For my second book review, I chose “The Tree Farmer” by Chuck Leavell and Nicholas Cravotta. (Thanks, Aleta for your recommendation!)
First and foremost, this book has some beautiful illustrations. The story is based on a tree farm in Georgia, and was written by one of the farmers. The illustrations are silk paintings that were based on photographs of the actual farm.
The story is a Grandfather talking to his Grandson about the farm, and how the trees are grown and cared for. We start out by learning that this is not a “normal” farm with animals and row crops, but it is a different type of farm.
Part of the “farm” is actually a forest, where lots of different types of animals make their homes.
Part of being responsible stewards of the land is planting new trees, taking care of the growing trees, and harvesting (cutting down) trees when they are ready.
There is a very nice discussion about what some of the trees will be used for, accompanied by some amazing illustrations. Trees are used for everything from building materials to paper to musical instruments!
And, of course, no family home would be complete without the tree that has been there for generations, and will hopefully be there for generations to come.
I enjoyed this story about how a farmer cares for his farm, even though in this case he was “just” growing trees.
Easy to read and understand, with amazing illustrations, I would definitely recommend this book to a family!
A quick note, I had a copy of the 2005 version of this book to review. There is a newer edition, from 2010, but it looks like it is just a new printing with a new cover.
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Great job Marybeth! I love the last line in the book. “In what marvelous ways shall you give of your life, young one?” When I read this to a classroom I like to ask the students if they will be ‘good’ citizens and ‘how’ they can do that.
Tis looks like a great book! And the illustrations are gorgeous….thanks for the lovely review!
Wow! Loved the illustrations and I like the “lesson” of caring for the trees as you would the animals. Definitely need to add this to my list of books for my daughter.
This was a great recommendation, Aleta. I really enjoyed this one! It’s true and touching, a great combination!
It is a great book, and I would recommend it based on the illustrations alone, I think they are fantastic!
There is also a “lesson” about being a good steward for the land – it all ties together, land, trees, animals, crops. Farming is farming! 🙂