The Wonder of Trees: Nature Activities for Children

Gr 4–6—This lavishly illustrated, poetically written book provides information and activities involving 13 commonly found trees. The text contains many Briticisms. Intending to pass on their love and reverence for trees and nature, the creators of this volume encourage children to use the bark, leaves, shoots, sap, etc., of the trees discussed. However, they also encourage children to drink the potions made from these elements, to use the concoctions for medicinal purposes, and to partake of meals found in the wild. Readers are told to use knives, drills, and other tools (without adult supervision). The background material offered, including folklore and fairy tales, is interesting and the specific facts about the trees are valuable, but some of the games and group activities suggested, such as talking to a favorite tree or dressing up as an elf or gnome, may not find favor with some older children like those shown in the photos. In addition, some old wives' tales are passed on as fact: do not eat raw apples if you are ill; certain lotions made from trees will prevent hair loss.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY