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Trees
Explore a fantastical forest in this exquisite and lyrical picture book that celebrates all trees, from maple to elm to ginkgo to magnolia to redwood—written by award-winning author Tony Johnston.
Part poetry, part celebration of nature, each page of this stunning book brings readers deeper into the majestic world of trees. Old trees. Trees with shiny leaves shimmering after rain. And at night, trees holding out their limbs for the stars. Debut illustrator Tiffany Bozic created her striking artwork by painting directly on tree bark and the authenticity shines through in this meditative work.
Part poetry, part celebration of nature, each page of this stunning book brings readers deeper into the majestic world of trees. Old trees. Trees with shiny leaves shimmering after rain. And at night, trees holding out their limbs for the stars. Debut illustrator Tiffany Bozic created her striking artwork by painting directly on tree bark and the authenticity shines through in this meditative work.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published November 2, 2021
96 people want to read
About the author
Tony Johnston
142 books55 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Tony Johnston has written many acclaimed books for young people. She and her husband lived in Mexico for fifteen years, where they raised their children. She now lives in San Marino, California.
Tony Johnston has written many acclaimed books for young people. She and her husband lived in Mexico for fifteen years, where they raised their children. She now lives in San Marino, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 27, 2022
Absolutely beautiful in its simplicity, with ridiculously stunning art
July 12, 2021
The illustrations in this book left me in awe, showcasing just a few examples of how magnificent trees are and all the ways they grow and take shape. Trees is a simple and divine love letter to foliage and all they do for the Earth, taking a minute to breathe in their air and appreciate their beauty and splendor.
December 31, 2021
A love letter to trees. Beautifully illustrated.
December 11, 2021
This. Is. Stunning. I love trees <3
December 20, 2021
The text is simple and poetic, there is also a selection of info/references at the back, but really I was here for the lush pictures!
November 17, 2021
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Trees, written by Tony Johnston and illustrated by Tiffany Bozic, a gorgeous and enchanting ode to, well, trees.
What is more perfect than a tree? Gentle, spare free verse poetry leads readers through various musings on the wonders of trees; their love of the sky, the way they provide the perfect perch for songbirds, the wonder of their leaves and bark and the shade they provide. The way they invite us to climb, to sit under them with a good book, or simply to bask in the calm and peace of their spring blossoms.
A stunning ode to the simple magnificence of trees. The star of the show is Bozic’s absolutely jaw-dropping realist paintings of various trees, their environments, and the fauna that interacts with them. The details, colors, framing, and perspectives are all absolutely astounding, and readers can practically hear the rustle of the leaves in Bozic’s incredibly lifelike trees. Johnston’s sincere and earnest verse fits the tone perfectly, adding just the right amount of lyrical depth but knowing when to step back and let the visuals of trees themselves be the focus. This also makes this the perfect title for any age – the text is simple enough for even very young readers, and the art will astonish bookworms young and old. The length is perfect for a storytime, and JJ absolutely adored the artwork. An awesome way to appreciate the singular beauty of trees, and Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
March 26, 2022
Colorful, naturalistic illustrations and concise lines of poetic text celebrate trees and all they provide to our world.
The pictures, which show trees from a variety of vantage points, are really well done. They fill each two-page spread, and they really capture the details of bark, leaves, branches, and flowers. There are some people in some of the images, and I don't like those illustrations as well as I like the ones involving just nature. Somehow the mood of the text seems to be disturbed when there are people on the page. I do love the endpapers, which, at the beginning, show a series of shoots growing from seeds, and which, at the end, show a decaying tree on the forest floor. I also love the pictures showing the view looking up into a tree.
Because of its visual appeal, I might try this book in story time with certain audiences. It's a quiet one, so I'd definitely want to pair it with some books or songs that promote movement and participation, but with preschoolers I think a quiet book like this can be used to spark good discussions, especially since most kids will have had some experience with a tree no matter where they live.
Trees is an attractive picture book that celebrates the natural world. It would be a great addition to a preschool or early elementary program or curriculum focused on trees, plants, nature, etc. Though the text is more poetic than scientific, there are still some good jumping-off points for discussion and exploration of roots, leaves, animal habitats, and other connected topics.
I received a finished copy of Trees from Paula Wiseman Books in exchange for an honest review.
The pictures, which show trees from a variety of vantage points, are really well done. They fill each two-page spread, and they really capture the details of bark, leaves, branches, and flowers. There are some people in some of the images, and I don't like those illustrations as well as I like the ones involving just nature. Somehow the mood of the text seems to be disturbed when there are people on the page. I do love the endpapers, which, at the beginning, show a series of shoots growing from seeds, and which, at the end, show a decaying tree on the forest floor. I also love the pictures showing the view looking up into a tree.
Because of its visual appeal, I might try this book in story time with certain audiences. It's a quiet one, so I'd definitely want to pair it with some books or songs that promote movement and participation, but with preschoolers I think a quiet book like this can be used to spark good discussions, especially since most kids will have had some experience with a tree no matter where they live.
Trees is an attractive picture book that celebrates the natural world. It would be a great addition to a preschool or early elementary program or curriculum focused on trees, plants, nature, etc. Though the text is more poetic than scientific, there are still some good jumping-off points for discussion and exploration of roots, leaves, animal habitats, and other connected topics.
