We Planted a Tree

by Diane Muldrow, Bob Staake (Illustrator)

We planted a tree and it grew up,

While it reached for the sky and the sun. . . .

In this simple poem illustrated by award winner Bob Staake, two young families in two very different parts of the world plant a tree. As the trees flourish, so do the families . . . while trees all over the world help clean the air, enrich the soil, and give fruit and shade.

With a nod to Kenya’s successful Green Belt Movement, Diane Muldrow’s elegant text celebrates the life and hope that every tree—from Paris to Brooklyn to Tokyo—brings to our planet. Perfect for young readers!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nature, Environment, Storytime, Science, Gardening

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Diane Muldrow grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She later attended Ohio University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Magazine Journalism and a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts: Dance. After her graduation, Diane moved to New York. She spent several years performing as an actress and dancer in New York’s downtown avant-garde performance scene. She also danced in a performance at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall and had her own one-woman shows.

Diane has also had a successful career in publishing, both as an editor and as an author. She has written over 100 books for children. Diane lives in Brooklyn, New York, where she enjoys trying new recipes and eating in local restaurants.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I mostly loved this one because of Bob Staake's illustrations, but it is a nice story of all the wonders performed by a tree: shade, cleaning the air, providing fruit and maple syrup, feeding and sheltering animals, and above all - making the world a better place.

Beautiful sentiment, beautiful book.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice story about the importance of planting trees, how they help not only beautify our towns and cities but provide homes for wildlife and protect against soil erosion, etc. I enjoyed how the story showed people enjoying and caring for trees in a variety of cultures and locations around the world. Not my favorite style of illustrations but I appreciated all the diversity in both culture, nature and architecture they depicted. A good choice for Arbor Day.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice ode to a tree, with an environmental message that isn't too heavy-handed. It says that if we take care of and plant trees, they will help us in return, by providing us with oxygen, shade, wood, flowers, nuts and fruit. They nurture and anchor the soil and make the Earth a nice place to live. Allowing them to grow and flourish will give us a better future. The illustrations are whimsical and colorful and the narrative has a hopeful theme.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So lovely, and just right for kids to see "what's the big deal about trees?" Not didactic, it shows different families who plant trees and experience all the good that happens, from cool shade to fruit to soil conservation to cleaner air. Makes me want to, well, plant a tree!

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two families from different cultures and different parts of the world, plant a tree. Those trees grow and nourish not only the families but help the heal the world. The contrasting colors and hues seems to align with the comparison of the two growing families. I appreciate the author/illustrator duo paying a tribute to Kenya's Green Belt Movement. I was unaware of this movement and it is amazing how children's books can be used to educate children and adults about important issues here and over seas. Great book!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the pictures, and I like that the environmental message comes through without being overbearing or preachy. It is just a fun, simple story.

[Teddi · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 3 year old daughter and I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing the families in the book grow up. We found a lot of things to talk about through the illustrations on each page. I pointed out the families and how they were growing throughout the book just like trees were. I loved that the book was multicultural and it felt like the tree was symbolic for humanity and living well with the earth and each other...at least the way I read it to my daughter. She has asked me to read the book to her every day since we checked it out of the library.

[Slayermel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this today at work, to the children before rest time.
We learned about trees and all that they do for us while they grow. I think this is one of those books that we will read a few times so all the messages start to sink in.
Each time we read it I'm sure they will pick up on something new for us to discuss.
Lovely illustrations.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This colorful picture book is a fun look at how important trees are to our lives. It shows all the benefits trees bring to people and communities. I think kids will really enjoy the illustrations and positive message. Highly recommended for Grades K-2.

[Maggi Rohde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the rhythm of the words and the detail in the pictures. It was sweet without being too cloying, and the message was just right for K-1. My six-year-old says, "I loved all the color."

[Jenny]

We enjoyed the illustrations taking us around the world! The kids had fun recognizing famous landmarks, and guessing the country or region by what they saw in the pictures.

[Judy Desetti · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one is good for sharing in April for Earth Day. It gives a view of the purpose and importance of trees.I did not like the illustrations. I also thought it was a bit confusing as it jumped around the world showing various families planting trees. After two readings I understood better about how to use the book with students and explaining how people all over the planet plant trees for a variety of reasons.

However it got good reviews so maybe I am in the minority. what do you think?


