The Second Life of Trees (Imagine This!)

When a tree falls in a forest, it’s likely no one will hear, and even more likely no one will be there to clean it up, and that is just fine because that tree still has a great deal to offer the forest. It will become a host to a large variety of other plants and animals, providing much that they will need to survive. The first third of the book introduces young readers to living trees and how they support forest creatures, but most of the book tells the story of their value after they have died. Insects will burrow into the bark and wood helping them to break down, and bigger creatures, from mice to bears, will eat those insects and build homes in the decomposing tree. Fungi will grow on the log, also helping with decomposition. And on it goes until the tree becomes soil and other trees grow from it.

Aimée M. Bisonette has written a charming text filled with fascinating facts that will keep youngsters glued to this wonderful, educational book. The gorgeous illustrations by Nic Jones are filled with tantalizing details that perfectly complete this story. Don’t miss this beautiful book.