The Tree

Book Description

This is a Book/CD combo, that includes the song that inspired the book.

Customer Reviews:

Richly illustrated.......2006-03-28

A parable of an 800 year-old tree, sparingly but pointedly told in words, and richly illustrated. The tree, which has witnessed much over its long lifetime, is threatened by bulldozers. Its story and rescue advocate for ecological activism.

Suitable, as the publisher suggests, for ages 4-adult.

Stunning and profound.......2005-05-25

The Tree is so beautifully illustrated that it is a book children will instinctively reach for on the bookstore shelf. The story is simple, but profound, the haunting song of an ancient Douglas fir, living its life-cycle in the Pacific Rain Forest, speaking to the connection between all things on Earth: "For eight hundred years I have lived here/ through the wind, the fire and the snow."

The sacredness of nature permeates this world, until the sound of encroaching bulldozers disturbs the quiet beauty of generations, threatening the destruction of a fragile environment. The sanctuary of young owls learning to fly, the roaming grizzlies and the lone wolf, all are threatened by the advance of civilization into the pristine forest. Watching all, the tree asks, "Who will hold that river's shore? And who will take refuge in my shadow, if my shadow falls no more?" In the end, the tree hears the voices of children, their hands circling its trunk, their feet climbing the branches to peer on the others below. And the tree believes "the wind may always carry my song".

The most eloquent argument made for the preservation of the delicate forest environment is found in the beauty of that sacred place, nature's repository. And the stunning illustrations deliver that message, powerful in their subtle beauty, profound in the silence of centuries. Each page requires a quiet moment of reflection, gazing upon the wonders revealed, a lone wolf howling beneath a luminous moon, clouds scudding through a night sky, an eagle perched on a high branch, the sky fractured by bursts of lightning, frightened animals fleeing before the rampaging bulldozers.

Rainforests are one of the most significant ecosystems on the planet, home to a variety of species and plants, cleaning the air and replenishing the water. The best way to teach our children to value nature's rich bounty lies in appealing to their hearts and minds, planting the seeds of appreciation for all the earth has to offer. In the most straight forward language, The Tree speaks the truth on every page, images that are striking and intense.
In the back of the book, a page is devoted to the Pacific Rain Forest, explaining nature's delicate balance and some essential facts. In this manner, more information is available without spoiling the stark beauty and simplicity of the story. This remarkable book is essential to a child's nature library, the interest, curiosity and hope for the future of this planet. Luan Gaines/2005.

Great opportunity to discuss an environmental concern.......2003-10-29

From endpaper to endpaper this story signifies the importance of ecological conservation, specifically in the old growth forests. Told from the perspective of an 800 year old Douglas fir, we as readers are given the opportunity to witness the life within the forest firsthand. Following the growth of the tree, we gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of forest life and grasp an idea of the impact of its demise. The words, though written in English by the author, are truly the lyrics to the tree's song which sings of flowing rivers, grizzly claws, and a lone wolf's cry and asks questions of who will fulfill this role when the tree no longer stands. The emotions offered by the poetic words are illuminated through the sensations depicted in the representational artwork. This unity of text and image exemplifies the interconnectedness of the old growth forest. Just as the story requires investigation into the depletion of old growth forests, the beautifully composed illustrations encourage close examination by incorporating hidden images on several pages. These concealed images represent two authentic Native American totems and include many species of animals that are threatened by extinction. The dedications, forewords and afterword all contribute to the richness of this story and should not be missed. This book offers a real life depiction of the seriousness of the situation while simultaneously offering a message of hope.

Every child should read this book -.......2003-06-11

and every adult will love reading it to them. I've bought this one more than once, because it makes a wonderful gift for anyone you know with children. Best 'treehugger' children's book since the Lorax.