School Library Journal (March 1, 2010)

PreS-Gr 4-With a synergistic mesh of lyrical language and bright, expansive illustrations, this picture book enumerating the many benefits of trees is a winner. Muldrow's poetic text shapes beauty from simple observations: "The sunshine went into the buds,/And soon they burst open./Everywhere it was pink./And we were dizzy/With springtime." As the text describes the growth of the tree and the many benefits it provides (shade, clean air, fruit, sap, and holding the soil, among others), Staake's signature modernized cartoon-style illustrations circle the globe, showing families in New York, Vermont, Japan, Kenya, France, and Italy as they enjoy what the trees have to offer. Enjoyable and informative, this beautiful presentation of a clear ecological message is perfect for sharing on Earth Day, Arbor Day, or in ecology units.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ordered the book from the library because Bob Staake did the illustrations and he was the one chosen to do the illustration the August 30th 2014 National Book Festival in Washington DC. http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/multimedi... He is also the author and illustrator of "Bluebird," a beautifully shared and illustrated story. "Bluebird" makes me a fan. The more I look at his illustrations, the more I enjoy them. He, like Mo Willems, makes his art accessible to kids...I could do that. More than anything that's the reaction I want when I share a book with children. I want them to enjoy the story and also be empowered to use their own ideas and talents. This is an interesting design book of simple and complex patterns. As to the story, I and my two and a half year old enjoyed it. Others have described its details. We'd read it again and it would be a good match for Earth Day, Arbor Day, international perspectives about the different kinds of trees and vegetation that grow around the world in its myriad environments.

[Kevin White · Rating 2 out of 5]

I informed my students that I had some books to read for Cocky. I told my students that Cocky wanted to know what books he should read to boys and girls. The students were absolutely thrilled to be apart of this adventure. They were very involved and engaged in the books and in the discussions regardings the things they liked or disliked about each book.

A lot of the students did not really enjoy this book. It did not appear that this book really captured their attention. I feel that there are so many other great books that I would use, especially for Earth Day, rather than this one. I do not feel that this would be a great book for Cocky to read aloud as it does not really motivate students to get involved in the story. I did like that their were two different families being represented in the illistrations.

[Randi Triantafillou · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Planted a Tree, Is not only a very informative book but is it is very diverse and the illustrations are extremely appealing to the eye. This book explains how trees grow and not only that but gives different aspects of the seasons and the illustrations incorporate diverse cultures. This book would be a great resource to use for a read aloud with students, because many open ended questions can be developed from this story to expand on knowledge and experience of students. Lastly it shows the importance of "ONE TREE" which can make a difference, this can relate and impact the importance that individuals see in themselves.


Randi T (3703)

[Meghan Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story told all the advantages of planting a tree and taking care of it. It talked about the healthy soil it will produce for other plants, the breeze, and the shade it provides, the fruit that grows on it, and how it helps people breath better. I enjoyed this book because it was diverse. It showed families of different races planting the tree and that can make it even more enjoyable for more kids.

[Katelyn Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two families in different parts of the world both plant a tree. As the trees grew, each one one brought different things to the families and the families grew. This poem shows a wonderful story of how families in different places grow together and that while they are different, they are are also very similar.

[Saylah Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is appropriate for children ages 5-8. It would make a great natural science lesson and there are numerous activities that this story can supplement to promote student engagement. The book teaches children the many ways that trees are good for the environment. This includes how trees benefit other plants, animals, and humans.

[Tsuyu Ko]

This book has very unique illustration. Two families both planted a tree and the story starts there. A tree help people to grow and provide a comfort zone. It is a simple poetry and very easy for little kids to understand.

[Alejandra Tinoco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked reading this book because it gives more information about planting a tree and how it helps our evironment. This is an easy read for students who are interested in science.

Six Traits: Presentation, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency

Lexile: AD510L
AR Level: 2.7

[Wendy Bamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s not to like about this book? Lovely informative poem about the benefits of planting trees. Told in easy flowing language, actually gives a good introduction for younger students, perfect for complimenting a classroom inquiry into trees.

[Shari (Shira) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book shares all the benefits of trees shown in various setting around the world with a multiethnic cast. Great read aloud choice for Arbor Day or Earth Day.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this book was about how important trees are and that you can plant one almost anywhere.

Lexile Measures: AD620L
DRA Levels: 28

Presentation

[Tessa Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suggest people should read a wonderful book called we planted a tree its beauty for nature. I love the glorious pages. The first reason to read we planted a tree is everyone planted a tree and there was friendship in the history of the world. They all love the earth but together. For example trees help us by giving us shade for a hot summer day. The second thing they give us is oxygen. Another reason to read this book is they started to grow other food to save money. I think that's a great idea and like for their world. For example they grew corn and onions. Also cabbage and beans in the planted dark rich dirt. I prefer you should read we planted a tree. If you ever see it I am sure you should get it for your family.


Sloan F.

[Isabella Beato · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has both fictional and factual writing involved in it. The pictures are very well done with vibrant colors to describe a tree’s growth. Though this book was well illustrated, I found it to be slightly boring and wished for their to be more to the story. I enjoyed it being about a family planting the tree together, but I felt like it was missing something.

[Mia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever rated a children’s book, but the grammar is so terrible I had to. It also says that a single tree provided apples, oranges, lemons, and acorns, while the pictures show multiple trees.

[Joann Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. It was an inclusive look at the benefits of nurturing plant life, to nurture human life and how we all can enjoy the beauty of nature. The illustrations were colorful and fun!

[Linda Moskalyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book about the importance of taking care of the environment by planting trees. It explains why this is important in a short condensed way that keeps their attention. My 3 year old Granddaughter had us read it over and over again.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at how planting a tree impacts communities around the world.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple text for young readers. Shares the benefits of planting trees and taking care of our earth.