By Toni Yuly
Atheneum, 2022
Picture book, 40 pages, ages 4-8
Where do trees live? On the earth…or in the sky?
In this questions-only story, a curious child in a fuzzy teal sweater ponders about trees. As she hides beneath them, swings in them, and tries to listen for a heartbeat, she wonders if trees have emotions, if trees have friends, and why trees do what they do. The open-ended ending wordlessly invites the reader to ask questions about trees and be curious about the world around them.
A heartfelt reflection on trees.
The illustrations are charming. Their sparse simplicity, combined with the textures of tissue paper, pencil, and pastel, is effective and pairs well with the minimalist text. While I found some of the questions intriguing and imaginative, some felt like the author was trying too hard. While I can see where this subtle, nuanced picture book will appeal to some readers, and while I did enjoy reading it, I do also question if it has universal appeal.
Or maybe it’s just not for me. Will I read it again? Maybe.
Will kids like this book? Honestly, I don’t know. While the main character is adorable and the illustrations would have fascinated me as a child, I’m not sure that the text would have held my attention. It might be more effective as a read-aloud paired with an activity such as a nature walk or when learning about trees. Readers looking for concrete facts or resolution will be disappointed.
Some Questions About Trees by Toni Yuly receives 3.5 stars from this reviewer.