The Tree.......2003-04-05

Deftly written by Dana Lyons, The Tree is beautifully illustrated by David Danioth and is enthusiastically recommended as an engaging, impressive, full color picturebook for beginning readers. This is a truly memorable story about the joy a tree feels giving life, shade, sustenance, and comfort. Yet the threat of human expansion and destruction could destroy the tree, unless humans band together to save it. A brief postscript with facts about the Pacific rainforest rounds out this charming, ecology-minded picturebook tale.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful story and Beautiful pictures!
Life in a conifer forest, up close & vivid!
Outstanding depiction of the Circle of Life!

The Tree in the Ancient Forest
Carol Reed-Jones
Manufacturer: Dawn Publications (CA)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Biology | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1883220319

Book Description

The remarkable web of plants and animals living around a single old fir tree takes on a life of its own in this stunningly illustrated story. Carol Reed-Jones' repetitive, cumulative verse--a poetic technique that children universally enjoy--aptly portrays the amazing ways in which the inhabitants of the forest depend upon one another for survival. Christopher Canyon's memorable full-color paintings manage to be both magical and true to life. Complete with a guide to the forest creatures and their interrelationships, this book is a valuable learning tool as well as fun for kids.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful story and Beautiful pictures!.......2007-03-11

I purchased this as a gift for my daughter's teacher. I love the poem-like story explaining how everything is connected to something else. The pictures are very beautiful with a lot of detail.

Life in a conifer forest, up close & vivid!.......2002-12-14

Come into a deep, old northern forest where trees reach for the sky, hundreds of feet high. Where their roots beneath the duff, spread out in vast tendrils seeking food, creating food for voles & mice, who, in turn, are fattened up for the owls hunting for food for their owlets.

Carol Reed-Jones has created a lyrical story of life around an old-growth fir tree, & Christopher Canyon's illustrations are bright, powerful & absorbing.

A keeper, its story is delightful & its images memorable.

Outstanding depiction of the Circle of Life!.......2000-03-28

"The Tree in the Ancient Forest" depicts the"circle of life" concept in a beautifully presented, easilyread format. The author, Carol Reed-Jones captures the essence of the importance and beauty of an ancient forest, presenting a different element on each page. Christopher Canyon's illustrations offer additional beauty to the ideas penned by the author. A wonderful book for children and adults alike -- a great gift book for the ecologically-minded, nature-lover! Highly recommended!

Douglas Fir (Habitats (Childrens Press).)

Average customer rating:

Clear, effective nature education

Douglas Fir (Habitats (Childrens Press).)
Wendy Davis
Manufacturer: Children's Press (CT)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0516260642

Customer Reviews:

Clear, effective nature education.......2005-10-26

Although pitched at children ages 4-8, this book could effectively serve as a brief introduction to old growth forests of the Pacific Northwest for any reader. The story follows a Douglas fir tree's life cycle, including its vital role after death. The well-chosen color photographs clearly present the animals and plants of this wondrous ecosystem, and the text descriptions, though concise, include enough colorful adjectives to avoid boring readers. The design is much less busy than that of the Dorling Kindersley books, promoting a calmer pace that allows beginning readers to focus more clearly on the text.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful!
How organisms and species cooperate to survive
where was suzuki when i was failing high school science?
Great Informative Read!
A Book that Salutes Life

Tree: A Life Story
David Suzuki , and Wayne Grady
Manufacturer: Greystone Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Wisdom of the Elders: Sacred Native Stories of Nature
The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place in Nature
The David Suzuki Reader: A Lifetime of Ideas from a Leading Activist and Thinker
The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place in Nature
The Tree: A Natural History of What Trees Are, How They Live, and Why They Matter

ASIN: 1553650166

Book Description

"Only God can make a tree," wrote Joyce Kilmer in one of the most celebrated of poems. In Tree: A Life Story, authors David Suzuki and Wayne Grady extend that celebration in a "biography" of this extraordinary — and extraordinarily important — organism. A story that spans a millennium and includes a cast of millions but focuses on a single tree, a Douglas fir, Tree describes in poetic detail the organism's modest origins that begin with a dramatic burst of millions of microscopic grains of pollen. The authors recount the amazing characteristics of the species, how they reproduce and how they receive from and offer nourishment to generations of other plants and animals. The tree's pivotal role in making life possible for the creatures around it — including human beings — is lovingly explored. The richly detailed text and Robert Bateman's original art pay tribute to this ubiquitous organism that is too often taken for granted.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2007-09-08

I read this book initially because I wanted a primer in how a forest works. This slim, beautifully-written book gave me what I was after, but also much more.

