This Is the Tree We Planted

Some children have planted a tree, and over the years, they watch it grow from a young sapling to a full-grown tree. They notice a nest resting in the branches of the tree and are able to see three blue eggs in the nest and a robin coming to take care of those eggs. There is also a squirrel racing around the tree, and that squirrel has a home in the tree that is filled with squirrel kits. The children observe more wildlife — hawks and jays — in and around the tree as well as a spider, a butterfly, a walking stick, a woodpecker, a scarlet tanager, and an owl all living in the tree. It supports an entire ecological system.

Author Kate McMullan builds this story on the frame of This is the House that Jack Built, and it works very well, making it a fun, metered story youngest children will love listening to. No need to tell them they are learning about nature. They will learn while they chant along. The illustrations by Alison Friend are sweet and fun in bright colors and filled with wonderful details. This is a lovely book.