A Tree Is a Home - by Pamela Hickman (Hardcover)

About the Book

"An introduction to seasonal changes in nature, young readers will learn about the six animals that all share the same habitat of an oak tree. Throughout the seasons, readers see how the oak tree -- and its animal inhabitants -- change and adapt as the weather turns colder and then warmer. In a parallel story, told only in the art, readers will discover that the family living on the property share similar seasonal changes."--

Book Synopsis

In this delightful exploration of the seasons in nature, an oak tree and its animal inhabitants change and grow over the course of a year -- just like their human neighbors!

A large old oak tree stands near an empty house. Like the house, the tree provides shelter and a place to raise a family. From its branches to its roots, six animals share the tree as a home. Readers follow along as the tree and the animals -- a raccoon, opossum, acorn weevil, gray squirrel, blue jay and chipmunk -- change and adapt through all four seasons, from one autumn to the next. Meanwhile, a human family moves into the empty house nearby, and we see their story unfold, and grow, at the same time as their animal neighbors.

Bestselling children's author Pamela Hickman provides a perfect introduction to nature's seasonal cycles in this charming picture book. In a unique approach, the informational text about the tree and animals is paired with a separate narrative told wordlessly through artwork about the human family's parallel lives. Zafouko Yamamoto's art alternates between the wider view encompassing the tree and the house and a focus only on the tree, where close-up illustrations highlight each animal's activities. This multilayered story invites rereading and discussions about the various homes found in nature, and the cycles and seasons of life. It has strong curriculum applications in life science, such as growth and changes in animals and plants, ecosystems and habitats. The book also explores the interconnectedness of living things and fosters an appreciation for nature. Illustrated life cycles of an oak tree and each of the animals in the book, a glossary and further reading are included.

Review Quotes

An excellent addition to elementary nonfiction collections ...--School Library Journal

A sweet, informative journey.--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Pamela is an award-winning author of over 35 non-fiction nature books for children, including The Kids Canadian Nature Series, First Look at Nature Series, Animal Senses and Animals Hibernating. She lives in Canning, Nova Scotia.