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The Blue Jays That Grew a Forest
CCBC Review:
A polished, poetic narrative with rhythm and repetition delineates the symbiotic relationship between blue jays and oak trees in this appealing work of nonfiction. As winter approaches, blue jays—realistically illustrated in colored pencil with wide, staring eyes—begin the busy work of gathering and burying acorns that will become “future feasts and forests.” The jays’ hoarding of this edible treasure is just what oaks need, too: for their seeds to be carried to a space where, come spring, they might sprout and mature into trees. Carrying as many as five acorns at a time, the “blue crew” makes hundreds of trips over the countryside to gather acorns that “fall like hailstones / pummeling the dirt,” hiding them “near a clue to mark the location.” During the cold months, the birds will “dine on their hidden gems”—but there are some that will be forgotten underground. Over time, a forest expands, and new forests begin. “The jays and the oaks. / The oaks and the jays. / Thrive. / Together.” Additional information about oak trees and blue jays, including examples of other jays and oaks with similar mutualistic relationships; a glossary; further reading; and a bibliography are appended. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Anne Hunter
CCBC Age Recommendation: 4-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Birds (Informational)
Nature/Environment
Plants and Trees
Publishers:
Peachtree, Margaret Quinlin Books
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781682636046
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 598 Street