Tree Whispers (The Child’s Play Library)
by Mandy Ross, Juliana Oakley (Illustrator)

4 of 5 stars

This book of poems offers a refreshing look at trees and how much they contribute to our world. There are beautiful poems about the rings of a tree, the roots of a tree, and different rare types of trees like the joshua tree or baobab tree. There is a poem about forest bathing and another about birds’ nests. There are poems for oak trees, jacarandas, willows, sycamores, and fruit trees.
There is also an emphasis on protecting the trees that provide homes for so many animal species.

The only poem I didn’t like was the one titled “Tree Spell”. The illustration is of people protesting in front of a bulldozer with signs saying “Stop Now!” and “Save Our Trees”. One stanza reads, “Loathe fire. Dread drought. Curse axe. Jinx digger.” I felt like that was a bit vicious to want to curse anyone who chops down a tree. There are peaceful ways to protect trees without resorting to that kind of hatred.

The illustrations are really cute! I liked the cartoon style of the art work. It shows children and adults enjoying picnics in the shade of a tree, trekking through a snow-covered forest, harvesting fruit in an orchard, and catching autumn leaves as they fall. The art work has a peaceful feeling as each character relaxes and enjoys the benefits of the trees.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.