November 23, 2015
In this addition to the ecologically focused Orca Footprints series, Tate (Take Shelter) explores the importance of trees, describing them as “barometers of how we are looking after our planet.” Over four chapters—organized by the four classical elements of earth, air, fire, and water—Tate touches on the many ways trees are entwined with human development (logging, wood as a fuel source) and the environment at large, including their roles as “carbon sinks,” absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Color photographs, activity suggestions, trivia bursts, sidebars, and Tate’s own arboreal anecdotes create an accessible and involving layout, while supplying a broad take on the global diversity and varying roles of trees. While not an in-depth resource, it’s a useful overview that offers many entry points for deeper research, concluding with a list of suggested books and websites. Ages 8–up.

December 1, 2015
A rangy introduction to trees and how they sustain our very existence. Tate jumps right in, letting readers know that trees are sometimes obscured by the forest and taken for granted. But, as she points out, trees provide creatures of every stripe with indispensable shelter, food, oxygen, water filtration, soil enrichment, and a source for heat, with their very beauty in evidence on every page via sharp, chromatic photographs. She tells of trees' fundamental importance to the earth, air, water, and fire--no other subject comes close to being so important to these elemental states--and also, through various boxed items, provides good, attention-grabbing facts: ironwood sinks; read time and weather in tree rings. Perhaps most significantly, she conveys a sense of how trees serve as barometers to environmental health and trouble. The text is for the most part aptly paced and communicative, with minor episodes of droning: "A carefully planted and managed woodlot is made up of tree species selected for particular qualities like speed of growth or the type of wood produced." Only rarely is the subject not explained adequately, as in phytoremediation (a word with forgettable value here): "Even though you can't see them, tree roots play a critical role in keeping forest ecosystems in good shape." Because...? Still, a solid foundation, a taproot to appreciating the incredible diversity and contribution of trees to our everyday lives. (resources, glossary index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

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March 1, 2016

Gr 3-6-Another well-done offering from this ongoing series, which tackles a wide variety of environmental issues. In four chapters ("Earth," "Air," "Water," and "Fire"), Tate explores the role trees play in the world's ecosystem. The introduction, in which the author offers her own personal connection to the topic, may draw in some students. The book features a generous number of beautiful color photographs from all over the world, making it an excellent addition to libraries seeking to enlarge their selection of multicultural offerings. Readers will appreciate the relevant historical facts along with the kid-friendly text, which explains concepts in comprehensible terminology. Key concepts are well defined and appended in a handy glossary. Quick facts and ideas for experiments are interspersed throughout. VERDICT This well-written volume is ideal for budding researchers unfamiliar with environmental issues, and teachers will welcome this attractive, curriculum-based reading options.-Anne Jung-Mathews, Plymouth State University, NH

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2016
Grades 3-6 This celebration of the roles trees have in a variety of ecosystems unfolds according to their interplay with the elements of earth, air, water, and fire. Beautiful and intriguing color photos from a broad array of sources and diverse locations give readers ample visual details of a wide variety of species and tree habitats around the globe. Although Tate's primary goal is emphasizing how each of the four elements are pivotal to forest health and survival, as well as how trees and forests are a crucial part of the world's ecosystems, she also champions the sheer wonder of trees, thanks to her infectious, enthusiastic tone. Inset boxes contribute additional facts and practical, interesting projects, though somesuch as creating a Japanese-style fish print or experimenting with different shapes and materials for a wooden boatlack detailed directions or guidelines. With accessible language and eye-catching, photo-filled layouts, this is a great pick for reluctant readers. Resource lists, a glossary, and a detailed index make this very well suited to elementary- and middle-school research projects.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2016
Divided into the chapters "Earth," "Air," "Water," and "Fire," this book focuses on how trees help the earth and people by fortifying soil, cleaning the atmosphere, filtering the water supply, providing fuel, and more. Attractive photos from around the world of trees or their uses, including some of the author's personal shots, round out this comprehensive book of arboreal appreciation. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)