Book Bundles: Just Add Sun and Water

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Riley Samels. A narrator asks a young Black farmer about his plans for the seed in his hand. Eat it? "Oh no! I'll let it grow." At each stage of the pumpkin's growth, the child refuses to harvest the plant; finally, it's grown big enough to enter in a contest at the fair. Is that the end? Oh no! The giant pumpkin is hollowed out for use in a pumpkin regatta. The predictable growth narrative benefits from the uncommon ending (pies and jack-o'-lanterns are both rejected end-uses) and from the uncluttered, collage-style illustrations with strong, repeated textural elements. Back matter includes a history of giant pumpkins, a color photo of an Oregon pumpkin regatta, and "plentiful pumpkin facts."

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Tiffany Bozic. In simple yet poetic language accessible to young readers, Johnston describes trees' place in nature: "Trees are friends. Their branches say, Come. Come. Climb." The observations are accompanied by visually soothing acrylic-on-wood paintings--in some, the wood grain of the substrate is preserved, adding texture--that show identifiable trees, birds, animals, wildflowers, fungi, and amphibians, as well as children. Less science lesson than appreciation for these stately companions, the text ends with back matter that names the trees pictured, gives further reading for children and adults, lists websites for tree advocacy organizations, and offers author and illustrator notes.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Julien Norwood & Isabelle Simler. In four information-dense chapters, this French import explores tree structure, growth, reproduction, and products. A fifth section surveys some unusual tree species. Interested readers will come away with a solid grasp of botanical vocabulary and biological processes, including tree self-defense and communication. The minutely detailed illustrations, reminiscent of a naturalist's notebook, use texture, shape, and color to differentiate the arboreal subjects, while quizzes, activities, and "My Observatory" pages invite reader interaction. A final spread includes an index, answer key, and an invitation to "find the trees these fruits grow on in the book." The in-depth treatment may limit the book's audience, but for tree-lovers feeding a passion, it will be welcome.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam