Definitely some deep roots of nostalgia in this one as most of us have memories of content childhoods spent in and around special trees in our neighborhoods. There’s something about a tree. It’s a natural creator of community — people gather around them, kids designate them as meeting spots on summer mornings and they are settings for adventures and hours of imaginative play. Commitments are carved into their trunks. Weddings take place at them. They’re also places where we spend time alone, sitting and connecting with our thoughts, or deeply engaged in a story for the afternoon.
The Things That I LOVE about TREES is the loveliest ode to trees with observations about their many changes throughout the year and reasons why they hold such dear places in our hearts. In addition, readers learn arboreal habits of each season, such as how trees do most of their growing in spring and early summer. And how “in hot weather, a big tree can drink as much as bathtubful” of water each day! Charlotte Voake’s delicate, soft palette and organic, expressive line is a perfect complement to Chris Butterworth’s unique text.
The Things That I LOVE about TREES was written by Chris Butterworth, illustrated by Charlotte Voake and published by Candlewick Press. Out on March 13.