Trees: Haiku From Roots to Leaves, written by Sally M. Walker and illustrated by Angela McKay. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2023. $25,.99 ages 5 and up

"GOOD NEIGHBORS

vital oxygen
from stomata to our lungs:
trees are good neighbors! 

airborne scent signals
roots sharing information ... 
trees communicate"

Writing haiku is not an easy task. Just ask the many young writers who have been given the assignment to write one. It is a very disciplined poetic form. It isn't simply about the number of syllables used to wax poetic about a particular topic; it is meant to connect writers and their readers to the natural world. 

Ms. Walker writes with purpose while sharing a clear look at trees. She does not waver from the topic at hand, describing trees in different settings, at different times of the year, all having different purposes at one time or another. 

"Ginkgo biloba:
hungry mouths chomp chewy greens - 
dinosaur salad."

Reading the poems more than once ups the attention paid to the images created in carefully chosen, and concise, words. They impress readers with images that heighten the senses, and expand scientific vocabulary and understanding. 

"PEEKING INSIDE

long, thin xylem tubes
zip water from roots to leaves:
tree elevators"

Trees are a popular topic this year, and I have read some wonderful books about them. This packed-full tribute to trees deserves its place among them. Young readers will be reminded of the many benefits trees bring to their lives. 

Working in gouache, Angela McKay provides accompanying artwork that skillfully makes the connection between the concise descriptions and the world of trees and nature. Moving from page-to- page readers are invited o see the trees in all seasons, and from varying perspectives. There are many engaging scenes to ponder ... and to return to for further enjoyment. Stunning!

A time line follows, beginning 4.5 billion years ago and taking readers to the present. Beyond that, the author provides fact-filled paragraphs that further explain the bolded sections presented throughout the text. Also included are an author's note, a glossary, a select bibliography, encouragement to get outside to take a closer look, and lists of books and websites pertinent to the topic at hand.