Did You Know...the Woodland Underground Is a Communication Hub?

DAWN PUBLICATIONS, 2022

Are you ready for some mind-blowing discoveries about the hidden underworld network of the forest? It's all here for your jaw-dropping awe in LISTEN TO THE LANGUAGE OF THE TREES: A Story of How Forests Communicate Underground, written by Tera Kelley and illustrated by Marie Hermansson.

This is an excellent presentation of emerging science information about the interdependence of the living things in a woodland, from animals to fungi to plants. The latest studies of this until-recently-unknown process of underground connections and communications among the root systems of the tallest and oldest of trees to the smallest of sprouts and even to the web-fine threaded outreaches of vast fungal networks is only now gaining the attention it deserves. The biodiversity, natural dangers, and interspecies supports that have evolved over eons and across global reaches are amazing, sparking enormous curiosity in readers. 

Back matter in this offering presents direct information about the various living aspects of the woodland setting, above and below ground. Other back pages reveal links to science and socio-emotional learning, clarify what IS known and what is still being investigated, and also suggest activities that young audiences/learners may want to attempt.
It's a fascinating picture book for many ages.

KIDS CAN PRESS, 2021

On a related note, another nonfiction picture book that presents some of the latest science research about the life cycles and functions of trees within an intricate  biome can be read and compared in BEFORE WE STOOD TALL: From Small Seed to Mighty Tree. Written by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Madeline Kloepper. This approach to conveying the role and life cycles of trees in our environment is lyrical, lilting, and informative. it challenges readers to explore the earthy impressionistic illustrations and layers of scientific information within it's minimal, moving narrative. The effective use of patterns and repetition in phrases and themes is powerful and effective. Simple back matter organizes extended insights and information without being overwhelming. 
This is a marvel of a book about the marvel of trees on our planet.

If you have a young person in your life who already shows concern for and interest in our natural environment, especially trees, these could both be life-changing gifts, or even compelling library check-outs. Do them (and you) a favor and get to the root of these important truths about trees.

Another Look: Cybils Nonfiction Nominees of Note!

 I traveled recently, after NOT traveling, and returned to find a potted plant looking dead. After apologizing to it and watering it liberally, I reflected on the resilience of plants: blades of grass popping through rock or sidewalk crevices, trees that scar after lightning strikes but live on, seeds that can lie dormant for centuries, even millennia, to sprout when conditions allow. 

So, I spoke to that miserable, withered plant daily, urged the one or two struggling stems to keep fighting, and cheered when other leaves or stems joined in the struggle to lift and turn to the light. The entire plant is back, drinking steadily and basking in southern sunlight each day. I've even noted that morning holds excitement for me as I notice the restful darkness has made a clear difference in the overall recovery. I'll be more aware of needs next time BEFORE leaving them in such a state, but it was an important reminder to me of faith, hope, and patience.

I begin with this because trees are even greater wonders of survival, strength, and successful lives. Two of the nominees in the elementary/middle grade category for nonfiction are especially good examples of this quality of trees. 

As the song lyric says: Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start...

Kids Can Press, 2021

Before We Stood Tall: From Small Seed to Mighty Tree is written by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Madeline Kloepper. 

This approach to conveying the role and life cycles of trees in our environment is lyrical, lilting, and informative. It challenges readers to explore the earthy impressionistic illustrations and layers of scientific information within its minimal, moving narrative. The effective use of patterns and repetition in phrases and themes is powerful and effective. Simple back matter organizes extended insights and information without being overwhelming. 

A marvel of a book about the marvel of trees on our planet in their earliest stages of life and growth.

Contrast the focus of the above book with the big-picture portrayal of a particular tree(s) in PANDO: A Living Wonder Of Trees. It is the magical creation of graphic storyteller Turine Viet-Tu Tran and Kate Allen Fox.  Named One of the Best Books of 2021 by School Library Journal, this is a MUST SEE new picture book that has won attention and awards already.

The luminous, ethereal, and inspiring illustrations elevate an already important and informative nonfiction picture book to the five-out-of-five stars I give it. Many folks, young and old, have been learning about ways forests communicate and connect at the underground level. This is a separate look at a massive single organism, one involving 47000-plus apparently separate locust trees. It reveals the unique way in which a single plant can extend itself underground. As a result, the leaves all bud and turn green simultaneously, they turn vibrant yellow in fall and drop at the same time, in chorus. 

Small facts inserted on most pages supplement a lovely, lyrical text. Pando is a very specific aspen organism in Utah, the largest of all known, world-wide. Early pages indicate that the multi-verse tree emerged shortly after the ice age and long before human life was known to coexist on this continent. 

The information is as jaw-dropping as the images are soothing and meditative. 

Give this one a close look, and if sharing with young readers, pair with THE WISDOM OF TREES, by Lita Judge.

And always give plants a chance, indoors or out, even when they seem to have given up on life. As a matter of fact, that's not bad advice for any life. A little improvement in conditions and some sincere encouragement can go a long way when it comes to resilience.