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Crinkleroot
I Was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees
Observations by one forest dweller of the plants and animals that surround him.
46 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1977
164 people want to read
About the author
Jim Arnosky
161 books76 followersJim Arnosky was born in New York City, NY Sept 1, 1946. He was raised in Pennsylvania. Jim graduated from high school in Philadelphia and joined the US Naval Reserves. His active duty took him to Maryland and Bremerhaven, Germany.
In 1976 Jim and his wife Deanna moved to Vermont with their two daughters where they have lived in an old farmhouse for the past 28 years. 17 of those years were spent raising sheep.
Jim is self taught in writing, art and the natural sciences. He has written and illustrated 86 books on nature subjects and has illustrated 46 other books written by various authors. He has been awarded the Christopher Medal, Orbis Pictus Honor, ALA Gordon Award, and Outstanding Science book awards from National Science Teachers Associations.
Jim loves to fish, boat, and play his guitar. In his work, he uses a Betacam SP video camcorder with a 1600 mm lens to record the wildlife he and Deanna find all across the country.
In 1976 Jim and his wife Deanna moved to Vermont with their two daughters where they have lived in an old farmhouse for the past 28 years. 17 of those years were spent raising sheep.
Jim is self taught in writing, art and the natural sciences. He has written and illustrated 86 books on nature subjects and has illustrated 46 other books written by various authors. He has been awarded the Christopher Medal, Orbis Pictus Honor, ALA Gordon Award, and Outstanding Science book awards from National Science Teachers Associations.
Jim loves to fish, boat, and play his guitar. In his work, he uses a Betacam SP video camcorder with a 1600 mm lens to record the wildlife he and Deanna find all across the country.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 6, 2020
Prolific picture-book naturalist Jim Arnosky, the author and illustrator of almost 150 titles for young people, made his debut in 1977, with this charming guide to the animals of the forest. This was the introduction to Crinkleroot, a grandfatherly guide to the wonders of the natural world who would go on to appear in many other books. Born in a tree and raised by bees, he could "whistle in a hundred languages and speak caterpillar, turtle, and salamander too!" Living in a tiny cabin in the forest, Crinkleroot introduces his readers to the activities of various animals, in the four seasons. From the bees of spring to the toads of summer, the owls of autumn to the birds of winter, he highlights many different kinds of creature, as well as larger events - such as the turning of the leaves in autumn - in the natural world. A few craft ideas are also included, from making a homemade book of various leaf varieties, to creating a bird feeder for the winter. The book closes with the following exhortation:
"Remember, there are pictures everywhere, puzzles hidden among the leaves and in the streams, and stories written on the snow. So keep your eyes open and your nose poked out, and someday you may be talking caterpillar, turtle, and salamander too!"
First published the year after I was born, and then revised in this 1988 edition with updated illustrations, I Was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees is an absolutely delightful and charming book, one I regret not having growing up with. It is both educational and entertaining, offering a glimpse into the wildlife of a northern forest in all four seasons, and a personable guide to that wildlife who is completely endearing. I would love to know more about Crinkleroot himself - is he an elf? a forest creature? or just a man raised by the wild? Is he meant to be Arnosky? The afterword here mentions that Arnosky created the book while living at Hawk Mountain, in Pennsylvania, and it seems to encapsulate all the love of the natural world and its many inhabitants that would go on to characterize his work. The artwork here is every bit as appealing as the text, and is done in a different style from the more recent, watercolor illustrations I have seen from Arnosky. In the original edition, the illustrations were all black and white, with two-tone color enhancements. Here they alternate between black and white, and fully colored, managing to be completely enchanting in both cases.
All in all, an absolutely wonderful book, one I would recommend to all young nature and animal lovers, and to anyone who enjoys hiking in the forest. As someone who loved all of those things as a girl, someone whose first summer job involved clearing and maintaining forest trails in my county's park system, I wish I had known about this book and its many sequels when I was younger. Still, I have discovered them now, thanks to a kind goodreads friend - many thanks, Kathryn! - who noticed I was reading a great deal of Arnosky, and recommended the Crinkleroot books, and I hope to read many more!
Note: In 1999, this was republished as Crinkleroot's Nature Almanac , with essentially the same content.
"Remember, there are pictures everywhere, puzzles hidden among the leaves and in the streams, and stories written on the snow. So keep your eyes open and your nose poked out, and someday you may be talking caterpillar, turtle, and salamander too!"
First published the year after I was born, and then revised in this 1988 edition with updated illustrations, I Was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees is an absolutely delightful and charming book, one I regret not having growing up with. It is both educational and entertaining, offering a glimpse into the wildlife of a northern forest in all four seasons, and a personable guide to that wildlife who is completely endearing. I would love to know more about Crinkleroot himself - is he an elf? a forest creature? or just a man raised by the wild? Is he meant to be Arnosky? The afterword here mentions that Arnosky created the book while living at Hawk Mountain, in Pennsylvania, and it seems to encapsulate all the love of the natural world and its many inhabitants that would go on to characterize his work. The artwork here is every bit as appealing as the text, and is done in a different style from the more recent, watercolor illustrations I have seen from Arnosky. In the original edition, the illustrations were all black and white, with two-tone color enhancements. Here they alternate between black and white, and fully colored, managing to be completely enchanting in both cases.
All in all, an absolutely wonderful book, one I would recommend to all young nature and animal lovers, and to anyone who enjoys hiking in the forest. As someone who loved all of those things as a girl, someone whose first summer job involved clearing and maintaining forest trails in my county's park system, I wish I had known about this book and its many sequels when I was younger. Still, I have discovered them now, thanks to a kind goodreads friend - many thanks, Kathryn! - who noticed I was reading a great deal of Arnosky, and recommended the Crinkleroot books, and I hope to read many more!
