Leo's Tree

Publishing Details

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Physical Properties

Description

The gentle tale of a baby boy and the tree planted in honor of his birth. When Leo is born, his father plants a tree-a scratchy, branchy linden tree. Soon Leo is growing hair and the tree is sprouting buds, the first of many delightful changes that boy and tree experience during their early years together. As the seasons change, Leo and his tree continue to grow strong and true. Then, when a baby sister joins the family, her tender new sapling is planted next to Leo's sturdy tree. Debora Pearson has created a gentle and heartwarming tale. Softly illustrated by Nora Hilb, this is a story for growing young children and their parents to cherish and share for years to come.

Reviews

From the opening lines, "When Leo was small/His father planted a tree/A scratchy branchy linden tree," author Debora Pearson sets the rhythm and tone of her simple, eloquent story. The "story" is, in fact, a free verse poem that is filled with descriptive language, observations, rhyming phrases and no punctuation. Leo's growth is echoed throughout the story by the growth of his tree.... The text of the story contains both a comforting reassurance that time is unfolding as it should and a delighted wonder at the remarkable changes that have occurred in Leo, his tree and nature. The arrival of Sophie, Leo's baby sister, begins the cycle of growth again and gently returns the reader back to the opening lines of the story. This makes for a fitting conclusion... Leo's Tree is an uplifting family tale that makes an enjoyable read for both parents and children. The rhythmic language, warm watercolours and cyclical storyline combine to make this book a success.... Highly Recommended.--Lisa Sykes"Canadian Materials" (10/01/2004)
Rhyming and near-rhyming phrases are studded with sensory words that help to bring Leo's world to life. Hilb uses clean lines and soft-toned watercolor washes to create a series of pleasing illustrations... Short and satisfying to read aloud, this will have wide appeal.--Carolyn Phelan"Booklist" (05/15/2004)
Simple rhyming text... Soft watercolors gently record the child's and the linden's progress in careful step with the text... peaceful, satisfying offering.--Patrician Manning"School Library Journal" (06/01/2004)
The poetic text is gentle and charming... the illustrations are delightful... the perfect book to introduce the seasons to very young children.--Isobel Lang"Resource Links" (06/01/2004)
An uplifting family tale... Rhythmic language, warm watercolours and cyclical storyline combine to make this book a success... Highly Recommended.--Lisa Sykes"Canadian Materials" (10/01/2004)
Poetic text is gentle and charming... illustrations are delightful... the perfect book to introduce the seasons to very young children.--Isobel Lang"Resource Links" (06/01/2004)
Soft watercolors gently record the child's and the linden's progress in careful step with the text... peaceful, satisfying offering.--Patrician Manning"School Library Journal" (06/01/2004)
Studded with sensory words that help to bring Leo's world to life... pleasing illustrations... Short and satisfying to read aloud.--Carolyn Phelan"Booklist" (05/15/2004)

Author Bio

Debora Pearson is the author of more than a dozen children's books, including all the titles in the "Mighty Wheels" series. She is also co-author of all three books in Annick Press' "Travel Adventure" series, which earned places on VOYA's Nonfiction Honor list and in the prestigious international White Raven Collection.

Nora Hilb is the award-winning illustrator of dozens of children's books in her native Argentina and around the world. She previously worked with Debora Pearson on "Animachines."