I received a finished copy of Trees from Paula Wiseman Books in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2025
Extraordinary illustrations! They are so gorgeous and really capture the beauty of different types of trees and the creatures who need, enjoy and/or admire them. Don't miss the notes from author and illustrator at the back. I geeked out a little knowing that the illustrations were painted on wooden panels -- knowing that, my son and I looked back through and appreciated the illustrations even more knowing the natural wood patterns that showed through. I love trees and this book touched my heart. Appreciate the back matter that identifies each tree shown in the main story and explains more about the importance of trees in our world, ways that trees can help combat climate change, organizations that protect and promote trees, and also the aforesaid author's note and illustrator's note that are so heartfelt.
March 24, 2024
OK, so why five stars for a really short kid's book?
Well, I checked this out by accident. I was trying to check out a bunch of books of nature photography from the library for artistic reference, and I mistakenly included this one. Since I had it and it was short, I decided to read it. Trees are personally very meaningful to me, and I believe planting and appreciating trees are both great ways to teach kids the value of protecting our planet and to make improvements to our world that have a lasting impact more than just instant gratification. I really like the book's message that trees are friends. When I have kids, I will buy them this book.
Well, I checked this out by accident. I was trying to check out a bunch of books of nature photography from the library for artistic reference, and I mistakenly included this one. Since I had it and it was short, I decided to read it. Trees are personally very meaningful to me, and I believe planting and appreciating trees are both great ways to teach kids the value of protecting our planet and to make improvements to our world that have a lasting impact more than just instant gratification. I really like the book's message that trees are friends. When I have kids, I will buy them this book.
May 25, 2022
Surely Tiffany Bozic did not meet any deadlines creating this book, for these illustrations are as detailed and robust as the trees she is depicting! Sprinkled in like falling leaves comes the poetic words of Tony Johnson, who has an ostensible adoration for trees. The drawings pay homage to a different tree with each turn of the page, while the words convey the characteristics of these gentle giants. I must add, the texture of each tree is conveyed so well that Bozic should really consider making a field guide for trees. Kids will be totally enraptured by this book!
May 19, 2021
This book is a beauty! The perspective the reader sees of the trees is unique and helps you feel what it would really be like to see some of these trees in person. Love the author/illustrator notes at the end (the pictures were actually painted on wood!) and the list of the trees featured in the book with a picture of each.
January 16, 2022
Wow, the illustrations are so, so, so gorgeous! This quiet book makes the reader pause to marvel about what we typically just drive by - trees. The end of the book is filled with additional facts about trees and places to go to learn more. I would be surprised if this did not get a 2022 Caldecott sticker!
"I like to read in the shade of a tree. Just a tree and me."
"I like to read in the shade of a tree. Just a tree and me."
May 18, 2022
The images are much much stronger than the words in this book. Very simple text could be good for a book that you put out on a nature table for children to explore on their own. The images and the small assortment of extra resources at the back earned the higher rating. The text alone would probably only be worth 2 stars.
December 19, 2021
I love trees. I love looking at them and taking pictures of them. This simple text picture book is gorgeously illustrated about trees. Several trees are highlighted throughout the book. Highly recommend for kids and adults who love beautifully illustrated books and lovers of trees.
February 17, 2022
A simply beautiful ode to trees. The image on each page is painted onto wood panels, making for gorgeous and unique artwork. Short and simple text makes this picture book a good read for young children.
August 6, 2022
The illustrations are breathtaking in their detail, realism, and use of light. The text isn't particularly memorable, and I wish that the trees had been identified throughout the book, not just at the end, but I'm still giving this five stars for the extraordinary illustrations.
August 13, 2023
This book is beautiful. The illustrations were striking, gorgeous, realistic, and made me feel at peace. Each page has a small amount of text perfect for a young child to digest. The pages are big and fill the vision with their lush, verdant images. I read this book with my son many times.
November 30, 2021
Beautiful illustrations - it makes me want to go to the forests and mountains.
December 3, 2021
The most beautiful non fiction book your students will ever read. The artwork is exquisite, the words poetic and sparse and marvelously evocative. This one is going on my coffee table, right now.
December 7, 2021
Stunning artwork!
January 3, 2022
This is a very simple beautiful introduction to trees.
January 3, 2022
Would be a great read aloud with a young child. Love the informational section at the end
January 19, 2022
Beautiful illustrations and informative through creative narrative.
January 19, 2022
Awe-inspiring. Magical. Tree lovers everywhere will want this book.
Appropriate for all ages, everyone, everywhere.
Appropriate for all ages, everyone, everywhere.
January 27, 2022
Stunning illustrations.
March 12, 2022
Gorgeous illustrations - painted on wood!
March 12, 2022
The illustrations are absolutely stunning, and I would love to add this book to our nature story path someday.
March 14, 2022
beautifully illustrated!
March 29, 2022
4.5 Simple text about trees that doesn't provide much new, but serves as a great reason to showcase gorgeous illustrations.
April 6, 2022
Loved this book. We looked at the pictures forever and dreamed about being there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews