ACCESS DIGITIZED EDITION
Guide/Reviews Database
SCIENCE
Hodgson, Rob

When Tree Became a Tree

64 pp. | Penguin Workshop/Rise | March, 2025 | Trade ISBN 9780593886694 $19.99 | Ebook ISBN 9780593890493 $11.99
(2) K-3 Hodgson’s friendly science lesson introduces readers to the life cycle of an apple tree. Tree’s story begins when an apple falls to the ground, eventually allowing Seed to take root and begin to grow. As in When Moon Became a Moon (rev. 7/23), characters (e.g., Tree, Seed, Sun, Cloud, etc.) are depicted with expressive cartoon eyes and smiley mouths, and speech bubbles provide their humorous asides. Twelve short chapters highlight different phases of Tree’s growth. Bees, worms, and mushrooms (“I’m a fun guy!”) all make appearances. A handful of humans, with differing skin tones, abilities, and ages, are depicted interacting with trees in various settings. Tree’s role in the greater ecosystem is also highlighted, along with a connection between the protagonist and various trees that grow in other climates and locations. A consistent color palette and inviting aesthetic carry throughout the book. While the natural elements are anthropomorphized, the book solidly explains scientific concepts in an approachable manner, focusing on both the small and large aspects of a tree’s life.
Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

RELATED 

SCIENCE

How to Build an Insect
by Gibson, Roberta
SCIENCE

A Quick History of Math
by Gifford, Clive
SCIENCE

Butterflies Are Pretty...Gross!
by Mosco, Rosemary
SCIENCE

Summertime Sleepers
by Stewart, Melissa
SCIENCE

Birds
by Krestovnikoff, Miranda
More

Get connected. Join our global community of more than 200,000 librarians and educators.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?