The Oak Tree: a dazzling picture book, by Julia Donaldson, author of Zog and Stick Man
£7.50£12.99 (-42%)
Watch a thousand years unfold in the life of one magnificent tree!
A thousand years ago, a tiny acorn fell to the ground. As the years pass, it grows . . . and GROWS into an enormous oak tree!
As the centuries sweep by, children play games around the tree. Families dance about it. A fleeing king even hides inside its hollow trunk!
The tree gives food and shelter to a host of animals, from squirrels and badgers to birds and beetles.
After a thousand years, the ancient tree finally falls in a storm – but a new acorn sprouts, and the cycle of life begins all over again.
- The tree’s magical life story is brought to life in Julia Donaldson’s rich, dramatic rhyme.
- Victoria Sandøy’s gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations perfectly capture the changing seasons, and the people and wildlife that pass by
- Children will love spotting all the creatures in the pictures, and seeing the games children play around the tree
- This is a book that encourages us all to look more closely at nature, and to appreciate the wonder of our ancient trees.
- The final pages of the book contain extra fascinating facts about oak trees and the animals that depend on them.
Praise for The Christmas Pine, also by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandøy:
“Magical . . . as well as paying tribute to tradition, the gentle rhythmic verse and stunning pictures illuminate the two other things close to Julia’s heart: the power of children and song” Good Housekeeping
Julia Donaldson is the author of many of the best-loved children’s books ever written.
She has been awarded a CBE for services to literature, and is the most celebrated children’s writer in Britain today.
Many of Julia Donaldson’s beloved picture books have been made into award-winning animated films which are regularly shown on the BBC at Christmas.
Read more
Additional information
| Publisher | Alison Green Books, 1st edition (28 Sept. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 32 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0702324345 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0702324345 |
| Reading age | 3 – 6 years, from customers |
| Dimensions | 22.34 x 1.05 x 27.77 cm |
by Rosie-Bell
Bought for my 6 year old great niece for her birthday. Lovely book.
by Ross Reviews
This his not her usual story but still has a rhythm and is nice to read
by Solid tray. Use it to store toaster on in cupboard and avoid crumbs everywhere.
I’m never disappointed in any of the books written by this fabulous author, my grandchildren love every story, especially the gruffalo collection, You won’t be disappointed
by customer
Another lovely book from Julia Donaldson. About the life and death of the oak tree and the things it’s seen through out history. Hope it makes it to tv.
by CobWeb
I bought this book for my three year old Granddaughter who loves to be outside. she can find all the tiny creatures pictured, listen to the rhymes that build a love of poetry look at the realistic pictures of the shape of leaves and trees, learn about musical instruments, observe with Gran, the clothes people wore in times gone by, look at all the life in a fallen tree and so much more. Later when she is older we can talk about oak gall wasps and oak gall ink. we can learn about the different historical eras. I can’t wait.
by G.J.tatum
Another Julia Donaldson hit, with gorgeous illustrations
by CobWeb
The current stock images above give an idea of the layout to see if it is the style for you & yours, and I expect that a ‘READ SAMPLE’ will be along in a while.
From the back cover of the copy I received (image below refers):
????~ ‘Way back in time,
a thousand years ago,
An acorn on the ground
began to grow…
A gorgeous celebration of nature, by much-loved author, Julia Donaldson.’
From the dust-jacket cover flap:
~ ‘A tiny acorn grows…
and GROWS…into a
mighty oak tree!????
Children play games around it.
All sorts of animals live in it ~ and under it.
And the tree stands strong as a thousand years whirl by.
Julia Donaldson’s rich, dramatic rhyme is a beautiful love-letter to our ancient trees. With Victoria Sandøy’s exquisite illustrations, this book is to treasure and explore.’
…and there is NO doubt about that, to my eye, but I simply love a book that is also packed with ‘learning without realising’.
The rhyme, which whizzes over the years picking up on key events, is well constructed and laced with lots of describing words, although it can be hard to narrate at times!
The accompanying artwork is truly atmospheric, with oodles of opportunities for further discussion, and maybe, further research, age depending.
ooOoo
~ TITLE: THE OAK TREE
~ AUTHOR: JULIA DONALDSON
~ ILLUSTRATOR: VICTORIA SANDØY
~ PUBLISHER: ALISON GREEN BOOKS/SCHOLASTIC
~ DESIGN: ZOË TUCKER
~ 2023
Measuring around 22.5 cm x 27.5 cm, it is undoubtedly a beautifully produced hardback with matching dust-jacket, both with the titling finished in gold foil, glistening in the change of light.
Inside are 32 good quality, matte-finish pages, the story running across 28 over double-page spreads.
The last 2 pages carry some informative notes about the mighty oak tree, closing with a thought to ponder over…
????~ ‘What might life be like in hundreds of years’ time, when today’s acorns have grown into mighty oak trees?’
by Trish
Lovely illustrations
Wee ones will love it and learn about nature too