Mandy Ross

“Tree Whispers: A Forest of Poems,” authored by Mandy Ross and illustrated by Juliana Oakley, is a captivating and educational exploration of nature’s splendors through poetry. Ideal for a classroom setting, this collection introduces children to the varied and significant roles of trees in our natural world and diverse cultures.

The book’s variety of poems, accessible to children, are presented in both rhyming and free verse styles. These poems cover a broad spectrum of topics show more related to trees, from their ecological importance to their cultural significance. This thematic diversity not only makes the book enjoyable but also serves as a valuable educational resource, enlightening young readers about the crucial role trees play in our ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Juliana Oakley’s illustrations enhance the book with a child-friendly and inviting quality. Her artwork, depicting different trees such as leafy oaks and changing sycamores, beautifully complements the poems’ diverse themes. The inclusive nature of these illustrations, featuring people of various ethnicities, hair types, body shapes, and traditions, adds depth and educational value to the book.

One of the standout poems in the collection is “Can You Be a Tree?” This poem uniquely invites children to imagine themselves as a tree, adopting its physical form and attributes. It encourages young readers to contemplate what it would be like to have roots, branches, and leaves, and to endure the various seasonal changes that trees experience. This imaginative exercise not only fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of trees but also aids in developing empathy and connection with the natural world.

Another notable poem, “Tree’s Storm Song,” is especially engaging for young readers, making for a delightful interactive reading experience. The inclusion of a translation enhances the poem’s accessibility and appeal. Additionally, the visual dictionary of different seeds illustrated on the end pages provides a valuable educational element, prompting children to explore and recognize the diversity of seeds in nature.

Overall, “Tree Whispers” is a playful, inviting, and satisfying collection, perfect for young readers. It extends beyond being a mere supplement to tree studies in curricula, promoting mindfulness and a deeper appreciation for nature. This book is an enchanting journey into the world of trees, offering both enjoyment and learning opportunities for its readers​​​​​​. show less

Such a lovely book of poetry about water. The poems are interesting and would be a nice introduction to the various concepts of poetry. As a non-poetry person, I think the illustrations are better than the poetry, but that is just me. I think kids will like it much more than I do.

This book is a bedtime book featuring different animals. Mice, sheep, a bear, frogs, and a fox all tell a poem based lullaby as they get ready to sleep. The sheep count their friends and family, the mice dream of cheese, the bear enjoys her sleeping spot, the frogs rhyme about waiting until the other creatures are sleeping to retire, and the fox tells her babies to sleep and dream of chicks.

I thought this book was a bit simple but it would be great for young children. It would be good book show more to read as they are snuggling down to go to sleep at night. Some of the poems are short and others are a bit longer so, to me, it’s not too predictable in that respect. I thought the rhymes and word play were very cute. I especially liked how the author drew out the “aaa” in certain words in the sheep poem. The pictures are large and very colorful.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. The class could write their own poem about their night time routine. They can also draw a picture to go along with the poem if desired.
2. The teacher could use this book as an introduction to Mother Goose rhymes since they all share an animal theme. They could do a literary unit comparing and contrasting this book with different Mother Goose rhymes. They can form groups and make large charts to display around the room. show less

When Dominic visits Grandpa, Grandpa shows him how to grow sweetcorn in the garden the way he used to grow it back in Jamaica. While they work, Grandpa tells Dominic about his life in Jamaica, how he met Dominic’s grandma, and what happened when they came to Britain. When the sweetcorn is ready to harvest, Grandpa and Dominic trade it for apples from the next-door neighbor, just like Grandpa used to in the Caribbean. Lovely intergenerational story with rich, vibrant illustrations.