  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 07/01/2015 PreS-Gr 1—The dramatic changes characteristic of deciduous trees have provided material for authors with personalities as diverse as Janice Udry, Carin Berger, and Shel Silverstein. Long chooses the anthropomorphic route for his simple fable. Little Tree, a young oak, is surrounded by other varieties in the forest. It is a happy life; squirrels frolic and the dove sings "her flutey song" in his branches. When autumn arrives, the sapling does not want to drop his leaves, despite the advice of woodland creatures. He holds onto his brown appendages for many years. It is not until he can no longer feel the sun or hear the birds, that he decides to let go. Long's acrylic, ink, and pencil scenes are presented in pleasing, uncluttered compositions against an abundance of white space; they mirror the straightforward text precisely. Young children will be able to follow the passage of time through the changing colors and sizes of the trees, until the verdant canopy bleeds off the pages during the conclusion. Even though the protagonist was much smaller than his peers during his existential crisis, he ultimately reaches their height. Late bloomers may be relieved at the story's implied message, while others will feel unsatisfied that this departure simply ends at the same destination. VERDICT This gentle story works as a seasonal primer for the very young, but those with more experience may express incredulity at the length of time the tree hangs on and—after all that—the low-key situation motivating his change of heart.—Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 09/01/2015 *Starred Review* A grove of saplings grows in the forest, and one little tree in particular loves the long perfect days of summer, when the birds sing and the animals play among his branches. As autumn creeps in, the trees begin to drop their leaves, but Little Tree, worried about what will happen after they fall, holds onto his with all his might. He still has his dry, brown leaves when spring comes and for many seasons afterward. It isn’t until he realizes the forest all around him has grown up and left him behind that he understands change is a necessary, if sometimes painful, part of life. Fear of the unknown and losing what is familiar are concepts all children will recognize, and this story addresses those anxieties in a reassuring way young readers can comprehend. The illustrations are beautifully rendered, simple compositions saturated with rich colors set against generous white backgrounds for maximum effect. Complementing the emotional complexity of the story is an abundance of friendly forest dwellers and the gentle narrative tone, which further makes the message go down easy. Understated and inviting, young readers will be entranced by Little Tree’s difficult but ultimately rewarding journey. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Loading...
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