Gift of the Tree

by Alvin Tresselt, Henri Sorensen (Illustrator)

Overview

Tresselt's classic story of The Dead Tree is given new life in this gloriously reillustrated volume. The role of an oak tree in the cycle of nature is revealed as an ancient tree, even as it dies and returns to the earth, provides nourishment for new life all around it. "Impressionistic illustrations beautifully reflect an evocative text." — Kirkus Reviews.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780688106843
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	03/28/1992
Edition description:	1st ed
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	153,107
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.25(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Henri Sorensen is the illustrator of I Love You As Much . . . , also by Laura Krauss Melmed; Wishes for You by Tobi Tobias; and The Gift of the Tree by Alvin Tresselt. He lives in Denmark with his wife and two daughters.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 1-3-- New illustrations breathe freshness into this book originally published as The Dead Tree (Parents, 1972; o.p.). It stands as a tribute to the mighty oak tree, focusing on its majesty in maturity, through gradual decline to final decay. The interdependence of plant and animal life is clearly evident, including both those that seek its shelter and those that hasten the decaying process to prepare the soil for new life. The original text stands the test of time, reaching its audience with power and emotion as it directs attention to the forces of nature at work. The writing style encourages the young to develop a sensitivity to all aspects of nature without lecturing. Illustrations stretch from : cover to cover across double-page spreads to immerse readers in a forest setting. Seasons and years fade one into another through impressionistic woodland scenes that form the background for the oak and various animals that appear in realistic form. Color tones reflect the seasons, as they are softly muted in fall and winter; more vivid in spring and summer. These illustrations are far more vibrant than those in the previous edition. A perfect choice to use with Romanova's Once There Was a Tree (Dial, 1985) and Hiscock's The Big Tree (Atheneum, 1991) to promote a full understanding of the natural cycle of trees, ever changing, ever renewing. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ

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