This is one of the best 'popular science' books I've read in ages. It manages to be poetic and profound without being pretentious or New Agey... Instead the authors allow reality (as it's currently perceived by scientists) to reveal its own mind-blowing beauty and power.

This book also explains the process of evolution, the significance of biodiversity and the extent of ecosystem interconnectedness more clearly and eloquently than anything I've read before.

Even though I read a library copy, I've now bought it, since it's one of those books I've just gotta have on the shelf...

How organisms and species cooperate to survive.......2007-04-19

Like the other reviewers of this book, I found it a delightful, informative, but troubling experience. What struck me most powerfully were the ways in which trees and other plants, including fungi, cooperate with one another in the primeval forest to promote their common welfare. The Douglas fir, for example, does not disperse its seeds widely, as some trees do. Instead, most of them drop to the forest floor near its roots. As they grow, their roots and those of its parent tree grow together, and the parent tree, which is much better at producing nutrients than its offspring, actually feeds its young until they become established. As the seedlings become tall, mature trees, they return the favor by contributing to the overall health of the forest, which is literally joined at the roots. I wish the social Darwinists who think everything in nature and society is individualistic cut-throat competition and survival of the fittest would reflect on this book's description of the forest ecosystem and apply it to human society.

where was suzuki when i was failing high school science?.......2005-03-27

i was a terrible science student in high school. i could never wrap my head around how microorganisms affected my world outside the classroom. but then, i didn't have teachers like david suzuki and wayne grady. this fascinating book looks at a single tree, and examines it life up to its death. they have an engaging writing style that is informative and clear. two big thumbs up.

Great Informative Read!.......2005-02-25

It seems fitting that on the same day I received an e-mail
regarding Kimberly-Clark's indiscriminate use of old growth
forests to produce Kleenex tissues I finished reading "Tree:
A Life Story," a new book by acclaimed geneticist and
environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki, and nature writer Wayne
Grady. The book focuses on the life of a Douglas-fir, to
illustrate plant evolution, biology, and the interdependence
of organisms. Throughout the chronological account of the
tree's life, the authors interweave short biographies of
noted botanists and their historical roles in helping us to
further understand and appreciate life and death in the
forest. The book is also interspersed with drawings by
well-known nature artist, Robert Bateman.

The authors allude to the story of Genesis to depict the
first days of life: "In the beginning," early forms of
bacteria, and algae gradually made their move from the ocean
to land's rocky surface. These life forms evolved into
mosses and then into plants such as ferns. Competition for
sunlight caused these ferns to thicken their stems and grow
taller; these plants evolved into trees.

Our main character is born around 1400, into favorable
conditions created by a recent all-consuming fire. Through
the tree's 500 year lifespan, we gain further insight into
scientific concepts presented in earlier chapters. We learn
that various fungi, which grow on the tree's roots, are
capable of extracting a thousand times more water from the
soil than the root itself. The fungi supply the tree with
nutrients and water and, in turn, receive sugars produced
through photosynthesis (the process whereby light energy is
used to transform carbon into nutrients) in the tree's
canopy. This is just one example of many where the
interdependence of organisms is illustrated.

