The Gift of the Tree

by Alvin Tresselt, Henri Sorensen (Illustrator)

Overview

Award-winning author Alvin Tresselt's classic story about the cycle of life is beautifully illustrated and an excellent resource for families.

The Gift of the Tree reveals the role of an ancient oak tree in the cycle of nature as it dies and returns to the earth, providing nourishment for new life all around it.

Originally published in 1972 under the title The Dead Tree, this story about the cycle of nature has never been more timely. Henri Sorensen’s exquisite paintings for this reillustrated edition capture all the beauty and power of the tree’s transformations.

As School Library Journal commented: "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."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780688106843
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	03/24/1992
Edition description:	1st ed
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,028,460
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.25(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Alvin Tresselt (1916-2000) grew up in Passaic, New Jersey and worked in children’s book publishing in New York City for many years. He is the author of more than 50 picture books, including the retelling of the Ukrainian folk tale The Mitten. His first of eighteen collaborations with Roger Duvoisin, White Snow, Bright Snow, earned the 1948 Caldecott Medal.

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

Impressionistic illustrations beautifully reflect an evocative text. — Kirkus Reviews

New illustrations breathe freshness into this book originally published as The Dead Tree (Parents, 1972; o.p.). [The illustrations] promote a full understanding of the natural cycle of trees, ever changing, ever renewing. — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

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

School Library Journal