An Annotated Bibliography of Tree-themed Picture Books

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An Annotated Bibliography of Tree-themed Picture Books

Compiled and Selected by Evelyn Sue Wong and Rhoda Myra Garces-Bacsal, PhD

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Copyright 2015 © All Rights Reserved Published by AFCC Publications www.afcc.com.sgwww.bookcouncil.sg National Book Development Council of Singapore.

The book covers are the copyright of the respective publishing companies.The illustrations that appear on pg 7, 11, 22, 26, 32 and front cover are copyright © Clara Wong, Mireille Lee, Ng Qian Qian, Tay Ying, Yong Zhen Zhou, and Zhang Xun under the supervision of Ang Tze Qi

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An Annotated Bibliography of Tree-themed Picture Books

Compiled and Selected by Evelyn Sue Wong and

Rhoda Myra Garces-Bacsal, PhD

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Contents

1 Foreword

2 Introduction

4 The 5 Themes

7 Theme 1: Tree of Dreams and Nourishment

11 Theme 2: Turning of the Seasons

15 Theme 3: Trees are Wild Things

21 Theme 4: Trees as Sanctuary

33 Theme 5: I Speak for the Trees

44 Feature: My Tree House. World’s 1st Green Library for Kids

46 Acknowledgements

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Forest of Stories, our third collection of children’s picture books on a common theme to be launched at the Asian Festival of Children’s Content, has a special significance this year.

As Singapore celebrates its 50th anniversary, Forest of Stories is a tribute to our founding father, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, for his vision and legacy in transforming Singapore into a City in a Garden. A most meaningful way to honour his memory and legacy is to inspire our children and grandchildren to love and care for the environment through knowledge and making a difference each in our own way and as a community. This can be nurtured through imparting the joy of reading and the power of a good story.

Our collections of children’s stories on the themes of water in AFCC2013, rice in AFCC2014, and trees for AFCC2015, are a celebration of our natural environment that provide us nourishment and joy to our lives everywhere in the world. Splash! Asia, All About Rice! and Forest of Stories are available online as a resource for parents, educators, researchers, librarians, authors, illustrators, storytellers, publishers and everyone who loves books.

Our appreciation and thanks to the National Library Board for the continued collaboration, with the publication of this bibliography launched at My Tree House.

Enjoy a walk through this forest of stories, and share your favourite children’s picture books about trees with us. We look forward to adding new stories yet to be written and illustrated!

Claire Chiang Chairperson Board of Advisors Asian Festival of Children’s Content

Foreword

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Introduction

Cherry blossoms, autumn leaves. Mango, persimmon, apple trees. Helping to plant a seed, a sapling, waiting, and watching it grow. Listening to birds hidden in the branches. Laughing as we play hide and seek under the cool shade of a big tree as children, with our children, with our grandchildren. Crying when our kite is caught in a tree too high to reach. Hurt when trees are cut down without warning. Happy when we plant a seed, a sapling, and know that, together, we can grow a forest. Cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, growing up together with trees, at home with nature.

Forest of Stories is an annotated bibliography of children’s picture books about treesthatwillcaptureyourimagination,touchyourhearts,andinspireyourspirit.Thereareover100storiesfromAsiaandaroundtheworldinthiscollectionwhichwegatheredintofivethemes:TreeofDreamsandNourishment,TurningoftheSeasons,TreesareWildThings,TreesasSanctuary,ISpeakfortheTrees.Wehopethiswillbeausefulresourceforparents,teachers,creatorsofchildren’scontent,and everyone who loves books.

AsSingaporecelebrates50yearsasanation,wewouldliketopaytributetoitsfoundingfather,thelateMrLeeKuanYew,forhisvisionandlegacyintransformingSingapore into a ‘City in the Garden’ enjoyed by Singaporeans and visitors alike. Sincethe1960s,aParksandRecreationDepartmentandnowtheNationalParksBoard have been the custodians of this vision.

On16June1963,thenPrimeMinisterLeeKuanYewplantedamempattreeinthe middleofHollandCircustostartanationalefforttoaddbeautyandreducetheharsh environment. That tree and roundabout had to be removed to make way for roadprojects.In1971,MrLeeplantedasecondtree,ayellowflame,inTanjongPagartolaunchtheannualtreeplantingday.

Theyellowflametreehasgrownfromasaplingto20metresandremainsinthecommunitywhereMrLeehadservedfor60years.TheyellowflameandmanymucholdertreesinSingaporehavestoriestotell.Youwillfindsomememoriesretoldinthiscollection,andwelookforwardtomoreinfuture.

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Here is a glimpse into what you will discover as you stop to enjoy each of the storiesthathavebeengatheredunderfivethemes,withthepoeticandtheprofoundbeautifullyexpressedinwordsandillustrations.Wehopechildrenwillsharethesestorieswithothers,andsharewithusnewstoriesabouttrees!

Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew planting a mempat (cratoxylum formosum) tree at Holland Circus (junction of Holland Road, Farrer Road and Queensway) to mark the beginning of his tour of Ulu Pandan constituency. The ceremony also signified the beginning of an island-wide tree planting campaign.

Evelyn S Wong Forest of Stories Committee

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Singing Away the Dark by Caroline Woodward and illustrated by Julie Morstad

The Red Tree by Shaun Tan

Tree of Dreams and NourishmentThiscollectionofstoriesreflectthewonderoftreesthatprovidenourishmentforboththebodyandthesoul.Astreesprovidefruitsthatsustainourneeds,theyalsoprovidebeautythatfeedsthesoul.These“silentsoldiers”alsoserveassentinelsofhopeandcouragethatallowayoungreadertofindstrengthwithin.

THE 5 THEMES

1 From The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger

Turning of the SeasonsThis theme shows the wondrous cycle of life of trees as the seed is transformed from saplingtoimposingheightswithrootsfirmlyplantedintotheearth’scorewiththepassingoftheseasons.Thereisalsotherealizationoftheimportanceoflettinggoaspartofgrowingupwith“onemoreleafholdingtight,”1flutteringinthewindsastheturningoftimeismarkedwithvibrantcolorsandwhisperingleaves.

Red Sings from Treetops by Joyce Sidman; Ill Pamela Zagarenski

If You Hold a Seed by Elly MacKay

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Trees are Wild ThingsCaptivatingillustrationsandtalescelebratetheuntamednatureoftreesthatinspireflightsoffancyandplantseedsofthingsunseenandconceivedinachild’seye.Frommyths,folktalesandfablestocontemporarystories,childrenwillbetakeninto a tangle of tales transforming trees into a “shade spiller” or a bear cave or evena“househeldupbytrees”withalittlehelpfromawide-eyedchild’swingedimagination.

A Leaf Can Be… by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrations by Violeta Dabija

Picture a Tree by Barbara Reid

Thea’s Tree by Judith Clay

Naomi’s Tree by Joy Kogawa; Ill Ruth Ohi.

Trees as SanctuaryChildrenwillseetreesasfriendsandashomethroughthevoicesofchildren,parents,grandparentsandgenerationsbefore.Treesnotonlyprovidesheltertolivingcreatures,theyalsobearwitnesstoayoungchild’sgrowth,societalprogress,andgenerationsofliveslived,lost,andsaved.Theyserveasrootsmarkingourancestry,amemorialtosocietieslonggone,andakeeperofsecretstothosewhofindsanctuaryin its shadowy branches.

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THE 5 THEMES

I Speak for the TreesChildrenwillbeinspiredbycreativelyillustratedbooksabouttrees(non-fiction),aswellasempoweringstoriesoffictionalandreal-lifeindividualswhoarechangingtheworld,onetreeatatime.Inthiscollection,themanyresolutevoicesandactions,youngandoldalike,asDrSuess’Loraxsays,speakforthetrees.

The Mangrove Tree –about Dr Sato (Japanese) in Africa. Susan L Roth & Ciny Trumbore.

The Tree That time Built Anthology selected by Mary Ann Hoberman and Linda Winston

7Trees of Dreams and Nourishment

Tree of Dreams and NourishmentTree of Dreams and Nourishment

8 Trees of Dreams and Nourishment

The Apple Pie that Papa Baked Author: Lauren Thompson and illustrated by Jonathan Bean Illustrator: Leslie Wu (2007).US:Simon&SchusterBooksforYoungReaders CallNo.:JPEnglishTHO

Toldinacumulativenarrative,thisnostalgicallyillustratedpicture book leads the readers through the various steps takenbyadotingfathertomakeayummyapplepieforhisdaughter. It presents the readers all the wonderful things thatgointopiemaking,theapples,thetrees,theroots,therain,clouds,sky,sunshine,theloveandall!

The Cherry TreeAuthor:RuskinBond Illustrator:AllanEitzen (1996).India:BoydMillsPress CallNo.:JSFEnglishBON

Thispoemdescribestheplantingofacherryseedbythepoet and how it grows despite various trials and inconstant care.Whenthetreeeventuallyprovidesonecherryfruit,the poet enjoys a sense of joy for having contributed to its growth and hence being one with nature.

I dreamt… a book about Hope Author: Gabriela Olmos Illustrators:ManuelMonroy,JuanGedovius,Chubasco,MarissaArroyo,MariaFigueroa,AlejandroHerrerias,MauricioGomezMorin,GonzaloTassier,ValeriaGallo,AlvaroRochaBuitron,FabricioVandenBroeckandAlejandroMagallanes. (2013).Mexico:GroundwoodBooks,HouseofAnansiPress CallNo.:JPEnglishOLM

ThirteenMexicanartistssharetheirvisiononwhatalifewithoutviolencecouldbelikeinthisbeautifulpicturebookdepictingachild’shopeanddreams.Inthedream,pistolsshootbutterflies;scarreddruglordssellonlysoapbubbles;warsarefoughtwithflowers.Theartiststransitionfromdream to reality by empowering the children to “learn from citytreesthatfightbackandbreakopenthesidewalks”…andcontinuetogrowandbreathedespiteeverything.”

9Trees of Dreams and Nourishment

No One But You Author: Douglas Wood Illustrator:PJLynch (2011).US:CandlewickPress CallNo.:JPEnglishWOO

Throughrhythmicallanguage,mutedandrealisticillustrations,thisradiantbookshowsyoungreadersthemanyenchantingthingsthatcanbedonetoexperiencethebeautyofnature.It invites the child to celebrate this sense of aliveness by listening “to the song of a redbird in a treetop or the wind in thepines,”inspiringreaders,youngandoldalike,totaketimeand“smellthemoistearthafterarainshower”andtoenjoynature’s sparkles and miracles.

The Red TreeAuthor: Shaun Tan Illustrator: Julie Morstad (2001).USA:LothianChildren’sBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishTAN

Thisisabookfilledwithvisualmetaphors–asheartachestakeonmonstrousforms,achild’suncertaintiestransformedintostrangeandfrighteningcreatures.Yetitisalsoabookaboutaglimmeringred–hopefultinyseedsthatcanbloomintoahugecrimsontreeamidstdark,flying,hauntedthingsthatgobump in the night.

Singing Away the DarkAuthor: Caroline Woodward Illustrator: Julie Morstad (2010).US:SimplyReadBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishWOO

Thislovelyearly-winter-morningstorytellsofalittlegirl’smile-longwalkthroughadarkforesttoherschoolbusstop.Aloneandcold,shecallsonthe“big,oldtrees”her“silentsoldiers”tohelpherfindthecouragewithinher.Thelittlegirlthensingsasongofconfidenceamidstthetallandstrongtreestokeepherselffromgettingscared.

10 Trees of Dreams and Nourishment

We Planted A TreeAuthor: Diane Muldrow Illustrator: Bob Staake (2010).Paris,Tokyo,Brooklyn:GoldenBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishMUL

Twoyoungfamiliesfromdifferentculturesanddifferentpartsoftheworld,plantatree.Asthetreesgrow,sodothefamilies.Whereveryoulive,treesnotonlynourishfamilies,they add beauty to the community and help heal the world.

11Turning of the Seasons

Turning of the Seasons

12 Turning of the Seasons

… and then it’s springAuthor: Julie Fogliano Illustrator:ErinStead (2012).US:RoaringBookPress CallNo.:JPEnglishFOG

Ayoungboyistiredofseeingnothingbutbrownaroundhim.Hetakesmattersinhisownhands,literally,andplantslittleseedsthatbringalongwithit“alittlegreen”hereandthereor“ahopeful,verypossiblesortofbrown.”Theyoungboy’spatience,thedog’sfaithfulgaze,thebirdsandthebears,andtheseedswaitingforspringaddtothehumamidsttheseemingly-interminablewaiting.

Fletcher and the Falling LeavesAuthor:JuliaRawlinson Illustrator: Tiphanie Beeke (2006).USA:GreenwillowBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishRAW

Whensummerends,Fletcherseeshisfavouritetreebeingtoturnbrownanddryanditsleavefalloff.Fletcherthinksthatthetreeisfalling sick but his mother reassures him that “it’s only autumn”. With unwaveringloyalty,Fletchergathersthetree’sdancingleavesandkeepswatchoverthemuntilhebeholdsamagicalsightattheveryend.Thisawe-inspiringstoryisamovingaccountoffriendshipandthe passing of the seasons.

A Grand Old TreeAuthor:MaryNewelldePalma (2005).US:ArthurA.LevineBooks CallNo.:JPEnglish582.16DEP

Usingsimple,shortnarrativeandbrightandcartoonishillustrations,this book presents a very touching story about the life cycle of a grandoldtree.Itcreatesanemotionaltaleonlifeandrenewal.Agreat book for anyone who is interested in learning about the life cycles of trees and seeing how trees develop and die.

Green Author:LauraVaccaroSeeger (2012).USA:RoaringBookPress CallNo.:JPEnglishSEE

How many kinds of green are there in our life? Tapping on the beautifulillustrations,sparsetextandcreativeuseofcut-outshapes,this concept picture book reminds readers to take note of all the shadesofgreenaroundthem.Flippingthroughthepages,thereaderswillbewonderfullyimmersedastheartistpayshomagetowondrous shades and unimagined bounty of green everywhere.

13Turning of the Seasons

If You Hold A SeedAuthor:EllyMacKay (2013).USA:RunningPressKids CallNo.:JPEnglishMAC

Thisbookpresentsaverysimplestoryaboutplantingseedsofhopeandwaitingwithpatienceandlovefortheseedtoblossomintosomethingextraordinary.Alittleboyplantsaseednearhishomeandwatchesitgrow.Astimepassesby,theseedgraduallytransformsintoaseedling,sapling,thenintoatalltree.Sodoesthelittleboy,whoalsobecomesayoungfatherforhislittleson.Together,theysitonthebranchofthistree,andmakeplanstoplant a new seed of hope.

The Leaf Named Nip Who FlippedAuthor:RChandran (2008).Singapore:MarzartsPublishing CallNo.:English428.6CHA

Nip is a leaf who asks itself if there is more to being a leaf than just providing food for the plant. Once he starts to turn yellow and beginshisjourney,hefinallyunderstandstheartandadventureoflettinggo.

The Little Yellow LeafAuthor: Carin Berger (2008).USA:GreenwillowBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishBER

Autumnarrivesandalltheotherleavesarefallingoff,butthelittleyellow leaf manages to cling to an oak tree branch and states that he is not ready to jump yet even when snow begins to fall and heislonelyandcold.Finally,heseesanothersteadfastleafthatremainedinthetree’sbranches.Together,theyletgoandsoaroffintothesky.Thisisastoryaboutfacingtheunknown,learningtoletgoandacelebrationofthefriendshipthathelpsustaketheleap.

The Memory TreeAuthor:BrittaTeckentrup (2013).UK:OrchardBooks CallNo.:JPTEC

Foxhaslivedalongandhappylifewithhisfriendsintheforest.Onedayheistired,soheliesdowninhisfavoriteclearing,andfallsasleepthereforever.Foxwasdeeplylovedbyhisanimalfriends.Theycometogethertohonorhismemorybyrecountingthemomentstheysharedwithhim.Astheysharetheirmemories,atreebeginstogrowwhereFoxwas.Thetreeeventuallybecamebig and strong enough to provide shelter to all the animals in the forestandservesasa“memorytree”honouringFox’slife.

14 Turning of the Seasons

Red Leaf, Yellow LeafAuthor:LoisEhlert (1991).US:HMHBooksforYoungReaders CallNo.:JPEnglishEHL

Thisbooktellsaheart-warmingstoryofthelifeofasugarmaple tree from seedling to sapling to being planted in a back yard and the friendship between the tree and the child who plantedit.Ehlert’scollageartdepictsincolorfuldetailhowthepassingoftheseasonsturns“treeflowers”into“wingedseeds.”Thebookalsoprovidessubstantialinformationregarding parts of the trees and how to plant a tree.

Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors Authors:JoyceSidmanandPamelaZagarenski (2009).USA:HMHBooksforYoungReaders CallNo.:JPEnglishSID

Inthiscollectionofpoems,thecolorsspeak,taste,andtouchthewinds,theleaves,thegnarledbranches–eventhebirdsarenotsparedbythedancingsplashofpaints.Eachverseleavesanimprint,anechooftheseasons,lacedinmulti-coloredshadesandhues.PamelaZagarenskidoeseachdripping,crunchy,windsweptlineofJoyceSidmanjusticewithherdistinctiveartworkthatsignifiesayearincolors.

The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree Author: Gail Gibbons (1988).US:HMHBooksforYoungReaders CallNo.:EarlyLiteracyJPEnglishGIB

This is a lovely story about a boy named Arnold and his very specialappletree.Ittakesthereadersonaninformativeand visual trip through the changing seasonsand shows how Arnold’s apple tree changes with the seasons and what Arnold does during each season with his apple tree. A great book to explainhowtheseasonschange.

15Trees Are Wild Things

Trees Are Wild Things

16 Trees Are Wild Things

FOLKTALES, FABLES & FANTASY

The Boy with a Tree On His HeadAuthor: Ho Lee Ling Illustrator: Chia Kok Tiong (2007).Singapore:MinistryofCommunityDevelopment,YouthandSports CallNumber:JEnglishHO

Anewboy,Mark,joinsMJ’sclassroom.Butthere’ssomethingdifferentabouthim--there’satreeonhishead.AtfirstMarkisteasedanddiscriminated,butthingschangewhenMarkjoinsaraceandhistree,aswellasitsfruits,comeinveryuseful.

Cherry Blossom Fairies Author:Shu-NuYen,Candy Illustrator:You-RanZhang (2003;2013).Taiwan:GrimmPress CallNo.:Unavailable

Ayoungboyisonamountainadventuretofindthecherryblossomthathisgrandmahadtalkedsofondlyof.However,duetoenvironmentaldegradation,thecherryblossomwasindangerofdisappearingforever.Clutchingapetalinhishand,theboysetsoffwiththeanimalstofindthesilverpearlthatwouldrevivethecherryblossomfairyandherfestival.(Chinese)

The Forest FableAuthor: Gelyn Ong (2013).Singapore:MarshallCavendishChildren CallNo.:JSINGEnglishONG

Whenalumberjackarrivesintheforest,amyriadofcreaturesfindthemselvesindangeroflosingtheirsweethome.Throughtheintricatescenedepictionofthehesitantlumberjackandhislovinginteractionwithwildlife,thisenchantingfableconveysaclear environmental message: “We should do our part to save our forests.”

The Proud Butterfly and the Strange Tree Author: Jainal Amambing (2010).Malaysia:Oyez!Books CallNo.:Unavailable

Averybeautifulbutterflyisshunnedbytheotherbutterfliesasitisalwaysboastingandpraisingitself.Comingacrossablackuglytreeoneday,thebutterflyishorrifiedtodiscoverthenextdaythatthetreehasgrowntobebeautifulwhileithasitselflostitsbeautyandturnedugly.Eventuallythebutterfly’sgenuinerepentanceisrewardedanditregainsitsbeautyandnewfriends,butnotitspride.


Ang Kagila-gilalas na Puno (The Spectacular Tree)Author:RobertGunnarMagnuson (2001).Philippines:LamparaBooks CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN:9716098405

A young climbing plant aspires to grow as tall as the Acacia tree. Sadly,herealizesthatheisunabletogrowstraightuptothesky.SohedecidestoreachoutandhelpahopelessAcaciatreeandfinallymakeitgrowintoaspectaculartree.Byemphasizingcollaboration,dependencyandco-habitation,thisstoryremindsthereadersthateach creature in our world needs another. No man is an island. (EnglishandTagalog)

Tale of The Magical SeedsAuthor: See Ching Chin (2002).Singapore:NationalParksBoard CallNo.:EnglishJRSING333.72CHI

A master gardener helps the inhabitants of a developing tropical islandtorediscovertheimportanceofplantingtreesandflowers,achievingaharmoniousbalanceofnatureandhumanprogress,andrememberingtopasstheseidealsontoeachnewgeneration.

Wolf and the BeastAuthor/Illustrator:YeZi Illustrator: Low Joo Hong (2012).Singapore:MarshallCavendishEducation CallNumber:JChineseYEZ

The trees in the forest have mysteriously disappeared. Is a monster responsible? The wolf called Four Teeth decides to scare the other animals in the forest by dressing up as the monster. The tablesareturnedwhentherealmonsterappears.(Chinese)

The Tiny Boy and Other Tales from IndonesiaRetoldby:DrMurtiBunanta Illustrator: Hardiyono (2013).Indonesia:GroundwoodBooks CallNo.:J398.2BUN-[FOL]

Thispicturebookshowcasesafascinatingcollectionofeightfolktalesthatcelebratehero,sacrifice,love,gratitudeandfamily.Mostofthetaleshavebenpassedforgenerationsthroughtheoraltraditionofstorytelling,butthemessagestheyconveyarestillrelevanttoday.Theyraiseourattentiontothevalueofthesmallandoddthings,theimportanceofournaturalresourcesandthevalueofnever taking our food for granted.


SEEDS OF CURIOSITY

Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya (The Brother of the Three Marias)Retoldby:ChristineS.Bellen Illustrator: Frances C. Alcaraz (2007).Philippines:AnvilPublishing,Inc. CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN:9789712718946

An old couple who are folk healers use the leaves of a mysterious treecalledthekolesmelokotohelpthesick.Everymorning,theirdaughters climb the tree and pick its leaves. As there is a huge demand for the leaves due to their healing power the couple decides to cut down the tree to collect and sell all the leaves. A serpent living in the tree takes the daughters and marries them to thekingofthelions,eagles,andsharks.Thecouplehasason,andyearslaterhegoesinsearchofhissisters.(EnglishandFilipino)

The Ghost-Eye Tree Author:BillMartinJr.,JohnArchambault Illustrator:TedRand (1988).US:SquareFish CallNo.:ELJPEnglishMAR

Onadarkandwindyautumnnight,ayoungboyandhisoldersister are sent by their mother to the end of town to fetch a bucketofmilk.Walkingdownthelonelyroad,theypassthescary“Ghost-Eyetree”andtheirimaginationgetsthebetterofthem....Thisstoryhighlightstherelationshipbetweensiblingsandhowwildchildren’simaginationcanbewhenconfrontedwithcreepyshadowsonadark,lonelyroad.

Under the Cherry Blossom Tree: An Old Japanese TaleAuthor: Allen Say (1997).USA:HoughtonMifflinCo. CallNo.:JEnglish398.2SAY-[FOL]

The book retells a classic Japanese tale of a wicked landlord on whose headsproutedacherrytreeafterheaccidentallyswallowedacherrypit.Springhadfinallycomeandeveryoneinthevillagewashappyexceptthemiserlylandlord.Beingcrabbyandgrumpy,hesataloneeatingcherriesandwatchingasthevillagerssanganddancedinthemeadow.Then,accidently,heswallowedacherrypit.Thefollowingspring,thepitbegantosprout.Andacherrytreewasgrowingfromthetop of his head. That is when the misfortune of the landlord starts.


A House Held Up By Trees Author: Ted Kooser Illustrator: Jon Klassen (2012).US:CandlewickPress CallNo.:JPEnglishKOO

Thisbookspeakslovinglyaboutthetinylittledetailsthatdemonstrateone’sloveforhome,themeticulouscareandthetirelesswaysthroughwhichwemakeitourown.Anditalsospeaksaboutholdingonforaslongaswecan,andfinallyknowingwhentoletgo.Ratherthanperceivingthis“househeldupbytrees”asanabandoned,unwantedhome–thishousecallsouttoitsancestortrees,returninghomefinally.

A Leaf Can Be Author:LauraPurdieSalas Illustrator:VioletaDabija (2012).USA:MillbrookPress CallNo.:JPEnglishSAL

Whoknewhowversatileasimpleleafcanbe?Throughrhymingtextandcolorfulart,thisbookdemonstratesthemanyways“aleafcanbe”:fromshadespiller,mouthfiller,andtreetoppertosuntaker,aircleaner,andwaterladle.Thisbookseamlesslyinterweavesthescientificinformationwithlyricalverse,showingthatthese“windriders”and“frostcatchers”doplayasignificantroleinthelifeoftreesand the beauty of nature.

The Mystery of the Fool and the Vanisher Authors:DavidandRuthEllwand Illustrator: Jon Klassen (2008).UK:CandlewickPress CallNo.:JEnglishELL

Inthiseerietale-within-a-talebook,theauthors,throughtheuseofhauntinglyexquisitephotographsandinnovativejournalingformattext,tellreadersathrillingandtime-shiftingmysterythathappenedfromalong-agoarcheologicaldiginEngland.Itpresentsaninterestinglook at the magic of the natural world and the mystery of the imagination.

