When a Tree Falls
Nurse Logs and Their Incredible Forest Power
-
- $1.99
Publisher Description
The perfect read for exploring nature with children, this beautiful nonfiction picture book offers an awe-inspiring look at the forest’s life cycle.
A tree suns and sways in the forest. She is a place to grow, to rest, and to shelter. But what happens when a tree falls? The answer will make your heart soar.
In this lyrical picture book, explore how the extraordinary nurse log provides a nutrient-rich space for new seedlings, shelters small animals, hosts different plant species, and, most profoundly, nurtures a new tree in the process, renewing the cycle of life. Young readers will be amazed by the nurse log’s resilience and its powerful connection to the forest’s past, present, and future.
BOOK ABOUT TREES & MUCH MORE: Every organism in the forest ecosystem is connected. This fascinating picture book powerfully illustrates how the end of one life in the forest can be the beginning of another.
FOR LOVERS OF NATURE: When a Tree Falls is a reminder of the wondrous ecosystems in our own backyards and the wild forest beauty we may discover by looking closely. It is ideal for families who enjoy being in nature.
LUSH ILLUSTRATIONS: The forest life is rendered with such richness and detail that it invites readers to immerse themselves in the endlessly inspiring natural world.
GORGEOUS GIFT: An excellent choice for a classroom book or as a gift for kids who love trees, spending time outdoors, and are mindful of environmental issues.
Perfect for:Kids who are interested in trees and forestsParents and grandparents of children who want to learn more about trees and forestsTeachers, educators, and librarians seeking beautiful nonfiction books with STEM contentGift-givers looking for a distinctive present for an animal- or nature-loving childAnyone seeking a picture book that promotes environmental awarenessReaders of Because of an Acorn, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Wake Up, Woodlands
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Nurse logs receive much-deserved appreciation in this poetic profile by Pendreigh and Boschinger, which highlights the majestic afterlife of fallen trees. Staccato text describes the starring subject's early existence: "A lookout,/ an aerie,/ a roost,/ a roof." After the woody figure tumbles, it takes on a new, critical role as woodland helpmate. Both rhythmic and informative, spare lines communicate the nurse log's vital role providing nourishment, shelter, and comfort for the forest's many critters: "Nurse Log mothers them all./ She is a lap,/ a bed,/ a cradle." Textural, verdant artwork includes an absorbing level of detail in depictions of rough-surfaced bark, fuzzy black bears, and soft layers of lichen and moss. Human figures are portrayed with various skin tones. Back matter discusses the importance of nurse logs to a healthy forest ecosystem. Ages 6–9.
