Tree of Wonder: The Many Marvelous Lives of a Rainforest Tree by Kate Messner
I love trees. You might have gathered that with my very long tree book lists which contain both non-fiction and fiction selections as well as some of my book extension activities. I’ve been known to travel many many miles to lay eyes on an old magnificent tree, or an ancient grove of poplars. Simply put; trees are my friends. 
Inspired by her trip to Costa Rica, Kate Messner’s Tree of Wonder tells the story of the hundreds of thousands of animal and creature lives supported by the Almendro Tree in Latin America’s rain forests.
We are taken on a tour up and down the great trunk of the tree peeking into the lives of Great Green Macaws, Keel-billed Toucans, Howler monkeys, Fruit Bats, Fer-de-lace Vipers, Agoutis, Blue Morpho Butterflies, Poison Dart Frogs, Rusty Wandering Spiders, and Leafcutter Ants. Who knew that the fruit of one tree could support so many different animals, while also providing water and shelter. Some of these animals are just visitors while others are permanent residents of the tree’s trunk and branches. It’s quite the wonder tree if you ask me!
Kate Messner does a wonderful job of not only telling the story of the tree’s life and role in the ecosystem, but she also gives a scientific description of each of the critters supported by the tree, which gives a more in depth look for those curious kiddos. If you and your child are inspired to help the rainforest or learn more, she provides resources in the back of the book. The award winning illustrator Simona Mulazzani paints a vibrant, beautiful world of the life in the Allemendro Tree.
Something To Do
Go to the end papers of the book and play a game of I Spy. How many different animals, insects, and birds can you name ?
Make your own binoculars so that you can see all the different critters around the Almendro tree!
Why are the Blue Morpho Butterflies wings blue on one side and brown on the other ? Discuss why? Read author Kate Messner’s description of how the Blue Morpho Butterfly survives. Here’s a little more information on the Blue Morpho Butterfly
Here’s a really fun Blue Morpho Butterfly Craft !!!
One of our favorites from this book is the poison dart frogs. Tree of Wonders shares with us that they have sticky toes. Can you imagine having sticky toes? Why is this important for survival in the rainforest ? What are some other unique features of the poison dart frog? Here’s a little more information on this interesting frog.
What’s the difference between the Macaw and the Green Billed Toucan ?
Why do leaf cutter ants carry the leaves away from the Allemendro tree? Does it kill the tree? Where do the ants take the leaves ?
Nocturnal animals live at night. Going through the book Tree of Wonder discuss which animals live at night.
When we’re out in nature we learn very quickly that all things in nature on dependent on each other. How is the Allemendro tree dependent on the various insects, frogs, birds, and animals that live in the tree and how are the animals dependent on the Allemendro tree?
At the back of the book is a math problem. Be sure and do that !!! Can you create other math problems or story problems inspired by the math at the back of the book.
Make a Macaw like one in the book!
Since we love putting things in a jar, make your in rainforest in a mason jar!
Investigate the Almendro Tree.
Here’s a beautiful film about the Wonder Tree. It’s about an hour long but very interesting.
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Coming soon!
My newest book, Dragons are Real with be available on Amazon around the first part of May and the excitement is almost blowing the roof off of Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press headquarters!
SO…what if I told you that all of the fairy tales, myths and legends that have been told about dragons over the years are WRONG. What if I told you that Dragons are indeed Real and that they are different than you’ve ever imagined?
This fairly true story is based on the author’s childhood friendship with a REAL live Dragon; a very special Dragon that she and her brother spent two magical summers with.
As readers turn the pages and learn the truth about Dragons, they will see that the fiercest beasts in known history can actually be the best of friends. It’s a lesson in finding companionship in the most unusual of places. Dragons are Real is a magical book filled with stunning illustrations and hints that dragon are indeed all around us 
Dragons are Real is slated for a May 5th release. If you want to be among the first to know when this colorful and enchanting children’s book goes on sale, sign up below and I will keep you in the loop. (P.S. I have plans to have some fun free gifts available as well!) Thanks for your support and Read On!
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The post Tree of Wonder: The Many Marvelous Lives of a Rainforest Tree by Kate Messner appeared first on Jump Into A Book.