Paddy the Flying Pulai Authors:OngSuQingMiranda,MockYuanNing, DarrylLeeXingJie,OngDingjie,NgJunHowMelvin Illustrators:SeanYapandSummerSeetShiying (2014).Singapore:RafflesInstitution CallNo.:JSINGEnglishONG

ThisisthestoryofPaddythePulaiwhoisaloneonhisadventurethroughtheSouthernRidgestolookforaplacetocallhome.Whilehisjourneyisfilledwithmanyupsanddowns,heisfinallyabletofindaplacewherehecangrow,withthehelpofanimalfriendsthathemeets along the way. This book is based on a project by students from theRafflesEcologicalLiteracyProgram.


Picture A TreeAuthor:BarbaraReid (2013).USA:AlbertWhitman&Company CallNo.:JPEnglishREI

“Pictureatree.Whatdoyousee?”isBarbaraReid’schallengetotheyoungreader.TheexquisiteartinthisbookwasmadewithPlasticinethatwasshapedandpressedontoillustrationboarddepictingtreesputtingonsnow-suitsorglowinginthe darkness. Trees can also serve as a tunnel of leaves or an oceanofgreens,abearcaveoraclubhouseforagilelimbsandgrasping hands. This is a book that invites a young child to look attreeswithfresheyes,seeingthingsneverbeforeimagined.

Stuck Author:OliverJeffers (2011).UK:Philomel CallNo.:JPEnglishJEF

WhenFloydgetshisbelovedkitestuckinatree,hebecomesmentally ‘stuck’ as well. The only way he can think of to get hiskitedownistotossthingsatit.Funnily,thesethingsallgetstucktoo,fromshoes,cat,firemen,tohugeshipsandwhale,fireengineandfiremen.Eventually,thetreeissofullwithobjectsthatthekitefallsoutbyitselfinaneffortlessandhilarious manner. This book is surely a fun read which will definitelyhaveyoungreaderslaughingoutloudthroughout.

Tree Ring Circus Author:AdamRex (2006).USA:HMHBooksforYoungReaders CallNo.:JPEnglishREX

Threemilesoutoftown,afterafreaklightningstrike,aseedshootsupmagicallyintoabigtree.Verysoon,nearbyanimalsandaclownclimbupthetreetoliveinit.Then,atravellingcircus stops by to look for their lost clown. While the circus peoplethinkofwaystoretrievetheirclown,someanimalsfromthe circus truck also manage to escape and get in the tree. All the animals climb up on the tree and enjoy themselves there untiloneelephantclimbstothetopandtheinevitablehappens.Thisisafun,adventure-filled,conceptbookthatyoungreaderswould enjoy.

21Trees as Sanctuary

Trees as Sanctuary

22 Trees as Sanctuary

TREES AS FRIENDS

Ancient Ones: The World of the Old-Growth Douglas Fir Author: Barbara Bash (2002).USA:SierraClubBooksforChildren CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:978-1578050819

This is one of three books selected from the author’s highly acclaimed‘TreeTales’series.ThewatercolorillustrationsarestunningasyoulookupatthegiantDouglasFir,walkthroughtheold-growthforest,andlearnofintricatelifetheancienttreessupport.

The Elephant and the Tree Author:LeeJinPyn (2009).Singapore:RPKids CallNo.:JEnglishLEE

This picture book is about the enduring friendship between an Asianelephantandatree.Asmallelephantandatinytreegrowup together and become the best friends ever. Together the elephantandthetreeexploretheforesttheycallhome.There,theyfindthatlifecanbeunpredictableandmaysometimesleadthemdownadifficultpath.Nevertheless,thetwofriendsfindthataslongastheyhaveeachother,theywillneverbealone.

The Giving Tree Author: Shel Silverstein (1964).USA:HarperCollinsPublishers CallNo.:JPEnglishSIL

This is a touching tale about the pain of love and the enduring beautyoffriendship.Ittracesthelovingrelationshipbetweenatreeand a young boy over several decades and shows a moving account ofhowthetreelovestheboy,andhelpstheboywithallhisneedsthroughouthislife,eventotheextentofsacrificingitsownlife.

In the Heart of the Village: The world of the Indian Banyan TreeAuthor: Barbara Bash (1996).USA:GibbsSmith CallNo.:JEnglish583.962BAS

Thisisabeautifullyillustratedenvironmentaltalethathighlightstheinterconnectednessbetweenthedailylivesofpeopleandtheegrets,spottedowls,langurmonkeysandflyingfoxesthatalllivingunder/inthe branches of the ancient banyan tree.


Maple Author: Lori Nichols (2014).USA:NancyPaulsenBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishNIC

Thisisaquietstoryaboutfamilylove,growth,siblings,andmaking space for young selves to grow. The parallels in the growthofMapleandhertreeareingeniouslycrafted.WhilecaringforhermapletreecameeasilytoMaple,caringforherbabysisterdoesn’tcomeintuitively.However,Maplehasagivinggiftandfinallylearnshowtobeabigsister.Thisisaquiet,sweetstory that cannot help but grow on the reader.

Maple and Willow Together Author: Lori Nichols (2014).USA:NancyPaulsenBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishNIC

ThisstoryisthesequeltoMapleandshowsingreaterdetailtherelationshipbetweenMapleandhersisterWillow.Toldinarealisticandcolorfulway,thebookdemonstratestheoccasionalrough patches that siblings usually go through and how these are resolved in a loving manner.

Out of the Way! Out of the Way! Author:UmaKrishnaswam Illustrator:UmaKrishnaswamy (2010).India:Tulika CallNo.:JPEnglishKRI

Inthisdelightfulpicturebook,asmallgesturehasenormousconsequencesthroughfuturegenerationswhenasmallboyfindsatree seedling in the middle of a path and puts some stones around ittoprotectit.Astimegoesby,thetreegrowsandbecomesalandmark,ameeting-place.Thepathchangesitscoursetogoroundthetree.Itbecomesaroadandthenamajorthoroughfare,withurbanspreadgrowinguparoundit.Meanwhile,weseetheboybecomeayoungman,afatherandagrandfather.

Rainforest Hike and Other StoriesAuthor: Cecilia Leong Illustrator: Chooi Ling Keiong (2015).Malaysia:IntegraMajujayaMedia CallNumber:Unavailable

ThiscollectionofstoriesfollowsTimmyandXiaoRaeastheyfindthemselvesindifferentlocationsincludingtherainforest,nightmarketandelephantsanctuary.Intherainforest,theyspotdifferentplantsandanimalsandlearnaboutthesarsaparillatree.


Red Knit Cap Girl and the Reading TreeAuthor: Naoko Stoop (1964).USA:MeganTingleyBooks CallNo.:JPSTO

Onadaywhenitistoohottoplayaround,RedKnitCapGirldecidestoreadabookunderatree.Whilesheisreading,alittlesquirrelcatcheshereyeandbringstoherattentionabigtreewithalargenookatitsbase.RedKnitCapGirlandheranimalfriends decide to make it their shared reading nook and each one contributes their personal books and a variety of things to makeitwonderfulforeveryone.UsingsimpleproseandradiantJapanesestyleillustrations,thisstoryhighlightsthejoyofreadingand the importance of sharing.

Sequioa Poemsby:TonyJohnston Paintingsby:WendellMinor (2014).USA:RoaringBookPress CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:978-1596437272

Inthisstirringtributetothemillenia-oldtree,thegiantSequoiawatchesasdays,seasons,yearspassby.Itstretchesitsancientarms,hometoowlsandmore,andcloudsgatherarounditstallest branches. The world grows beneath its broad canopy.

Thea’s Tree Author: Judith Clay (2014).India:KaradiTales CallNo.:JPEnglishCLA

Afterhearingherparents’fascinatingstoriesaboutthetreesfromtheirchildhoodinIndia,whatThea,thelittlegirl,wantsmost in the world is a real tree to play with. But in the city where shelives,therearenotrees.Sooneday,Theadecidestogoouttosearchforatree.Whenshefindsanautumnleaf,shefollowsitinthehopesoffindingitstree.Althoughsheneverfindsitintheend,sheisabletogrowoneaftersheisgiftedaseedbyanoldtree that she comes across with in a dream.

A Tree Is Nice Author:JaniceMayUdry Illustrator: Marc Simont (1987).USA:HarperCollinsPublishers CallNo.:JPEnglish582.16UDR

This is a very nice and simple picture book that shows the readers the various types of trees and the ways in which they can enrich our lives and our world. It encourages the readers to plant a tree so that one can witness how trees are able to provide not only shelterandprotectionbutalsobeautyandinspirationintheenvironment.


Tree of Life: The World of the African BaobabAuthor: Barbara Bash (2002).USA:SierraClubBooks CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:978-1578050864

Thelyricalproseandbeautifulwatercolorsfollowthelifecycleoftrees around the world and the many lives that they welcome to their branches for nourishment and shelter. This book is about the amazingbaobabtreeoftheAfricansavannah,andtheanimalsandpeople it helps to support.

The Trees in the GardenAuthor: Cheewan Wisasa Illustrator:PreedaPanyachand (1998).Thailand:AmarinPrintingandPublishingPublicCoLtd Callnumber.:Unavailable

Thisaward-winningchildren’spicturebookwelcomesyoutojoinchildren joyfully playing together among the fruit trees in their village.AlthoughwritteninThaiverse,childreneverywherewillenjoyidentifyingsomeofthetropicalfruitsandtellingtheirownstoriesfromthedelightfullydetailedscenesdrawnon2-pagespreads.Lime,soursop,guava,airjumbo,tamarind,buahkuching,buahchiku,mangosteen,rambutananddurian!

Walking Into Mangrove Forest Author: Samantha Ong Illustrator:LowKhayYhooi (2010).Malaysia:GuRuKuHornbill CallNo.:Unavailable

Whileinsearchofthenicerhomethathehasalwaysdreamedof,Freddie,aFiddlerCrab,meetsaspecialfriend.Astheygoinsearchofhisdreamhome,theymeetmanytypesofanimals,insects,andpeople who live in the mangrove forest and help Freddie realize that where he is living is special.


TREES AS HOMES

Butterfly Tree Author: Sandra Markle Illustrator: Leslie Wu (2011).US:PeachtreePublishers CallNo.:JPEnglishMAR

AyounggirlnamedJilly,herdog,andhermotherarealarmedbya mysterious and orange cloud they see in the distance. On their waytoinvestigate,Jillyisspooked,buthermotherteachesherhowtolookandlistenquietly.Intheend,theymakeanamazingdiscoveryofthousandsoforangemonarchbutterfliesfindingtemporary shelter in trees.

The Curious Garden Author:PeterBrown (2009).USA:LittleBrownBookforYoungReaders CallNo.:JAVEnglish791.43CUR

Whilegoingouttoexploretheneighborhoodoneday,alittleboynamed Liam stumbles upon a struggling garden and becomes determined to take care of it. He reads books on gardening and collects the tools and skills necessary to bring his garden to full bloom. Astimegoesby,withLiam’stenderlovingcare,thegardenspreadsthroughout the gloomy city and transforms it into a lush urban garden.

El Regalo de Fernando (Fernando’s Gift)Author: Douglas Keister (2004).CostaRica:SierraClubBooksforChildren CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:978-0871569271

Inthisbilingual(EnglishandSpanish)picturebookFernandoand his family and friends are living in the rain forest of Costa Rica.Throughthegentledepictionoftheirloveandharmoniousinteractionwiththelushforestthattheycallhome,thebookstimulatesanewappreciationforthebeautyandbountyoftheprecious tropical rain forest.

Homeland TreesAuthor:VariousAuthors Illustrator:VariousArtists (2015).Singapore:KimDongPublishing CallNumber:Unavailable

ThepoemsinthiscollectionareselectedfromamongthebestinthetreasuryofVietnamesepoetryforchildren.Wehopethatthesebeautifulandinnocentwordswillprovidegoodfunduringfamilytime,andhelpwiththeyoungreaders’developmentoflanguageabilityinbothVietnameseandEnglish.


In The Tree House Author: Andrew Larsen Illustrator:DusanPetricic (2013).US:KidsCanPress CallNo.:JPEnglishLAR

Withhisbrotherandfather,alittleboyhashisbestsummereverwhen they build a treehouse in the backyard of their new house. Heandhisbrotherspendalltheirtimetogetherinthetreehouseplayingandlearninguntilhisbrothergetsolderandmakeshisownfriends and doesn’t want to hang out with his younger sibling anymore.Sothelittleboyspendshistimeinthetreehousealoneuntilablack-outonenightbringshisbrotherbackupinthetree.This story reinforces family values and reminds the readers how importantandenjoyableitistospendtimewithfamilyandsiblings.

Moon ForestAuthor:PatriciaMacCarthy (2013).UK/London: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books CallNo.:JPEnglishMAC

Withbeautifullywrittentextanddream-likeillustrations,thislovelypicturebookleadsthereadersthroughafoodhuntingadventureofamotherfoxinthenightdrownforest.Itvividlydepictsallthesights,soundsandrealityofthemoonlight-illuminatedforestasthefoxpouncesthroughthetrailandtheotheranimalstakeflightfortheirsurvival.Thisisagreatbookchoiceforbedtimereading.

The Old TreeAuthor:RuthBrown (2007).USA:CandlewickPress CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:978-0763634612

PigeonPostdeliversmailtothemanyresidentsoftheOldTree.NoonenoticesthebigwhiteXonthetrunkofthetree,exceptPigeonPost.CaptainCrowspotsmencuttingdownatreenotfaraway.Whatcantheydotosavethetree?Thisdelightfultaleofcooperationandconservationwithluminousacrylicandwatercolorillustrationswillengagereaders,withafinalsurpriseofabeautifulpop-uptree.


The Paradise Garden Author: Colin Thompson (1998).UK:KnopfBooksforYoungReaders CallNo.:JEnglishTHO

ThisuniquestoryfollowsaPeter’sjourneyofself-redemption.Peteriswearyofthenoiseandchaosofthecitylife,sohesneaksawayandfindshisrefugeinagardenparadise.Peterissoinlovewiththepeace,beautyandserenityofthisnewplacethathedecidestospendseveralweeksthere,wherehefinallylearnshowtotaketimeforhimselfandcalmdown.Eventuallyherealizesthathecanfindpeace wherever he goes.

Rainforest Surprise Author: Samantha Ong Illustrator:LowKhayYhooi (2010).Malaysia:GuRuKuHornbill CallNo.:Unavailable

A young boy enters a 130 million year old tropical rainforest and takes children on a learning adventure about the natural habitats of animals,insectsandtheOrangAsli.

There Was a Tree Author:RachelIsadora (2012).Africa:NancyPaulsenBooks CallNo.:JPEnglish782.42ISA

“Andthegreengrassgrewallaround,allaround.”Thewell-knowncumulativechildren’ssong“TheGreenGrassGrewAllAround”has been adapted into this colorful picture book. It tells the story ofabeautifulumbrellaacaciatreeandhowitgrowstobecomeabeautifulelementofnatureinanAfricansetting.Theauthorutilizescolorful pictographic rebus icons to illustrate the repeated words inthetextwhichmakesitfunandeasyforyoungreaderstofollowalong and read the story.

The Tree House Author: Marjorie Tolman Illustrator:RonaldTolman (2010).USA:Lemniscaat CallNo.:JPEnglishTOL

Thisdelightfulwordlesspicturebooktellsastoryoftwobearsandtheiradventuresinatreehousethatsticksupintheocean.Thetwobearstogetherexplorethetreehouseandfindthatitisaperfectplacetoreadbooks,eatfood,andwatchtheskies.Astimegoesby,flamingos,pandas,bears,andotheranimalsthatpassbyjointhetwobears.Togethertheyhaveawonderfultimeinthetreehouse.


The Tree House That Jack BuiltAuthor:BonnieVerburg Illustrator: Mark Teague (2014).USA:OrchardBooks CallNo.:JPVER

Thispicturebookpresentsadelightfulretellingofamuch-lovedtraditional“TheHousethatJackBuilt”story.Bycombiningbrightandimaginativeillustrationsandrhymingtext,thestoryleadsreaderstoasoothingjourneyofawondrousdayinthemostexcitingandmassivetreehouseever!Agreatbedtimestoryforyoungerchildren.

The Tree in the Ancient Forest Author:CarolReed-Jones Illustrator: Christopher Caynon (1995).USA:DawnPublications CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:978-1883220310

This is a portrayal of the amazing life of inhabitants that depend on oneanotherforsurvivalinandaroundgianttreesinancientforests,witharepetitive,cumulativeversethatchildrenuniversallyenjoy.

Up in the TreeAuthor: Margaret Atwood (2010).Canada:Bloomsbury CallNo.:JPEnglishATW

Thisisaplayfulandwhimsicalstoryoftwowide-eyedlittlechildrenwholiveuphappilyintheirtreehousewithanowl.Butoneday,whentwobeaverscomealongandgnawtheirwoodenladder(thatleadsupintothetree)intomatchsticks,thechildrenarenotsosurethat they want to be so alone. What will they do?


