Discovering the true nature of trees? Griffin follows his heart as he goes on a hike in the forest next to his house. Wandering down the path, he begins to notice and understand how valuable trees really are to our survival, from helping us breathe to acting as a habitat for countless critters that bring a forest to life. Explore the forest and all the things a tree could be along with our hero, and find out how easy it is to make a difference yourself.
Repetitive, predictable story lines and illustrations that match the text provide maximum support to the emergent reader. Engaging stories promote reading comprehension, and easy and fun activities on the inside back covers extend learning. Great for Reading First, Fluency, Vocabulary, Text Comprehension, and ESL/ELL!
How does a woman who grew up in rural Indiana as a fundamentalist Christian end up a practicing Jew in New York? Angela Himsel was raised in a German-American family, one of eleven children who shared a single bathroom in their rented ramshackle farmhouse in Indiana. The Himsels followed an evangelical branch of Christianity—the Worldwide Church of God—which espoused a doomsday philosophy. Only faith in Jesus, the Bible, significant tithing, and the church's leader could save them from the evils of American culture—divorce, television, makeup, and even medicine. From the time she was a young girl, Himsel believed that the Bible was the guidebook to being saved, and only strict adherence to the church's tenets could allow her to escape a certain, gruesome death, receive the Holy Spirit, and live forever in the Kingdom of God. With self-preservation in mind, she decided, at nineteen, to study at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem. But instead of strengthening her faith, Himsel was introduced to a whole new world—one with different people and perspectives. Her eyes were slowly opened to the church's shortcomings, even dangers, and fueled her natural tendency to question everything she had been taught, including the guiding principles of the church and the words of the Bible itself. Ultimately, the connection to God she so relentlessly pursued was found in the most unexpected place: a mikvah on Manhattan's Upper West Side. This devout Christian Midwesterner found her own form of salvation—as a practicing Jewish woman. Himsel's seemingly impossible road from childhood cult to a committed Jewish life is traced in and around the major events of the 1970s and 80s with warmth, humor, and a multitude of religious and philosophical insights. A River Could Be a Tree: A Memoir is a fascinating story of struggle, doubt, and finally, personal fulfillment.
The internationally known author and speaker provides an insightful look into the fusion of ecological issues and global gender politics. This book on the importance of trees grew out of Bolen’s experience mourning the loss of a Monterey pine that was cut down in her neighborhood. That, combined with her practice of walking among tall trees, led to her deep connection with trees and an understanding of their many complexities. She expertly explores the dynamics of ecological activism, spiritual activism, and sacred feminism. And, she invites us to join the movement to save trees. While there is still much work to be done to address environmental problems, there are many stories of individuals and organizations rising up to make a change and help save our planet. The words and stories that Bolen weaves throughout this book are both inspirational and down-to-earth, calling us to realize what is happening to not only our trees, but our people. In Like a Tree learn more about: The dynamic nature of trees — from their anatomy to their role as an archetypal symbol Pressing social issues such as deforestation, global warming, and overpopulation What it means to be a “tree person” “You will never again see [a tree] without knowing it has a novel inside, it’s supporting your life, and it’s more spiritual than any church, temple or mosque. Like a Tree is the rare book that not only informs, but offers a larger consciousness of life itself.” —Gloria Steinem
A squirrel buries an acorn. A dolphin pushes a coconut into an ocean current. A camel chewing a date spits out the seed. What do they all have in common? Each one, in its own way, has helped to plant a tree. In myriad ways and diverse environments, Mother Nature is given a hand in dispersing seeds that eventually grow into trees. From the apple seeds falling off the sticky fur of a black bear to the pine seed carried by an army of ants marching to their anthill, creatures great and creatures small participate in nature's cyclical dance in the planting of a tree. Jerry Pallotta, author of more than 50 children's books, visits at least 150 schools each year. His book, The Icky Bug Alphabet Book, has sold more than one million copies. He is a contributor in Jon Scieszka's book,Guys Write for Guys Read. He lives in Needham, Massachusetts. Tom Leonard's children's book art combines a folk-art sophistication with a scientifically realistic interpretation. He was the illustrator for a collection of Margaret Wise Brown's previously unpublished poetry, Under the Sun and the Moon, winning praise in School Library Journal and Publisher's Weekly. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Picture a tree -- what do YOU see? Picture a tree, from every season, and from every angle. These wondrous beings give shade and shelter. They protect, and bring beauty to, any landscape. Now look again. Look closer. A tree's colours both soothe and excite. Its shape can ignite the imagination and conjure a pirate ship, a bear cave, a clubhouse, a friend; an ocean, a tunnel, and a home sweet home. Its majestic presence evokes family, growth, changes, endings and new beginnings. Picture a tree -- what do you see? The possibilities are endless. In this gorgeous new picture book, Barbara Reid brings her vision, her craft, and her signature Plasticine artwork to the subject of trees. Each page is a celebration, and you will never look at trees in quite the same way again.
At no time in human history have we been more disconnected with what lies outside our front doors. Within just a century, our relationship with our surroundings has transformed from one of exploration to one of disassociation. In This Book Was a Tree, science teacher Marcie Cuff issues a call for a new era of pioneers—not leathery, backwoods deerskin-wearing salt pork and hominy pioneers, but strong-minded, clever, crafty, mudpie-making, fort-building individuals committed to examining the natural world and deciphering nature’s perplexing puzzles. Within each chapter, readers will discover a principle for reconnecting with the natural world around them, from learning to be still to discovering the importance of giving back. With a mix of science and hands-on crafts and activities, readers will be encouraged to brainstorm, imagine, and understand the world as inventive scientists—to touch, collect, document, sketch, decode, analyze, experiment, unravel, interpret, compare, and reflect.
Have you ever driven down a country road and noticed a majestic old tree? Have you ever wondered what stories that tree could tell about the things it has seen? If Only That Tree Could Talk addresses that very question, presenting the history of Louisiana from the perspective of a plantation live oak. When Rodney is in a car accident, a massive tree rescues him. Of course, at first, he can't believe the live oak is talking to him, but soon, that tree begins to share its many stories. Although fictionalized, the tree's stories are based on actual historical pictures, letters, and speeches, featuring real people who had tremendous impacts on the Pelican State. As a history teacher and native Louisianan, author Kevin Rodrigue uses the wisdom of an ancient tree to share the things that fascinate him about the culture of his surroundings. He hopes to not only entertain but also inspire readers to look into their own pasts and embrace the things that make them unique.
For use in schools and libraries only. Identifies the characteristics of trees and provides specific examples, including the maple, evergreen, magnolia, and redwood. Part of the Rookie Read-About Science series.
