If I Were a Tree
A poetic narrative describes what an unnamed narrator imagines it would be like to be a tree. “If I were a tree, I know what I’d feel. The warmth of the sun, and squirrels on the run. I’d feel nests on my bark, bats hiding till dark.” Five double-page spreads each focus on one of the five senses, from the perspective of a tree, followed by the repeated line, “If I were a tree, that’s what I’d feel [taste, smell, hear, see].” The visual story follows a multiracial family as they go camping and experience nature with all their senses themselves. The artist used traditional printmaking techniques that were then digitally collaged, giving the artwork texture and depth. An endnote encourages young children to learn more about trees and tree identification by using their five senses. ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Nature/Environment
Perspective/Point of View
Senses
Diversity subjects:
Asian
Brown Skin Unspecified
Publisher:
Lee & Low
Publish Year: 2021
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781620148013
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Zimmerman