TREES AND ANCESTRY

The Bee Tree Author:PatriciaPolacco (1998).US:Puffin CallNo.:ELJPEnglishPOL

WhenMaryEllengetsboredwithherreading,Grandpaknowsahuntforabeetreeisjustwhatsheneeds.Halfthetownjoinstheirexcitingchase,butitisnotuntileveryonereturnshomethatMaryEllenmakesadiscoveryofherown:thatsometimes,eventhesweetestofthingsmustbe worked for.

The Birthday Tree Author:PaulFleischman Illustrator:BarryRoot (2008).US:CandlewickPress CallNo.:Unavailable

Havinglostthreesonstothesea,asailorandhiswifedecidetoliveonland,farawayfromthesea.WhentheirfourthsonJackisborninthenewhome,thecoupleplantsanappletreetohonorhisbirth.AsJackgrowstaller,sodoesthetree.Overtime,Jackand apple tree becomes very close friends. But one day the couple awaketofindJack’sbedempty.Whentheyseeagullperchedontopofthetree,theyrealizethattheirJackhasrunawaytosea.

Chavela and the Magic BubbleAuthor: Monica Brown Illustrator: Magaly Morales (2010).Mexico:ClarionBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishBRO

Chavelaisachubby-cheekedyounggirlwholoveschewingchicle.Sheespecially enjoys sharing her chicle with her grandma and listening to storiesabouthergrandmotherandgreat-greatfatherinMexico.Onedayshefindsamagicchiclewhichtakesheronajourneythatletsherlearn how her beloved chewing gum is made from sapodilla trees.

The Grandad TreeAuthor: Trish Cooke Illustrator: Sharon Wilson (2000).UK:WalkerBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishCOO

Leighandherbrother,Vin,alwaysrememberthegoodtimeswhen playing with grandfather under their apple tree. Although grandfatherdies,andtheworldaroundthemkeepsonchanging,theirloveforGrandadwillneveralterwithtime.


Grandma Lim’s PersimmonsAuthor: Sunita Lad Bhamray Illustrator:MarjorieVanHeerden (2013). Malaysia:Oyez!Books CallNo.:JPEnglishBHA

Grandma Lin loves to grow persimmons in her garden. She savesthebiggestandmostbeautifulpersimmonsforhergranddaughter Mei Ling. But before she can give the best persimmonshehasevergrowntoMeiLing,thepersimmondisappearsafterastormblowsitoffthetree.That’swhenacentipede,aspiderandacatsavethedayforGrandmaLim.

Grandpa Green Author: Lane Smith (2011).US:RoaringBookPress CallNo.:JPEnglishSMI

A young boy walks through a topiary garden to retrieve the glovesandotheritemsmisplacedbyhisgreat-grandfatherwhousedtobeahorticulturist.Toldwithveryfewwordsandlovingly-crafted,ingeniously-wovenimages,thisisabooktobeheld,treasured,andlovedthroughtheages.

The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story Author:UmaKrishnaswami Illustrator:RuthJeyaveeran (2005).India:Lee&LowBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishKRI

Meenaisveryexcitedaboutherclassplay.However,whenshefindsoutthatshehastoactasatree,allherpriorexcitementvanishes as she fears she is too clumsy to be a steady tree. Luckily,shecomesacrossayogaclassandisconvincedtotryitouttohelpimproveherposture.Fromthere,shebeginstolearn that she can overcome life obstacles through the power ofperseveranceanddetermination.


The Mango TreeAuthor: Hidayah Amin Illustrator: Idris Ali (2013).Singapore:HelangBooks CallNumber:JEnglish959.57051092HID

WhenHidayahisborn,amangoseedisplantedinthegardenofherfamilyhomebyhergrandmother.Asshegrows,sodoesthetree.Hidayahformsacloseconnectionwiththetreeasitbecomesherconfidant,andshemissesitwhensheleaveshometostudyandtravel.Whenshereturnshome,shedespairswhenthetreeischopped down to make way for development.

Naomi’s Tree Author: Joy Kogawa Illustrator:RuthOhi (2008).Canada:FitzhenryandWhiteside CallNo.:JEnglishKOG

This book shares a real story about the enduring friendship between aJapanese-Canadianfamilyandtheircherrytree.Itdescribestheplight,loss,courageandloveofthefamilywhentheyareuprootedfromtheirhomesintheaftermathofWorldWarIIandhowthecherry tree gives the family courage and resilience to transcend difficultcircumstanceswithpatienceandpeace.

The Spirit of the Baobab TreeAuthor: Dionne Champion Contributor: Sherice Grant (2008).US:Xlibris,Corp CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:978-1436378413

Asafosterchild,nine-year-oldJelaniturnstodrawingasameansto cope with loneliness and the mean children in his class. One day a magical storyteller appears from the pages of Jelani’s sketchbook andleadsthemonahistoricaljourneythroughtime.Uncoveringthetruthbehindhisdrawings,Jelaniandhisclassmatesexperiencefirst-handhowtheirancestorslivedandwhattheirsocial,economic,political,andculturallifewaslike.Drawingonthepastexperiencesofhisancestors,Jelanifindsthestrengthheneedstoovercomehisownobstacles,andheandhisclassmatesdevelopanewsenseofprideabouttheirpast,presentandfuture.

33I Speak for the Trees

I Speak for the Trees

34 I Speak for the Trees

LIFE OF TREES

Celebritrees: Historic and Famous Trees of the WorldAuthor:MargiPreus Illustrator:RebeccaGibbon (2011).USA:HenryHolt&Co. CallNo.:JPEnglish582.16PRE

Thisbookintroduces14differenttreesfromaroundtheworld,famousbecausetheyaretheoldest,tallest,widest,orbecausetheyarefascinatingstoriesbehindthem.Theauthorprovidesahistoryofeachtreeandprovidesfurtherscientificinformationaboutitssizeand age. A great book to inspire students’ interest in trees.

Crinkleroot’s Guide to Knowing the treesAuthor: Jim Arnosky (1992).Canada:Simon&Schuster CallNo.:Unavailable

Thisbookoffersafunandentertainingwaytoteachkidsaboutnature.LedbythecharmingteacherCrinkleroot,ittellsthereadershowtreesgrow,develop,andliveinthemostaccessibleway.

Our PlanetAuthor: Jimi Lee Illustrator: Jimi Lee (2013).HongKong:MichaelNeugebauer CallNumber:JPEnglishLEE

This wordless picture book shows how human progress and developmentofcitiesoverwhelmstheplanet.Givenasecondchance,isitpossibletoreachaharmoniousbalancewithnature?

Redwoods Author: Jason Chin (2009).US-butAsianAmericanauthor/illustrator CallNo.:JPEnglish585CHI

Ayoungboyfindsabookaboutredwoodforestsonhissubwayride home. So he picks up the book and starts to read it. He is so captivatedbytheinformationinthebook,hefindshimselftraveltoCaliforniatoclimbintotheRedwoodcanopy.Afterhisadventuresinthepagesofthebook,heleavesthebookonaparkbenchforanother child to pick up and read.


Tell me, Tree: All about trees for kids Author: Gail Gibbons (2008).USA:LittleBrownBooksforYoungReaders CallNo.:ELJPEnglish582.16GIB

Inthisinviting,oversizedscientificpicturebook,theauthorprovidesasimple,informativeandeye-pleasingguideontheparts,functionsand types of the tree. Discussion of photosynthesis and the other tree-relatedscientificterms,suchasphloemandcambium,alsoincludedinthebookwhichdefinitelywillmakeitagreatcurriculumresource.

The Tree Book for Kids and their Grown-ups Author: Gina Ingoglia (2008).USA:BrooklynBotanicGarden CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:9781889538433

Thispicturebookanswerstree-relatedquestionsinaneasyandentertainingway.Itintroducestoreaders33differenttreesthatgrowinNorthAmericaandtheirdetailedprofiles.

A Tree In My VillageAuthor:ParitoshSen (1996).India:BanyanTree CallNo.:RefAsianChildrenEnglish759.954SEN

Inthisvibrantandjoyfulpicturebook,theauthorleadsthereadersthroughavisualjourneyofthevarietyofbird,animalandinsectlifeand the ecosystem in and around the Arjuna tree in his childhood village.Throughtheseminuteobservations,theauthorrevealstheremarkablechainoflife,andtheinterdependenceofalllivingcreatures.

