About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing the tiny details of the natural world or expresses a 'why' about the insects and birds in your own backyard. It is an ideal choice for slowing down a busy afternoon and fostering a sense of quiet observation and environmental stewardship. Through stunning macro photography, the book reveals the hidden ecosystem of a single seventy year old maple tree. It follows the 'traffic' of squirrels, cicadas, and birds, showing how one living thing provides a home and food for many others. Parents will appreciate how it builds scientific vocabulary while maintaining a tone of wonder, making it perfect for children aged 5 to 9 who are transitioning from simple picture books to more informative texts.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is secular and objective. It touches on the food chain (predation) in a direct, naturalistic way that is factual rather than emotional or gruesome.
Ideal Reader
A second or third grader who loves 'I Spy' books but is ready for real-world facts. It is also excellent for a child who may feel overwhelmed by big spaces and finds comfort in the 'micro-world' of a garden or park.