The authors expand on the theory that a tree is forever
"part dying and part being born," which was originally
stated by Theophrastus, otherwise known as the "father of
botany." A student of Plato and Aristotle's, and one of the
first field scientists to present extensive data on plants,
Theophrastuses theory is illustrated in the following ways:
our tree's core is made of dead wood; over the years, new
layers of wood will grow around the "heartwood" core. When
our Douglas-fir finally dies, it stands as a "snag" for
about 60 years and becomes home for a range of species, such
as flying squirrels and spotted owls. In the end, when the
trunk falls to the forest floor, it serves as a nursery for
seedlings; even in death, it possesses life-sustaining
qualities.

A true testament to the book's overall success is that the
lyrical way in which the science was conveyed whetted my
appetite to revisit "Tree," in order to fully absorb all of
its vital information. At times, however, the abundance of
technical terms slowed my reading pace considerably. A short
glossary would help the scientifically unfamiliar reader to
carry concepts and terms from chapter to chapter.

It's no accident that the authors chose a Douglas-fir -the
most important old growth species in the forest industry
today- as their main character. Though several lines
protesting the industry's indiscriminate harvesting of these
trees are present, they are never preachy. The book relies,
instead, on supported evidence of how life depends on life,
and that blind destruction of such forests will eventually
lead to our own demise. On a personal note, I'm grateful to
the authors for providing me with the scientific knowledge
and the emotional charge needed to write my letter to the
Kimberly Clark Corporation.

Dan Goldman, Reviewer For Bookpleasures

A Book that Salutes Life.......2005-02-06

+++++

This easy-to-read book, by zoologist, geneticist, environmentalist, TV host, & author David Suzuki and author & translator Wayne Grady is advertised to be a biography of one tree, a Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziessi). This story connects us to other times in history and to all parts of the world. However, this story can be thought of as the story of all trees as well as all life throughout Earth.

This book explores the many mechanisms by which the tree is able to thrive for centuries while remaining rooted in one spot. It also looks at the tree's complex relationships with other organisms in its community, from such things as lichens, ferns, mosses, and fungi to other trees to such things as woodpeckers, squirrels, owls, cougars, bears, termites, ants, salamanders, and salmon. In addition, this book shows how a tree connects us to the atmosphere, the soil, and the world's oceans, as well as linking us all the way back to the universe's origins.

Examples of other topics covered include the history of botany, insect, bird, and mammal portraits, genetics, anatomy, nomenclature and taxonomy, climate, chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental issues. The amazing thing about this book is that these topics and others are combined in such a way as to make the main narrative extremely interesting and never dull. The authors say this more eloquently: "In this book, we have tried to restore a layperson's sense of wonder and questioning and added the kind of information acquired by scientists."

I was surprised to learn that "after [a] millennia of study, there is still much about a tree we do not know." This book definitely tells the reader what is known not only about a tree but about life as well.

Finally, there are over a dozen black and white illustrations in this book. They were created by internationally known wildlife artist Robert Bateman. These illustrations add another dimension to this book.

In conclusion, this is a book that has richly detailed text that's augmented by evocative original art. The final result "is a revelation, a salute to life itself."

(first published 2004; acknowledgements; introduction; 5 chapters; main narrative 180 pages; references; index)

+++++

Ancient Ones: The World of the Old-Growth Douglas Fir

Average customer rating:

Beautiful and Educational

Ancient Ones: The World of the Old-Growth Douglas Fir

Manufacturer: Gibbs Smith, Publisher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Nature Writing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1578050812

Book Description

Two titles from Barbara Bash's highly acclaimed "Tree Tales" series are available for the first time in paperback! In a brilliant combination of lyrical prose and glowing watercolors, each book documents the lifecycle of the world's great trees and reveals its importance to the many life forms that flourish beneath and within its welcoming branches. In Ancient Ones,, Bash captures the ongoing drama not only of the Douglas fir but of the old-growth forest itself. The book "beautifully affirms the concept of a cycle of life," wrote Publishers Weekly in a starred review. "A wondrous walk trhough an old-growth forest," said School Library Journal, in another starred review. "Reading Ancient Ones is the next best thing to being there."

