  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 03/01/2019 PreS-Gr 2—A quiet and warm book that celebrates the power of poetry, nature, and friendship. After Sylvia leaves a poem tied to a birch tree at the beginning of spring, "hoping that it didn't count as littering if it made the world more splendid," she is shocked to discover a new poem waiting for her when she next passes by. She believes the tree has written her back and is "her new leafy friend." Soon Sylvia is daydreaming about the tree and composing a beautiful haiku in the tree's honor. When she finally realizes that a boy in her class named Walt, who has made fun of her at school, actually wrote the poems, she is unbearably sad. As Walt and Sylvia try to come to terms with the realization that the tree cannot write poetry, they also make the first tentative steps toward a new friendship based on their mutual love of words and the birch tree. The language is lyrical and sweet, and the soft pastel-colored illustrations perfectly match the tone of the story. VERDICT A beautiful tale that celebrates friendship, lovely words, and glorious nature.—Sally James, South Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, CA - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 05/01/2019 Sylvia ties her poem to a tree to celebrate the arrival of spring. Wonder of wonders, when she returns, a different poem hangs there. Who knew a tree could write back? In class, as diverse groups of children write haikus, Sylvia writes one to her “Poetree, but Walt sticks out his tongue when her poem earns a gold star. Next day, a new poem: “I’ve wondered a while / Can a tree and child be friends? / Your words give me hope.” Persisting in her imaginings that the Poetree is writing, Sylvia responds with a poem in chalk on the sidewalk below. Turns out Walt has been writing poems to the same tree! A misunderstanding brings about a new bond. Giggling, the two poets sit under the tree and compose poems about friendship. The drooping umbrella and even the position of her boots accentuate Sylvia’s temporary unhappiness, while Walt’s grouchy pose eventually turns to smiles. Delicate illustrations in graphite pencil and pastel watercolors encourage the possibilities of finding beauty in nature and diversity in relationships. Certain to inspire budding poets. - Copyright 2019 Booklist. Loading...
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