Let’s explore a few more of the fantastic nonfiction children’s books that have been nominated for 2018 Cybils awards.
The Things That I LOVE about TREES by Chris Butterworth and illustrated by Charlotte Voake is a wonderful picture book for winter and for all seasons.
Summer trees are shady
and so full of leaves that
when the wind blows.
they swish like the sea.
Voake has an obvious affinity for trees and her watercolor and ink illustrations are mesmerizing. With a few strokes she can create the feel of an ancient forest or a swaying sapling.
This is not a loud, shouting book with illustrations filled with bright primary colors. It is more of a “hear the quiet rustling of a pale gray squirrel in the tree above” kind of book. In fact, because the text and illustrations are so serene, it is easy to disregard it as lightweight. That would be, however, a mistake. Butterworth and Voake have packed in a great deal of information about trees, if you only take a minute to look for it.
The Things That I LOVE about TREES is a delightful book. It might not be for everyone, but for youngsters who love nature and want a comfortable, quiet book, this is a good choice. Curl up with a copy today.
Related activities
Check the many activity suggestions in the back matter.
This time of year it can be fun to do a bark rubbing.
Hold a piece of paper firmly against a tree trunk and rub back and forth. You can use crayon or charcoal.
Compare the patterns from different kinds of trees.
If you want to read more books about trees for children, check our growing list at Science Books for Kids.
Age Range: 5 – 8 years
Publisher: Candlewick (February 28, 2018)
ISBN-10: 9780763695699
ISBN-13: 978-0763695699
ASIN: 0763695696
Disclosure: The book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.
Looking for more children’s nonfiction books? Try the Nonfiction Monday blog.