Hole in the Tree

by Jean Craighead George

Classic children's story, suitable for ages 4-10.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Nature, Childrens

Library Binding

First published June 1, 1968

About the author

Jean Craighead George wrote over eighty popular books for young adults, including the Newbery Medal-winning Julie of the Wolves and the Newbery Honor book My Side of the Mountain. Most of her books deal with topics related to the environment and the natural world. While she mostly wrote children's fiction, she also wrote at least two guides to cooking with wild foods, and an autobiography, Journey Inward.

The mother of three children, (Twig C. George, Craig, and T. Luke George) Jean George was a grandmother who joyfully read to her grandchildren since the time they were born. Over the years Jean George kept one hundred and seventy-three pets, not including dogs and cats, in her home in Chappaqua, New York. "Most of these wild animals depart in autumn when the sun changes their behaviour and they feel the urge to migrate or go off alone. While they are with us, however, they become characters in my books, articles, and stories."

Reviews

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled on a vintage edition of this gem, so I wasn't sure if Jean George was the same Jean Craighead George. A quick flip through convinced me-- same engaging, scientific style as her better known works. What a treat. I want a hundred more books like this one.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of how a hole came to be in an apple tree. What started out as a hole made by a bark beetle grew into a larger hole as time passed, as other wildlife creatures enlarged it to fit their needs until Scot and Paula who were siblings were able to look through the hole. The subtle act of nature is described in a scientifically accurate approach.

[Maren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, living book that tells the story of a home in a tree and all of its inhabitants over the years.

[Lara Lleverino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Live this book. Good for so many reasons. Wonderful story to read before a nature walk!

[Nathaniel Buffington]

A story about two curious kids peering into a hole in a tree, and discovering more about the animals that could live inside. An informative book on nature.

[Jane Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet little story with marvelous illustrations. The babies loved this very much. Read as a natural history selection.

[KerryT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent children’s book! So interesting! I was smiling through the whole book and I even learned something! The illustrations are beautiful!