"An engaging, effectively illustrated introduction to a rarely covered nature subject for young readers." —Kirkus Reviews
"This is a great introduction to the scientific theories of tree communication and should arouse curiosity in little ones." —San Francisco Book Review
“Unique, informative, charming, simple, elegant, and memorable.” —Midwest Book Review
“This book will help a child to build a lifelong connection to nature by learning about the secret and tender life of trees and the magical web of life that surrounds and supports us.”—Tara Zupancic, MPH, Public Health Scientist
“We are taught that trees are givers of life. The cedar tree is only one of the many trees of this world. For us it provides clothing, baskets, and ornaments for our many ceremonies. Within this amazing book are many examples of the importance that all trees have for us. We must honour, protect and allow trees to live forever.”—Joseph Dandurand, author of The Sasquatch, the Fire and the Cedar Baskets
“What better way to teach us how to care for trees than to learn that they, too, have mothers? I love this book.”—Scot Ritchie, author of Lilliana and the Frogs
“Combining tree facts with fun illustrations and cute characters, Do Trees Have Mothers? shows young children the importance of forest conservation by demonstrating the interconnectedness of forest species."—Judy Hilgemann, author of The Great Grizzlies Go Home
“The art invites you in and the story fills your heart. A testament to our deep connection with nature, you will never look at the forest the same way again!”—Robert (Lucky) Budd, co-author of the First West Coast Book series
“A delightfully warm and informative book about the power of trees, written in a way any child can understand.”—Adrian Raeside, author of The Rainbow Bridge
“Do Trees Have Mothers? beautifully explains how the forest is one big, interconnected family. The vibrant and inviting illustrations captivate young audiences as they learn about the magic of trees.”—Kathy Sager, early childhood educator, author of Mother Reindeer’s Journey to the Sun
“If you are looking for a book that helps children develop a lifelong connection to nature, “Do Trees Have Mothers?” by Charles Bongers is a good place to start. A delightfully curious squirrel named “Nuts” teaches us how some trees nurture and mother their offspring in similar ways animals care for their babies. The illustrations, rendered in a soothing colour pallet with rhythmic lines, are lively and witty. The approachable and whimsical text is based on the latest research on the complex and fascinating ways in which trees are connected as a community. This delightful book will help to nurture future generations of tree planters and tree huggers!”—Lori Weidenhammer, author of Victory Garden for Bees
2022-03-10
Nuts the Squirrel explains how mother trees protect seedlings in this picture book.
Like pigs, ducklings, dogs, and cats, trees have mothers—who protect their babies from insects, filter pollution, and provide water to saplings in times of scarcity. “Mother trees are easy to spot,” Nuts says, “they’re the tall ones in the middle of all their babies.” Forest ecosystems are not just about animal life. Bongers’ story offers a refreshing exploration of how plants “talk” to one another that is useful in part because of its simplicity and visual appeal. The author’s offbeat, digital art wavers between the cartoonish and the near psychedelic. Nuts has bulging eyes and a funky little smile, and he’s accompanied by silly props to illustrate the actions he describes. But the transfer of information and water between tree root systems appears as a subterranean, swirling network in contrasting, complementary colors. Information about the world appears as small white lines and circles traveling from deep, mature roots to a sapling’s smaller ones. Satisfying symmetry and halos of pale light around the crowns of trees bring a nearly spiritual tone to the pictures even as cartoon animals goof off nearby. Endmatter helps adults find more information on mother trees and their place in the forest ecosystem.
An engaging, effectively illustrated introduction to a rarely covered nature subject for young readers.
