Marilyn E. Gootman

This charming celebration of Tu B’Shevat marries Jewish tradition with contemporary environmentalism in a celebration of trees, reflecting the way the winter holiday is celebrated today in much of Israel. “On Tu B’Shevat/We thank each tree/For all it gives/To you and me.” The art and the rhyming text are carefully pitched to a very young reader. Even the youngest will glean new appreciation for and respect of the environment: “Recycle paper,/show you care./Weed and water./Do your show more share.” Kristen Balouch’s jolly collage-like illustrations, done in a vaguely ’70s palette, have lots of orange, olive and faded blue. The backgrounds are a faux wood grain, which reinforces the book’s celebratory tree-hugging. show less

This is a lovely rhyming story about giving thanks for the gifts trees provide on the occasion of Tu B’Shevat, Jewish Arbor Day.

I liked the simplicity of this book. It can helped students to understand their own feelings by reading about other people their own age and how they managed grief, sorrow, guilt and being able to move on. The book is easy to read and understand plus it gives some basic ways to remind yourself that you need to be kind to yourself and take care of your needs. This book is good for Middle School and even High School.

Simple, straightforward and concise chapters are designed for dipping into and reading quickly. The book includes quotes from teens who have lived through the experience. It also includes advice on finding a counsellor or therapist, and whether or not one is needed.