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful and Educational.......2001-02-13

I just discovered this book and is a treasure!! For teachers in the classroom or to share with child who is interested in the natural world. Covers the entire ecosystem of the Pacific Coast forests, including the bugs. As a teacher I could use this book in grades 3-5 (maybe younger with help in reading) in a thematic unit for at least six weeks. Very rich in text, illustration and information. I highly recommend this book!

Life in an Old Growth Forest (Ecoystems in Action)

Average customer rating:

Life in an Old Growth Forest (Ecoystems in Action)
Valerie Rapp
Manufacturer: Lerner Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

The 2007-2012 Outlook for Interior and Exterior Panel Douglas Fir Doors and Doors with Glazed Sections in India

Average customer rating:

The 2007-2012 Outlook for Interior and Exterior Panel Douglas Fir Doors and Doors with Glazed Sections in India
Philip M. Parker
Manufacturer: ICON Group International, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Econometrics | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0497487438
Release Date: 2006-09-28

Product Description

This study covers the latent demand outlook for interior and exterior panel Douglas fir doors and doors with glazed sections across the states, union territories and cities of India. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 4,700 cities in India. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of its state or union territory and of India as a whole is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city vis-à-vis others. This statistical approach can prove very useful to distribution and/or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each state or union territory and city, latent demand estimates are created for interior and exterior panel Douglas fir doors and doors with glazed sections. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

The 2007-2012 Outlook for Interior and Exterior Panel Douglas Fir Doors and Doors with Glazed Sections in Japan

Average customer rating:

The 2007-2012 Outlook for Interior and Exterior Panel Douglas Fir Doors and Doors with Glazed Sections in Japan
Philip M. Parker
Manufacturer: ICON Group International, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Econometrics | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0497386704
Release Date: 2006-09-28

Product Description

This study covers the latent demand outlook for interior and exterior panel Douglas fir doors and doors with glazed sections across the prefectures and cities of Japan. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 1,000 cities in Japan. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of its prefecture and of Japan is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city vis-à-vis others. This statistical approach can prove very useful to distribution and/or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each prefecture and city, latent demand estimates are created for interior and exterior panel Douglas fir doors and doors with glazed sections. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

The 2007-2012 Outlook for Interior and Exterior Panel Douglas Fir Doors and Doors with Glazed Sections in the United States

Average customer rating:

The 2007-2012 Outlook for Interior and Exterior Panel Douglas Fir Doors and Doors with Glazed Sections in the United States
Philip M. Parker
Manufacturer: ICON Group International, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Econometrics | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0497366258
Release Date: 2006-09-28

Product Description

This study covers the latent demand outlook for interior and exterior panel Douglas fir doors and doors with glazed sections across the states and cities of the United States. Latent demand (in millions of U.S. dollars), or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.) estimates are given across some 11,500 cities in the United States. For each city in question, the percent share the city is of its state and of the United States is reported. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a city vis-à-vis others. This statistical approach can prove very useful to distribution and/or sales force strategies. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each state and city, latent demand estimates are created for interior and exterior panel Douglas fir doors and doors with glazed sections. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

The 2007-2012 World Outlook for Interior and Exterior Panel Douglas Fir Doors and Doors with Glazed Sections

Average customer rating:

The 2007-2012 World Outlook for Interior and Exterior Panel Douglas Fir Doors and Doors with Glazed Sections
Philip M. Parker
Manufacturer: ICON Group International, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Econometrics | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0497280388
Release Date: 2006-05-18

Product Description

This study covers the world outlook for interior and exterior panel Douglas fir doors and doors with glazed sections across more than 200 countries. For each year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.), for the country in question (in millions of U.S. dollars), the percent share the country is of the region and of the globe. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a country vis-à-vis others. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each country and across countries, latent demand estimates are created. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved.

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