Product Description

Alice is dismayed when one day the leaves on the old oak tree start to fall. Although she can't save the tree, Alice remembers something that gives her hope: the acorns she collected when the tree was still healthy.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #337999 in Books
• Published on: 1996-02-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780395764787
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
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From Publishers Weekly
"Nostalgia and timeliness merge seamlessly in this uncommonly evocative picture book," said PW in a starred review. "The story's emotional impact-and environmental message-are movingly reinforced by Himler's delicate paintings." Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-- A sensitive book with an environmental theme. A family relaxes and engages in picnics, naps, storytelling, and plain fun under a gigantic old oak tree on their country property. One day, young Alice notices that the grass under the tree smells funny and is turning yellow. The oak's leaves start to fall, even though it is spring. A tree doctor discovers that the soil has been poisoned, probably by illegally dumped chemicals. Neighbors pitch in: the poisoned dirt is carted off, the fire department sprays water, sacking is wrapped around top branches, and the telephone company loans poles from which to hang sunscreens. The tree dies despite the efforts to save it. Finally, Alice remembers her collection of acorns, which she rushes out and plants in healthy ground near the tree. Himler's soft, realistic watercolors spread over double pages and complement the sensitive, poetic mood of the story. In increasing numbers, teachers are asking for picture books on ecological issues. This title joins Van Allsburg's Just a Dream (Houghton, 1990) and Ruth Brown's The World That Jack Built (Dutton, 1991) in serving that demand. --Jacqueline Elsner, Athens Regional Library, GA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"Himler's sensitive, evocative watercolors make a fine complement to the lyrical, perceptive text." -- Review

Customer Reviews

A sentimental beauty of a book
I found this book at the library and cried when I read it. The story is that of a young family coping with the loss of their special tree that died from poisin someone had dumped nearby. The daughter is confused and asks the philosophical question,"Why did it die?" and the father answers "Trees get old and die." To which she replies "But not like this." You see the tree was healthy and full of life. It was sudden and unexpected as death often is. The book has an inspirational ending when the daughter remembers her acorn collection and decides to plant one so that the tree lives on in some way.

I bought this book for a friend whose husband died suddenly at the peak of his life, his young daughter only six months old. I think this book would be great for anyone who needs some help explaining death to children. It would be a great stepping stone especailly for kids reluctant to discuss their grief. I wouldn't be surprized if child psychologists have reccommended this book for just that.

A sentimental beauty of a book
I found this book at the library and cried when I read it. The story is that of a young family coping with the loss of their special tree that died from poisin someone had dumped nearby. The daughter is confused and asks the philosophical question,"Why did it die?" and the father answers "Trees get old and die." To which she replies "But not like this." You see the tree was healthy and full of life. It was sudden and unexpected as death often is. The book has an inspirational ending when the daughter remembers her acorn collection and decides to plant one so that the tree lives on in some way.

I bought this book for a friend whose husband died suddenly at the peak of his life, his young daughter only six months old. I think this book would be great for anyone who needs some help explaining death to children. It would be a great stepping stone especailly for kids reluctant to discuss their grief. I wouldn't be surprized if child psychologists have reccommended this book for just that.

Excellent-Meaningful
A great book!This talks about growing up and planting atree. As the tree ages, so does she. One spring, the tree doesn't makegreen leaves. They call a tree doctor. The doctor tells them that their tree is sick. Every day they go visit the tree. They talk to it and tell it to have hope. The family does everything possible to help the tree. Others stop and leave notes and gifts for the tree. I found this book to be great. It is a real life situation that could happen to any tree. Even though it is almost a picture book, I found it to be a great book. If you have kids or younger siblings, read it to them. I am pretty sure that they will like it too.