Kirkus
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A very fine introduction to trees for beginning and challenged readers. Gibbons, in her usual careful manner, discusses tree seeds and tree parts, including stems, bark, roots, and leaves. Each two- or three-page topic is begun "Tell Me, Tree . . ." setting up the idea that the budding scientist can learn from examining the tree itself. She provides labeled diagrams of the inside and outside of trees and explains specialized terms such as cambium, phloem, sapwood, heartwood, chlorophyll, and photosynthesis. Her trademark pen-and-watercolor drawings appear on every page, complementing and extending the text. A dozen trees are included in the "Identifying Trees" section showing leaves, bark, and the full tree outline-a terrific tool for adults, too. She concludes with directions for collecting and pressing leaves and making bark rubbings and a page of interesting facts. This is such a natural subject for Gibbons, it's a wonder she hasn't done it before. Sure to please. (Nonfiction. 5-9)

Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gibbons takes readers through a description of the growth of trees, stopping along the way to mention all the basics: the different shapes and sizes of trees, leaves, and bark; conditions needed for growth; parts of a plant and their functions; and the importance of tree conservation. Gibbons's signature illustrations show children studying trees; close-ups depict plant seeds, fruit, and the like (all labeled). (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.