Synopses & Reviews
Some trees have lived many lifetimes, standing as silent witnesses to history. Some are remarkable for their age and stature; others for their usefulness. A bristlecone pine tree in California has outlived man by almost 4,000 years; a baobab tree in Australia served as a prison for Aboriginal prisoners at the turn of the twentieth century; and a major oak in England was used as a hiding place for Robin Hood and his men (or so the story goes…).
The fourteen trees in this book have earned the title “Celebritrees” for their global fame and significance. Both in fact and in legend, these fascinating trees remind us not only how much pleasure trees bring, but what they can tell us about history.
Review
“Its a fun spin on a dull topic: old trees. ‘I loved seeing the Coast Redwood next to the Statue of Liberty, says a 9-year-old tester.” --
Parents magazine“A kid-friendly ‘Whos Who of the arboreal world. Adding to Celebritrees appeal are Rebecca Gibbons charming, colorful illustrations.” —Audubon magazines blog, “The Perch”
“This beautiful picture book will inspire young naturalists to realize their environment in a new way and treat earths silent wooden structures with respect.”—UrbanBaby.com
“A joyful and respectful homage to trees that have stood the test of time.” —Publishers Weekly
“This picture book gallery of impressive trees, illustrated in friendly folk-art style, offers substantive information on what makes each specimen unique.” —Horn Book Magazine
“Engaging.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Each featured specimen receives a spread with several paragraphs of text plus Gibbons charming colored pencil and watercolor illustrations.” —School Library Journal
“Gibbons acrylic-ink, colored-pencil,and watercolor artwork creates an inviting look throughout the book.” —Booklist
About the Author
Margi Preus is the author of The Peace Bell, which School Library Journal praised for its "[m]essage of peace between nations...eloquently conveyed." She writes plays and childrens books in Duluth, Minnesota. [www.margipreus.com]
Rebecca Gibbon is the illustrator of several picture books, including Elizabeth Leads the Way, which was named an ALA Notable Book among other honors. She lives in England with her husband and two young children.