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How Does a Tree Become a Tree?

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Teaching a child to love trees is the first step in creating a better future for our planet. This book delightfully shares the cycle of life of trees with young readers as it teaches love for Mother Nature.

24 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2020

4 people are currently reading
22 people want to read

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5 stars
32 (80%)
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5 (12%)
3 stars
3 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Rosh.
2,493 reviews5,353 followers
January 24, 2023
In a Nutshell: A simple enough book that explains to children how a tree comes into being.

The process is explained in easy words, right from a seed falling off a tree and going all the way till the new tree sends off its own seeds into the world. There are some things that go beyond what was essential, such as the tree being our friend, and the word for a group of trees. But there were also some concepts that I had expected to be a part of the book but weren’t, such as the development of flowers and fruits, and the importance of trees in nature. (It goes so much beyond ‘providing shade for picnics.’)

The language is easy and the illustrations bright and sweet, both thus being suitable for pre-K readers.

The cover art reminded me of the cover of Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree, a book that I had loved in my childhood but have strong mixed feelings about now. Thankfully, the content in this book is not similar.

I just couldn’t figure out why the lion had to be in the book! It was funny but also weird.

All in all, a nice book that works decently for younger children. It’s a bit too short and too simplistic for slightly older age groups. The final copy needs a round of proofreading.
(As this is already published long back, I am not sure if the ARC I received is the same as the published version. But my copy had pagesetting and proofing errors.)

3.5 stars.

My thanks to BookBuzz.net and NetGalley for the DRC of “How Does A Tree Become A Tree?” This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.



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Profile Image for Star Gater.
1,956 reviews62 followers
January 31, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and the independent publisher for accepting my request to read and review How Does A Tree Become A Tree?.

Author: Joshua Goodson
Published: 11/10/20
Genre: Children's Fiction | Outdoors & Nature | Parenting & Families

Loved the illustrations and the story. They worked seamlessly together. The story is short and sweet, every step is identified. My mind was ahead of the story wondering when Arbor Day was and who I could gift this to.
Profile Image for Catherine Craig (Angelic Light).
1,208 reviews20 followers
August 28, 2023
My daughter and I enjoyed reading this cute book about trees. She learned how they grow from a seed to a sapling, to a tree, the different parts of trees, and how trees help people, such as, they give us oxygen and we give them carbon dioxide. My daughter was amazed and interested in all of this, so it was really fun to read it with her.

The graphics in the book are quirky and fun, and the text is easy to read. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ingrid Jennings.
Author 5 books56 followers
January 11, 2022
Great learning tool

As a science teacher, this is an awesome book and I can’t wait to share it with my class. It explains how a tree grows in a very simple way. Nice illustrations and awesome message!
Profile Image for NBPB Reviews.
303 reviews44 followers
August 4, 2022
It all starts with seed from another tree that finds a cozy place and grows into a sapling. Then, soil, rain, and shine help it strengthen its roots and thrive to reach the sky. Afterward, it becomes home too many, a shadow to some, and a lifesaver for everyone. Now, the tree produces more seeds, and they become trees too.
Book Page
We picked the book as its cover mimics the famous giving tree’s cover. The book talks about the journey of a seed to a majestic tree. A child can learn about the process in a story-like manner and understand the importance of trees’ role on the earth. The illustrations are simple and work well for the story.
A good pick to teach children about the journey of a tree and its importance.
Read our full review at Nothing But Picture Books
Profile Image for Kristine L..
661 reviews50 followers
January 26, 2023
It starts with a seed. Then a tree takes root, grows, and matures into a lush and beautiful sapling that provides shade and comfort for people and animals in this sweet and clever story for young readers.

Rain, sun, soil, and time all go into the growing of a tree, which in time provides shade for picnics “and sometimes… lions." When the grown tree drops seeds itself, the cycle is repeated. Readers also learn that trees produce oxygen so people can breathe.

Young readers also learn that when trees “hang out together,” they're called a “grove.” Trees are also friendly. They listen and make soft rustling sounds. They provide shade and a place to rest. So if you ever feel alone, just remember that trees are your friends. In fact, “a tree is where it all begins!’

This simple but clever story will fascinate young readers. With minimal text and brief, bite-sized sentences, the story will engage young minds and draw them into basic botany and other sciences. Beautifully illustrated, Joshua Goodson’s How Does a Tree Become a Tree? is a delightful read!
Profile Image for Theresa.
8,395 reviews137 followers
January 23, 2023
How Does A Tree Become A Tree?
by Joshua Goodson

A beautifully simple explanation for trees, for early readers. This is a great picture book for classes, showing line art and representation of the world through cartoon line art. It can sponsor art classes to illustrate their writing. I can see it used in a kindergarten science class to allow them to use simple language to explain science concepts. This fits into the curriculum of kindergarten and first grade looking at plants and growth. The simple wording can also help children comprehend the subject of books and the use of plants for oxygen.
Profile Image for Nina Neefe.
Author 4 books14 followers
May 15, 2021
Every Child Should Hug a Tree!

In this day and age of our fast-paced, high-tech, overstimulated society, it is so important for our children to grow up respecting and loving nature. This is a darling book with warm, relaxing illustrations teaching the basics of tree life. Thank you for including to “HUG A TREE.” I was thinking that as I was reading along!
196 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2021
Great Book!

