Franklin's Trees

by A.J. Schenkman, Lauren Reese (Illustrations)

“All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on The Hudson River,” President Franklin Roosevelt once declared. For it was at his home in Hyde Park, New York that FDR could indulge in his favorite avocation—“tree farmer.” This book introduces children to FDR’s love of nature through a lifetime in which he oversaw the planting of over a million trees on his estate. It tells of a childhood hiking the trails through his forest, later widening those trails into roads after polio deprived him of the use of his legs and only able to get around by car. It describes the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, which came to be known as “Roosevelt’s Tree Army.” It also tells the story of how FDR sent England’s Prime Minister Winston Churchill a Norway spruce one Christmas to cheer up the English people. Today, FDR’s love of trees is remembered at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York, where many of the trees he planted still rise on the grounds and surrounding forest.

Genres: Picture Books

40 pages, Hardcover

Published July 2, 2024

About the author

A. J. Schenkman is a teacher of history in the Hudson Valley and a volunteer firefighter. He has written extensively on the history of Ulster and Orange Counties. The rare, vintage images contained in his books were culled from numerous local and national archives.

Reviews

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pictorial stance on the childhood life of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his avocation for plantation. This is showing his love for nature and how even after being the Prez one day he didn't even forget the tree plantation. He got Polio but that too didn't stopped him for roaming around his estate. However, this is so ironical that this nature lover became the murderer of more than 200000 humans when he decided to drop Atom bomb on Japan's cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

When there comes a telling of someone's life one must remember how he and his harsh decisions affected the world in wrong manner. The Planning to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima & Nagasaki were the violations of the laws and customs of any war. Attacks did not distinguish between military and civilian targets and hence inflicted unnecessary sufferings to millions for decades to come.

There is a mention in excerpt as 'Today, FDR’s love of trees is remembered at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York, where many of the trees he planted still rise on the grounds and surrounding forest.'
There must also be a 'Global War Park' made and he should be remembered there as an anti-human President of America along with Harry Truman; and not just that but what was more heinous is that he started this stream of human killings in the name of saving a world by the people who holds office in White House.

Where was that creation of the 'Civilian Conservation Corps' during the Great Depression, which came to be known as “Roosevelt’s Tree Army"??
He forgot all when it comes to win the war and left generations of people of japan erased from the history of this world. Only if he denied Manhattan project but he secured funding for the same which his prodigy Truman set alive.
Sending Christmas tree to Churchill and bombs to Japan.
He even stated a term 'UNITED NATIONS' to cover his wrong unethical war doings by showing how courteous and empathetic US and its allies were by sending medical aids and through those helping aid they can easily spy on the countries they assign those workers from United Nations in. He was the true architect of discrimination and racism in this modern world which later helped America putting multiple sanctions on all those countries with talent who could challenge US upfront.

I liked the aquarelle illustrations by Lauren Reese and the boyhood story of FDR but to no value when Character is bad. People remembered for their doings not hobbies. I, though, appreciate the writer for his appraising of FDR as most of his works are based on the glory of his country. But, One should not be idolized for anything unless there would be wrong character in coming of age of that idol for anyone to follow the suit for doing exactly what one's idol was doing. This fantasizing is worrisome and idolizing is the biggest threat to world if one really consider it as a family.

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[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This kids book was so endearing, from the text on FDR’s love of trees to the illustrations. I did not realize the impact nature had on him! It made me happy to think of his love of Mother Nature and his time on the trails, without political views. I think children would enjoy learning this side of the leader.

[WriterRo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an educator with a deep love for nature and frequent hikes, Franklin's Trees by A.J. Schenkman truly resonated with me. This beautifully illustrated children's book is much more than just a historical account of Franklin D. Roosevelt's life—it's a moving tribute to his lifelong passion for the environment and a powerful educational tool for young readers.

Schenkman masterfully blends history with a love for nature, presenting Roosevelt's environmental legacy in a way that is both inspiring and informative. The book not only introduces children to the idea of environmental stewardship but also encourages them to think about their own role in preserving the natural world.

I found Franklin’s Trees to be the perfect book for sparking important conversations with young readers about conservation and the impact one person can have. It reminds us that, just like Roosevelt, we all have the potential to nurture a love for nature that can grow into something far-reaching and impactful.

For parents, educators, or anyone interested in instilling a love of nature and history in children, Franklin’s Trees is an absolute treasure. It’s a heartfelt and educational read that leaves a lasting impression.

#ShoutOutTales

[Shan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a unique and cute story!
I'll start off by talking about the illustrations. It is apparent that the illustrator, Lauren Reese, has a lot of talent. Every illustration was highly detailed and sketched in pencil/charcoal and then colored with peaceful watercolors. This definitely pushed the common theme of nature even further because the colors weren't too overpowering and reminded me of the great outdoors.
Now for the story and writing itself. This is written perfectly for kids. Sentences weren't too long or complex, which helps a young audience understand and stay engaged. In terms of the story, I think it could be written a little less like a basic historical paper. There's a really good idea here! I just felt like someone was spewing out facts about FDR for no reason. To fix this, I would really pinpoint the focus on FDR's love for trees, and extend that passion to readers by highlighting the importance of trees in everyday life in the modern world. This will make the book a lot more memorable and enjoyable for readers (especially young ones) and potentially inspire them to care for trees like the main character of the book.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a great story and really informative too.

It gives a brief overview of FDR and his love for the trees in his garden and nature.
It is a great book to inspire children to look in to his life in further detail.

The story is well written and it is easy to follow.

The layout of the book is great, the text is easy to read and a good size and the illustrations work well with the story too.

It is 4 stars from me for this one - highly recommended!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I have this thing about trees. I have favorite trees. Trees I go visit. Trees that have special memories. I may even have a crush on a tree or two. "There is nothing I love in nature so much as trees" FDR. This book is beautifully illustrated and tells the historical story of FDR, the CCC, and FDR's love of trees. I was given an advanced copy, and I loved this book!

[Jessica Whipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gentle stroll through the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (my favorite president!) using trees as a thread throughout. It touched on key events in his life and in history without overwhelming the reader with dense facts. I enjoyed the illustrations, too, which looked to be rendered in watercolor and pencil. I look forward to reading more of AJ Schenkman's work.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book to my little girls. They had never heard of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt before, but this was a good introduction to a man who accomplished a lot despite being paralyzed from the waist down. We all enjoyed the pictures, and learning to identify a few birds and trees from the labeled illustrations. Brief mention is made of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and World War II, but most of this book is about the trees, and Franklin’s love for them. The illustrations are clear, beautiful, colorful paintings.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.