A Tree is a Plant Author:ClydeRobertBulla Illustrator:StaceySchuett (2001).USA:HarperCollins CallNo.:ELJPEnglish582.16BUL

Thisisanengagingfirstbookforpreschoolandearly-primary-gradechildrentolearnaboutthecontinuouslifecycleoftrees,withthetransformationofanappletreethroughfourseasons.Iteffectivelyexplainsthepartsoftree,theirfunctionsandthescience concepts around it in a very simple language.


The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin (2003)Author:PeterSis (2003).UK:Farrar,StrausandGiroux CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:978-0374456283

Thisaward-winningpicturebookbiographyofthegeniusthinker,CharlesDarwin,isbothentertainingandeducationalwiththestoryabouthislifestartingfromchildhood.

Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on EarthAuthor:RochelleStrauss Illustrator: Margot Thompson (2004).Canada:KidsCanPress CallNo.:J578.01STR

Thisscientificpicturebookprovidesachild-friendlyintroductiontobiodiversity.Throughitsdazzlingillustrationsandtext,thebookshareshowlivingthingsonearthareclassifiedandinterconnected.Italsoexplainshoweverythingthatwedoaffectallaspectsofourlife on the planet. It raises the reader’s awareness on what we can do daily to help protect our ecosystem.

The Tree that Time Built: A Celebration of Nature, Science, and ImaginationAuthor:AnthologyofpoemsselectedbyU.S.Children’sPoetLaureateMaryAnnHobermanandCulturalAnthropologist/TeacherLinda Winston (2009).USA:Sourcebooks:Jabberwocky,2009 CallNo.:JEnglish808.81TRE

Thisbookofpoetrydetailsthemysteryinnature,themagicofscience,themysterywithineachorganism’sbreathingbeing.Asidefrom gathering together a treasury of poems that celebrate the naturalworldaroundus,theanthologistscameupwiththeirownmethodofcategorizationastohowthepoetrycomestogetherinameaningfulway–theirownphylumofpoeticthreads,ifyoumay.This book is living proof that if we are able to ‘look at the familiar withstrangeeyes’–throughtheeyesofapoet,thewriter,thesystematicnaturalist,theempiricist–thenthelikelihoodofseeingtheuniverseinarosebud–isimmenselypromising.


WARDEN OF THE FOREST

Aani and the Tree HuggersAuthor: Jeannine Atkins Illustrator:VenantiusJ.Pinto (1995).USA:Lee&LowBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishATK

BasedonatrueeventinnorthernIndia,thismovingstoryofayounggirl’squietactofbraverywillinspirechildreneverywhere.YoungAani and women in her village try to stop men from the city who havecometocutdowntreesbyexplainingthattheteesprovidefood,fuelandhomestoanimals.Butthetreecutterscontinue.Finally,Aaniwrapsherarmsaroundoneofthetrees.Thevillagewomenjoinher,andtheysavethevillage’sbelovedforest,andherfavoritetree.ThedistinctiveillustrationsareinspiredbyIndianminiaturepainting.

Amoako and the ForestAuthor: Deborah Cowley Photographer:KathyKnowles (2008).Ghana:OSUChildren’sLibraryFund CallNo.:Unavailable

Thispicturebookpresentsafirst-handworkandlifeaccountofaforester,Amoako,whoisworkingwithalegalloggingcompanyinGhana.Throughtheuseofstunningphotographsandinformativeimagesoftrees,thisbookvicariouslyleadsthereadersthroughthewhole logging process.

Ang Huling Puno (The Last Tree)Author:RetoldbyRichardReynante Illustrator: Arnould Nuestro (2001).Philippines:LamparaBooks CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:978-9715180016

Thestoryisaboutsavingthelasttreeinthecitywhereanimalslive,and children play happily. The tree is planned to be cut down to makewayforahugebuilding.Topreventthetreefrombeingcut,the animals and children work together to come up with a plan. Thestorymotivateschildrentoassumetheirrolesasguardiansofnature.(EnglishandFilipino)


Can We Live Without Trees?Author:MayTobias-Papa Illustrator: Jill Milroy (2014).Philippines:AdarnaHouse CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN:978-971-508-484-0

Can anyone imagine a world without trees? Through reading this beautifulpicturebook,childrenwilllearnhowimportanttreesaretohumansandalllivingthings,andhowwecanhelptosaveourforests.(EnglishandFilipino)

Dingo’s TreeAuthors: Gladys Milroy and Jill Milroy Illustrator: Jill Milroy (2013).Australia:MagabalaBooks CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN978-1921248436

ThisisthestoryofDingo,Wombat,Crowandtheirfriendsastheystruggletoexistalongsidethedevastationofminingthatistearinguptheirbeautifulhomeland.Thispowerfulchildren’scautionarytaleonthedestructionandhavocthatminingcausestothelandandtocommunityisbothtouchingandhard-hitting.

The Family Tree Author:DavidMcPhail (2012).US:HenryHolt&Co. CallNo.:JPEnglishMAC

Ayoungmanmakeshishomeinabeautifulforest,leavingaspecialtreetoshelterhisfrontyard.Generationsofhisfamilybondwiththetree,andwhensomeworkerscometocutthetreedowntomakewayforahighway,hisgreat-great-grandsontakesastandtosave the tree.

The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain ForestAuthor: Lynne Cherry (1991).Brazil:HMHBooksforYoungReaders CallNo.:JPEnglishCHE

Oneday,alumberjackexhaustshimselftryingtologagiantkapoktreethatishometomanyrainforestanimals.Whilehefallsasleep,theforest’sresidents,onebyone,comedownthetreetrunkandwhisper in his ear about the importance of the tree and how their livesdependonit.Finally,alltheearnestpleadingseemstowork.Whenthelumberjackwakesup,hedecidestodroptheaxandwalkout of the rain forest.


The Great Paper CaperAuthor:OliverJeffers (2008).UK:HarperCollinsPublishers CallNo.:JPEnglishJEF

Theforestanimalsinvestigatedisappearingtreebranchesandmysteriouslyappearingpaperplanes,finallydiscoveringthatthebearistheculprit.Whenthebearplantstreeseedsinpenance,theforestanimalsrallytohiscause,andhelphimtoachievehisdreams.

Home/Belonging Author: Jeannie Baker (2004).USA:GreenwillowBooks,anImprintof HarperCollinsPublishers CallNo.:JPEnglishBAK

Beginningwithamodernprogressivelandscapedottedwithfastfoodchainsandwallslitteredwithgraffiti,andendingwiththeurbanlandscapemergingbeautifullywiththetreesandplantlife,thisbookengendersdiscussiononthemeaningofhome,community,andsustainable development.

In the ForestAuthors:AnouckBoisrobert,LouisRigaudandSophieStrady Illustrator: Jill Milroy (2012).USA:TatePublishing CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:978-1849760713

DeepintheAmazonianrainforest,everythingissogreenandfulloflifeuntilthe‘metalmonsters’intrudein.Thiscreativepop-upbooktellsthedramaticstoryofoneslothwhohangsonintheforestbecauseofitslaziness,asaresult,witnessesthewholeprocessoftheforestbeingdestroyedandthenreborn.Thisbookeffectivelypresentstothereadersthehorribleresultsofwantondeforestationandconveysaclearmessageforenvironmentalprotection.


Let’s Plant TreesAuthor:VinodLalHeeraEshwe (2013).India:TulikaPublishers CallNo.:JPEnglish582.16ESH

Bycelebratingthetreeinitsdifferentrolesthroughcutecartoondrawingsandcrisptext,thisimaginativepicturebookoffersreadersplentyofreasonsforplantingtrees.

The Lorax Author: Dr. Seuss (1998).USA:RandomHouseBooksforYoungReaders CallNo.:JPEnglishSEU

Inthisclassicbook,areclusivecreaturetellsthesorrytaleofhowgreed and the unsustainable use of natural resources results in thedestructionoftheenvironment.Whilethebookpaintsableakpicture,thereisasliverofhopeattheend.

Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of KenyaAuthor: Donna Jo Napoli Illustrator: Kadir Nelson (2010).Kenya:APaulaWisemanbook:Simon&SchusterBooks forYoungReaders CallNo.:JPEnglish333.72092NAP

MamaMitiseemstoknowexactlywhatseedtogiveeachpersonwhocomestoherforhelp.Ratherthanprovidethemwithaquick-fixthatismerelypalliativeinnature,shehelpsthemoutbygivingthemplantstogrow–theexactonethatisneededtofeednotjusttheentirefamilybuttheiranimalsaswell.Gradually,withpatience,perseveranceandunwaveringfaithinherpeople,MamaMitiralliesthe village women to plant thirty million trees in Kenya and other countries of Africa.

