by Lisa McGee

Created on: May 24, 2008

The image of a tree brings to mind a host of admirable traits. It is also a familiar object to all. It is no wonder that so many authors turn to the tree as a symbol when trying to explain a complex emotional issue or are looking for the embodiment of the voice of reason. Other times, it is used as a familiar prop to set a story against.

When thinking about great books about trees, Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree, immediately comes to mind. In this book, Silverstein uses the character of the tree to explain unconditional love given to the young. The tree gives everything she has to the boy who loved her as a child, even when it strips the very life from her and she becomes nothing more than a stump. In the end, the boy, now an old man returns to the tree, as a place of rest and the tree is again happy.

The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss uses fantastical truffula trees to spin a fable about the dangers of industrialization, where profit is more important than the environment. When the last truffula tree is cut down, it signals the end of all beauty on earth.

A simple book called A Tree is Nice, written by Janice Uday, and illustrated by Marc Simont, was the winner of a Caldecott Medal (given for beautifully illustrated books). This is a simple story that explains all the reasons a tree is a nice thing to have, in all seasons. It is no wonder it won the Caldecott, the illustrations are fantastic and it does make you want to go out and plant a tree, just as suggested in the book.

Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom has yet another tree as it's central prop. 101 numbers climb up an apple tree and are threatened by bumble bees and forced to retreat down from the tree until zero becomes their hero and they can re-climb the tree again.

In Leo Lionni's Busy Year, two mice befriend a tree and visit it throughout the year, celebrating the changes that the seasons bring to their friend "Woody." Underlying this story, is yet another. The mice spend the year protecting the tree against the dangers of pollution, and fire, brought on by thoughtless humans.

The Birthday Tree, written by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Barry Root tells the tale of a boy who's parents plant a tree to celebrate his birth. They notice that the tree seems to mirror what happens in their son's life. One day the boy runs away to sea and the parents are left to look to the tree for signs of what has happened to him. When it is struck by lightening, and looks like it will die, they believe their son is dead and decide to leave. A happy ending occurs when the tree begins to heal.

Bruce Hiscock uses the maple tree as a time line to set American history against, in his book, The Big Tree. The tree begins a seed during the beginning of the Revolutionary War and grows to witness 200 years of history that follows.

The Gift of the Tree, by Alvin R. Tresselt, illustrated by Henri Sorensen, uses an oak tree to explain the life cycle. It is done in such a way that it is clear to see that even in death, there is renewal and life continues.

Death and Dying are the theme for the book Gentle Willow: A Story For Children About Dying. In this book, written by Joyce C. Mills and illustrated by Cary Pilo, a squirrel gets advice in dealing with the impending death of it's favorite willow tree.

There are also many, many non fiction books, not touched on in this article, that focus on every type of tree and all subjects having to do with trees. What is plain to see that by using the familiar image of the tree as a jumping off point, it is possible for authors to discuss a huge variety of human experiences.

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