The Sparrow and The Trees by Sharon Chriscoe & Illustrated by Susan Detwiler

Arbordale Publishing
Hardcover & Paperback

About the book: The Sparrow family is ready for their trip south for the winter, but Papa’s wing is hurt and he cannot make the trip. He asks the trees for help. One by one, the mighty, leafy trees of the forest say no! Will any of the trees help Papa Sparrow? What will happen to the selfish trees that turned him away? Discover why some trees lose their leaves in winter in this folktale.

My thoughts: Children ages 3-8 will enjoy this modern version of a folktale. But as the follow Papa Sparrow from tree to tree asking for shelter during the Winter cold and seeing him being refused aid by the trees other than Spruce, Pine, and Juniper (evergreens) a lesson in caring for others can be learned. However, the primary focus of the book is a folktale of how trees lost their leaves when Winter arrives.

As with other Arbordale books, there are pages at the back of the book "For Creative Minds" that will facilitate more exploration into trees and provide mental stimulation. Again Arbordale takes utilization of their publications beyond picture book reading to an area of exploration and learning by providing webpages that will enhance the child's critical thinking. Example - click here & here

DISCLOSURE: Arbordale Publishing provided a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine and I was not compensated.