The Mangrove Tree: Planting Trees to Feed FamiliesAuthor:SusanL.Roth&CindyTrumbore (2011).AfricancountryofEritrea:Lee&LowBooks CallNo.:Unavailable

Thisbookdemonstrateshowoneman’ssimplevision:plantingmangotreesbytheshoreofthesaltyRedSea–cantransformadry,aridland,suchasHargigo,toaleafygreenforest.Wheretherewasdarknessanddeprivation,Dr.GordonSatoplantsseedlings,bringinglight,air,andsustenance.


MemorialAuthor: Gary Crew Illustrator: Shaun Tan (1999).Australia:LothianBooks CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:978-0734405456

“Mygreat-grandpasaystheyplantedthetreeonthedayhecame home from the war.” And so the story begins. The tree haswithstoodseveralwars,witnessedtheevolutionofentirefamilies,andwatchedtheentirecitygrowfromitsvantagepoint.Itisalsohometoentireanimalfamilieswhofinditsbranches sturdy and its leaves a sanctuary from the elements. Whileinitiallyastoryofasoldiercominghomefromthewar,thenarrativeunfurlsintosomethingelsealtogether–thefragmentedqualityofmemoryandthecollectedbitsandpiecesthat make up one’s life.

Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari MaathaiAuthor: Claire A. Nivola (2008).Kenya:Farrar,StrausandGiroux CallNo.:JEnglish333.72092NIV

ThisisaninspiringlifestoryofWangariMaathai,thefirstwomanfromAfricatoreceivetheNobelPeacePrizeandfounderoftheGreenBeltMovementwho,throughherlifelongefforts,changethefateofhernativelandofKenyabyteachinghercountrymento work in rhythm with their environment.

The Promise Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Laura Carlin (2013).UK:WalkerBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishDAV

Featuring a young girl who lives in a broken city where nothing evergrows,thispowerfulstorydemonstratesthatitisnevertoolatetotransformone’slife.Itcelebratesredemptionfoundincrackedstreets,patiencegatheredfromparchedpavements,andbrightgreensandyellowsamidstdead-eyedgreysanddust-covered hearts.


The Sea, The Storm and the Mangrove TangleAuthor: Lynne Cherry Illustrator: Lynne Cherry (2013).USA:Farrar,StrausandGiroux(BYR) CallNo.:JPEnglishCHE

Thisinformativepicturebookpresentsauniquelookontheendangered ecosystem of the mangroves in the Caribbean Sea.

Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace Author: Jen Cullerton Johnson Illustrator: Sonia Lynn Sadler (2010).USA:Lee&LowBooks.NewYork CallNo.:JPEnglish333.72092JOH

ThisisanotherfantasticpicturebookabouttheamazinglifestoryofWangari,anAfricanwomanandenvironmentalistwhoiscommittedtochangingherbelovedcountryKenyathroughtree-planting,sparkingacivilrightsmovement.Thisbooktouchesuponseveralimportantissuessuchasnature,environmentalprotectionandwomen’sright.

The Tree Lady: The Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever Author: H. Joseph Hopkins Illustrator:JillMcElmurry (2013).US:BeachLaneBooks CallNo.:JPEnglish635HOP

AfascinatingandinspiringbiographyofKatherineSessions,atree-lovingwomanwhoisalsohonoredastheMotherofBalboaParkbecauseofherground-breakingaccomplishmentsin transforming the dry desert San Diego city into the green and leafy city that it is today.


Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees Author:FranckPraevot Illustrator: Aurelia Fronty (2015).Kenya:Charlesbridge CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN-13:978-1580896269

Thisbeautifulpicturebooktellsaninspiringlifestoryof an amazing woman Wangari Maathai who leads her countrywomen in a nonviolent struggle to bring peace and democracytoAfricathroughherreforestationproject.

Window Author: Jeannie Baker (1991).USA:RandomHouseChildren’sBooks CallNo.:JPEnglishBAK

Thiswordlessnarrativeshowsthereaderthedevelopmentalmilestonesofaninfanteverytwoyearsuntiloldage,setagainsttheeverchangingbackgroundwherewealsoseetheeffectsofurbanisationontheenvironment,withthelossoftreesandvegetationinthenameofprogress.

Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree Author: William Miller Illustrators:CorneliusVanWright,Ying-HwaHu (1994).US:Lee&LowBooks CallNo.:Unavailable/ISBN978-1880000144

ThisbeautifullyillustratedpicturebookpresentsanupliftinglifestoryofZoraHurston,thefamousAfrican-Americanauthor,oneofthemostimportantfiguresoftheHarlemRenaissance.IttellsthereadersatouchingstoryofhowZorawasencouragedbyherdyingmothertopursueherdreamswithconfidence.

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Central Public Library is home to My Tree House – World’s 1st Green Library for Kids. This pioneering library is steered by green principles in all facets from design and infrastructure to collection and programming. Created in partnership with Asia’s leading eco-developer City Developments Limited (CDL), this unique eco space facilitates environmental literacy in children. Opened on 31 May 2013 by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information, My Tree House was awarded the top-tier Green Mark Platinum Award by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore for its extensive use of environmentally-sustainable materials and energy-efficient fittings.

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FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS1. Tree House and Eco Attributes

Formingthecentrepieceoftheecolibrary,thestrikingtreehousecanopyfeaturesthecreativeuseofover3,000recycledplasticbottleswhilethetreetrunkislargelyfabricatedwithaluminium,mildsteelandplywood,whicharerecyclable,andfibreglass.Othergreenfeaturesinthelibraryincludetherefurbishedbookshelves,carpetmadewithhighamountsofrecycledcontentandenergy-efficientLEDlighting.

2. The Knowledge Tree

Thisinteractiveinstallationissetin an enchanted forest where a magical tree grows and prompts questionsonenvironmentalawareness.Usingshadowmovement,onecanuncoverthequestionsandselectanswerstothequiz.Therightanswerswillnourishthe tree and delight the forest creatures;thewronganswerswillmakethetreewither–allowingits young users to understand howtheiractionscanimpacttheenvironment.

3. The Weather Stump

Thevisualprojectiononthestumpmarksthetemperature,windspeedandrainfallrecordedatMarinaBarrageovera24-hourperiod,withanupdateeveryfiveminutes.Thecolouroftheringshowsthetemperature,thenumberinkm/honthewhitelineindicatesthewindspeedand irregular outlines on the ring represent rainfall.

4. Green Collection and Programmes

30%ofthe45,000booksinMyTreeHousearefocusedongreenthemeslikenature,environmentandconservation,whilefictionbooksincludingfairytales,fantasyandfolkloresrelatedtothethemeoftheenchantedforestmakeuptherestofthecollection.TherearealsogreenthemedeBooksandeducationalgamesavailablethroughinteractiveandchild-friendlyeReadingkiosks.Thelibraryalsohostsanarrayofecocraftprogrammesforyoungreaders.

Jointly presented by:

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Acknowledgements

Project CommitteeMyraGarcesBacsal–Educator, AFCC Programme Director

KennethQuek–AFCC Festival DirectorCorinneRobson–Projects Manager, WaterBridge Outreach.org

EvelynSWong–Author, AFCC Partnership Director, Board of Advisors

IllustrationsTheillustrationsfoundinthisbookletwerecreatedspeciallybythefollowing

studentsfromRafflesInstitution.

Clara WongMireille Lee

Ng Qian QianTayYing

YongZhenZhouZhangXun

Supervisor: Ang Tze Qi

AnnotationsTheannotationswerewrittenwiththehelpof:KangShuangjuan

Administrative SupportNationalBookDevelopmentCouncilofSingapore

Special ThanksCity Developments LimitedNationalLibraryBoardNationalParksBoard

NIEOfficeofEducationalResearch(OER15/14RB)RafflesInstitution

ThisbookwasintroducedattheAsianFestivalofChildren’sContent(AFCC).TheAFCCisanannualgatheringofwriters,illustrators,publishers,distributors,teachers,

parentsandchildrentocelebratethecreationofchildren’scontent,withanemphasisonAsianstories,withthefollowingobjectives:

DEVELOPskillsforcreatingstorieswithAsiancontentforchildren.

PROMOTEthepublicationandproductionofAsiancontentforchildren.

PROVIDEthe world with access to Asian content for children.

formoreinformation,pleasevisitwww.afcc.com.sg

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2

FOREST OF STORIES is an annotated bibliography

showcasing a selection of more than 100 tree-themed

picture books from around the world, both fiction and non-

fiction, which can be used as a teaching resource or to help

parents and book lovers find interesting books to read.

Documents

An Annotated Bibliography of Tree-themed Picture Books