I really enjoyed this book! It teaches readers how a tree grows from a seed into a big tree and starts its own tree family. Readers also learn that they can be friends to trees. This book is simple enough for small readers to understand. The illustrations are very nice. I recommend this book!
1,320 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2023
I hate being a Debbie Downer with my review, but this book was a little more simplistic than I had expected.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review How Does a Tree Become a Tree in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Joshua Goodson the author and Independently Published. Publication date is 10 Nov 2020.
Profile Image for Alissa Manning-Telisak.
192 reviews
April 9, 2023
How Does a Tree Become a Tree? is a very simplistic book, both in text and illustrations. It gives a very succinct account of how a tree becomes a tree. This would be a good book for younger elementary students, as it lends the opportunity to talk about the life cycle of a tree and taking care of our earth. The illustrations are vibrant, whimsical, and not overwhelming. It is a lovely book.
Profile Image for Jo.
972 reviews16 followers
June 27, 2023
The description doesn't go well with what I experienced reading the book. It started with a seed, and nature nurtures it to grow and become a tree itself, and produce seed that can be the next trees. They are important to us, so we can breathe and take comfort in it. A beautiful reminder to us, that trees are also need to be nurtured to give us oxygen (and less floods, in my opinion.) and food.
1 review
November 24, 2020
Bright new author/illustrator's first offering, probably going to be collectible.

"How Does A Tree Become A Tree?" has a unique, lovely message, coupled with whimsically-delightful artwork. (Random lions!!) Wish it was a tad longer.
Author 7 books
April 10, 2021
This book is a good book to teach children about how trees grow and provide oxygen and so much more to benefit people. I believe it's so important to teach children at a young age about our responsibility to protect nature around us.
Profile Image for Cindy Shirley.
Author 16 books41 followers
April 18, 2021
Beautiful story for young readers

This book has adorable illustrations and a very important message for readers. A trees circle of life is a great way to explain the importance of mother nature.
Profile Image for Julie Lyford.
Author 2 books11 followers
April 21, 2021
It’s Ok To Hug A Tree

This gentle story tells how a tree comes to BE. It is educational and yet still entertaining - most won’t even realize that they are learning, they will just enjoy the colorful illustrations and fun story.
Profile Image for Karen Pessoa.
274 reviews7 followers
May 2, 2021
Love and care for the earth's

This is a fantastic book that teaches children about the life cycle of trees and the beauty of Mother Nature. The lesson is this book teaches young children to love and care for the earth. Beautifully illustrated. A must read.
Profile Image for Favour Usifo.
Author 20 books1 follower
May 18, 2021
Entertaining and educational

I enjoyed reading this book to the kids. They not only learned about how trees come to be, but had fun in the process. It’s a great book for nature lovers.
36 reviews
June 17, 2021
Lovely Earth Day Book

Excellent story on the lifespan of a tree. I like how the author talks about the growth stages of trees and their contribution to the ecosystem. Great book to add to your families library.
Profile Image for Joseph.
23 reviews
December 15, 2021
Simple. Beautiful.

Wonderfully simple narration of the age-old history of all living and growing things. I really enjoyed reading through it, even as an adult. How often we forget the beauty in the simple laws of God’s amazing world.
Profile Image for Curtis Andrews.
149 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2022
Tree Of Life!

This book is about the life cycle of a free. The author takes the reader on a journey to illustrate how a tiny seed can grow into a huge tree. The book offers up a few reason why trees are important to mankind. What a wonderful book!
Profile Image for Melanie J. J..
Author 3 books3 followers
June 20, 2022
Breaks down life cycle of a tree

This book shows how an acorn becomes a sprout, then a sapling, then a tree in easy to understand language for children. The illustrations are bright and adorable.
Profile Image for Riska (lovunakim).
230 reviews38 followers
January 26, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love how the author explains how a tree become a tree with beautiful illustration, it’s easy to understand. I will buy a book like this for my future children. 💖
Profile Image for Leah Orr.
Author 17 books383 followers
July 14, 2021
Tree Love

This book is a beautiful adaptation of the life of a tree. Great for kids at home and in the classroom.
Profile Image for Sherrel Campbell.
11 reviews
October 21, 2021
Good Book

Lovely book to teach children the life of a tree and how important they are to us. Love the simple illustrations.
Profile Image for Jessi.
Author 9 books60 followers
November 6, 2021
Growing

This is a simple sweet story of how tree’s grow from watering to the seed where it begins. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jessica Ayala.
75 reviews
December 7, 2021
Lovely read about trees

I liked the cute expressive way to show children how a tree grows. My children liked the book as well. They’re 6 years old.
Author 41 books4 followers
January 10, 2022
Adorable!

I absolutely love love love the “simple” illustrations that have a powerful presentation and strong message!
One of my new favorites!
Profile Image for Jelp Shinholster.
14 reviews
January 12, 2022
Hug a Tree

A lovely book that teaches the process of how a tree becomes a tree. I love that the book talks about the importance of trees and encouraging people to grow there own.
Profile Image for Chester Sing.
200 reviews15 followers
June 22, 2022
lovely book!

I love the simple lines and clean illustrations in this book. Great for inspiring a love for nature in our little ones!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews