليفر بإدراكه حقيقة أنه "جزء من شيء أكبر"، وفكرت حينها بما يمكن أن تلهم تلك العبارة صغارنا وكبارنا على حد سواء، خاصةً في زمن مثل زمننا، ترتبط فيه قيمتك وأهميتك بمدى انتشارك على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي وعدد متابعينك وعدد ما تحصده منشوراتك من الردود والإعجاب، وفكرت بما يمكن أم يفسر القراء معنى أن تكون "جزء" من "شيء أكبر"، وما يمكن أم يكون ذلك "الشيء الأكبر" بالنسبة لك، وهل حقًّا لنا "قيمة" مرتبط "بشيء"؟ وهل تتغير تلك القيمة إذا تغير ذلك الشيء؟ وهل يعني ذلك أن قيمتك متغيرة وليست ثابتة؟.. و.. و.. مجرد أفكار.. المهم أن هذه القصة ستضرب حتمًا وترًا، وتعزف لقلبك لحنًا جميل☺️

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver is the 2nd largest tree behind Sherman, the largest. Oliver can’t help but feel invisible. After all, everyone takes pictures of Sherman. They eat lunch by him. He has a sign. Oliver has none of that. But when he turns around, he sees others like him and realizes he is part of a community that does have a sign (Sequoia National Forest). And it no longer bothers him that he’s not the largest because “he is part of something larger.”

A simple story that makes an important point.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's tough being an also ran, even if you are the 2nd largest living thing on Earth. Oliver is a mighty Redwood, stretching over 200 feet to the sky. But because he's not the oldest tree, nobody pays any attention to him. His self worth takes a beating until he realizes that there are other trees who might be the 3rd oldest living thing or the 4th and just because you aren't the #1 thing, doesn't mean you aren't part of something bigger than yourself.

Illustrations are good.

[Mariah Gerlach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver is a huge sequoia tree, among the largest on the planet. Unfortunately, he isn't as large as Sherman. He knows what he has to do to get even bigger and tackles his task with gumption.

Readers will related to the feeling of being unnoticed when we anticipate we should be in the spotlight. We learn great lessons from Oliver in acceptance and understanding of something larger than just ourselves.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first this seemed kind of one note but it's actually pretty cute. Author's note at the end about Sequoias and other second largest things in the world which is great. I love the way Kim anthropomorphized the trees. The artwork is whimsical and charming and this is a pretty cute story about being happy with what you have and where you are.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oliver is the second largest tree in the Sequoia Forest. He tries to be as tall as Sherman, but he just can't measure up. In the end, Oliver focuses on being one tree in a forest instead of the tallest.
A great book about accepting yourself as you are. Adorable. I think the illustrations will really resonate with kids at storytime.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uh oh, a cute book about a forest with a sweet message about not comparing yourself to others--I'm a goner! This book had a great amount of text for young kiddos (preschool age probably). I love how it all tied together with that last page--"there's even a sign!" The former park ranger in me drowned in warm fuzzies.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story where the m.c. is a sequoia tree in a sequoia forest but he is the second-largest not the largest. The plot takes him as he meets the 3rd- 5th largest trees and more in the forest. So he doesn't feel so bad not being the largest living thing on Earth. Cute story about trees with animate feelings.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful picture book sharing the story of not being the best, and what to do about it. Oliver is always looking at what Sherman (the biggest and best and the one people come to see) has and what Oliver doesn't. Always.

The illustrations and text were well-matched and both advanced the story with honesty and humor, enough of both to keep it all in my mind days later.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SUPER cute book about a sequoia tree who is upset he is the second tallest tree, not the tallest. This would make a great story for storytime or an elementary group. Teaches the lesson that it is O.K. not to be the best.

[Laura Perdew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that not only helps kids understand that being first isn't the most important thing, but also contains great information about sequoias. Hopefully it will inspire kids and families to learn more about the giant sequoias and our national parks!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how this mentioned the largest or biggest, but also mentioned the 2nd runner-up, or first loser as some people would say. There is nothing wrong with being second. You are still in the race and still spectacular!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frustrated at being only second-largest, Oliver (sequoia tree) sets out to do something about it. But when his plans don’t work, his frustration opens him up to something he’d never noticed before and his whole attitude shifts. Includes a back page about other second-largest things.

[Andy Nordvall · Rating 5 out of 5]

OLIVER THE SECOND-LARGEST LIVING THING ON EARTH. Artist does a great job of personifying trees (Love Sherman’s leaf beard). And a great message for anyone who isn’t QUITE the best. We’re all part of something larger.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oliver is kinda bummed that he's not the biggest tree but is cheered at being part of Sequoia National Forest.
Cute illustrations. I especially enjoyed the afterward that gave examples of other second-largest things- this idea could be expanded into a whole book!

[Delaney June Dorko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adored this book that I found at the library. Absolutely adding it to my list of “want to buy” books. It’s perfect for a family who likes to journey to the National parks and associated places.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I expected less and got more, but it was kind of sad and it’s always the same trope.

[Alida · Rating 4 out of 5]

You cant always be number 1, but there is always plenty of 2s and 3s and 4s that you can share your experiences with.

[Beth Honeycutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story. Loved the illustrations and the message:)

[Jenniferh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for my Tree storytime. Nice book about being happy with who you are.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/23/19 Read with Julia

[David Haggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations by John Taesoo Kim are good, and the facts at the back listing the second and the first of each set are illuminating.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about winning and losing, and particularly about being who you are and finding joy in that. Talk to your children about the phrase "standing in someone's shadow."

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beehive Nominee 2021

[Launna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good info. A little bit off in the attitude or something for me.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book!