Nell Plants a Seed

Nell Plants a Tree

Anne Wynter

illustrated by Daniel Miyares 2023

 A sweet reflection of family and time passing and the nurturing of each other through nature and a hope for the future.  As a group of kids (cousins perhaps?) climb and explore a big pecan tree, we are reminded that it all started when "Nell picks up a seed" and "waters the soil" and "plants a tree".  I've always loved books like this, that center on a place and the generations that pass through it.  Both the author and illustrator share their own family remembrances at the end.

Once There Was a Tree

Once There Was a Tree

Natalia Romanova

pictures by Gennady Spirin 1983

I was recently having a discussion with my friend Margaux about the kinds of art in picture books that thrill us.  (Although we are drawn to different styles, we do have some overlapping tastes- as our children's libraries can attest.)  I really love intricate and detailed drawings.  I'm not a huge fan of abstract or impressionist art.  I like when there are a million details and things to look at.  Gennady Spirin's pictures fit that bill.  His dark and moody paintings are rich with texture and detail.  They compliment this story about what is left of a tree that died in the forest and the different creatures that come to use it and claim it as their own.

A tree belongs to all, because it grows from the earth that is home for all.  

Sky Tree

Sky Tree

Thomas Locker 2001

Science and Art are a beautiful combination.  This book goes through the seasons experienced through a tree.  Thomas Locker's painting are used to ask the reader questions about nature and art.    

Other books by Thomas Locker:

Water Dance

What Tree Is It?

We worked on our nature journals yesterday. Henry and I found a spot on the hammock to read some of this book about trees. It gives interesting bits of information with some nice vintage 1950’s pictures and then a list of the tree names is in the back. Afterwards we walked around identifying and collecting leaves from some of the trees in our yard.

What Tree Is It?

Anna Pistorius 1955

Henry's journal page