Note: In 1999, this was republished as Crinkleroot's Nature Almanac , with essentially the same content.
January 11, 2020
This book teaches a skill that is fast disappearing: the skill of observing nature. The page with all the tracks was so interesting!
I'm thoroughly enjoying the exploration my son and I are making of Jim Arnosky's books. I came for his lovely illustrations and stayed for his deep knowledge and love of nature.
I'm thoroughly enjoying the exploration my son and I are making of Jim Arnosky's books. I came for his lovely illustrations and stayed for his deep knowledge and love of nature.
Read
January 15, 2020This is largely a copy of I Was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees with a few things expanded and added. Still highly recommended, but no need to read both.
February 11, 2022
My 4 year old loved this, kept his attention for a long time.
March 22, 2016
10/09: These Crinkleroot books are the cutest!
Back Cover:
Born in a tree and raised by bees, Crinkleroot is the perfect nature guide. Wo else can hear a fox turn in the forest, or spot a mole hole on a mountain? In this fascinating book, you will learn how to identify different types of wildflowers in springtime, find a beaver dam in the summer, locate owls in fall, and spot rabbit tracks in winter. Hidden puzzles in the art and simple activities like building a birdhouse and creating an autumn leaf book promise hours of fun, even in your own backyard!
Back Cover:
Born in a tree and raised by bees, Crinkleroot is the perfect nature guide. Wo else can hear a fox turn in the forest, or spot a mole hole on a mountain? In this fascinating book, you will learn how to identify different types of wildflowers in springtime, find a beaver dam in the summer, locate owls in fall, and spot rabbit tracks in winter. Hidden puzzles in the art and simple activities like building a birdhouse and creating an autumn leaf book promise hours of fun, even in your own backyard!
June 1, 2015
This book was a character in itself. Crinkleroot is a fun way to earn about nature for young children and the illustrations are bright and fun. When I have kids I would love to show them this book and make activities. This book could also be used in the classroom during a science/nature unit as well! all in all it was an interesting learning experience.
November 8, 2016
We've been reading through Crinkleroot books today and oh how we love him!
July 28, 2022
Crinkleroot is an amazing Educator whose specialty is nature. He was born in a tree and raised by bees, or so the legend goes. He's an authority on tracking critters, he knows how to plant and harvest the seasons, and he can help anyone plant popcorn!
Talking a walk with Crinkleroot through the woods, you learn the ways of our feathered friends, of the critters by the rivers and ponds. As seasons change, there are so many changes for our leaf bearing friends, the needs of winter food for the littles of nature, as well as delightful nature walks in which you can learn the signs of life as they gather and make homes for the winter.
Any Crinkleroot book is worth owning, it was with a such sadness that Crinkleroot's writer is no longer writing his wisdom. Now it's up to us... to seek his knowledge by checking the internet for his books, browsing all used book stores, and gathering these treasures for the generations of tomorrow.
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
Talking a walk with Crinkleroot through the woods, you learn the ways of our feathered friends, of the critters by the rivers and ponds. As seasons change, there are so many changes for our leaf bearing friends, the needs of winter food for the littles of nature, as well as delightful nature walks in which you can learn the signs of life as they gather and make homes for the winter.
Any Crinkleroot book is worth owning, it was with a such sadness that Crinkleroot's writer is no longer writing his wisdom. Now it's up to us... to seek his knowledge by checking the internet for his books, browsing all used book stores, and gathering these treasures for the generations of tomorrow.
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
October 27, 2023
This my favorite of the Crinklefoot guides.
July 13, 2023
8 year old loved it. It is more than just an informational book. It contains little find-it games and is overall delightful. I would look into more books from this series.
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June 23, 2012Name: Kristina Jewell
Title: Arnosky, J. Crinkleroot’s nature almanac. (1999). New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Call Number: (not found)
Reference Type: Almanac
Description: This nature almanac is told through the eyes of Crinkleroot experiencing nature. There are many illustrations and several activities in the book.
Price: $16
Relevance and Relationship: The library’s almanacs do not focus specifically on nature. Many students in the school live in rural areas or have family living in rural areas. Nature seems to be a high interest subject for many students.
Purpose: The purpose of this book is to serve as an additional reference resource to spark students’ interest in science and nature. The book may be used for personal reading or student research.
Validity: This book is recommended by Booklist Online.
Format: Print.
Arrangement/Presentation: The book’s text and illustrations are organized by season and are described as Crinkleroot walks through nature in each season. Some of the illustrations include animal tracks and wildlife.
Diversity: For students with a rural background and an interest in nature, this book is a perfect reference guide. The book’s use of illustrations makes it an interesting read for unmotivated students.
Reviewed By: Perkins, L. Crinkleroot’s nature almanac. Booklist. (1999).
Title: Arnosky, J. Crinkleroot’s nature almanac. (1999). New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Call Number: (not found)
Reference Type: Almanac
Description: This nature almanac is told through the eyes of Crinkleroot experiencing nature. There are many illustrations and several activities in the book.
Price: $16
Relevance and Relationship: The library’s almanacs do not focus specifically on nature. Many students in the school live in rural areas or have family living in rural areas. Nature seems to be a high interest subject for many students.
Purpose: The purpose of this book is to serve as an additional reference resource to spark students’ interest in science and nature. The book may be used for personal reading or student research.
Validity: This book is recommended by Booklist Online.
Format: Print.
Arrangement/Presentation: The book’s text and illustrations are organized by season and are described as Crinkleroot walks through nature in each season. Some of the illustrations include animal tracks and wildlife.
Diversity: For students with a rural background and an interest in nature, this book is a perfect reference guide. The book’s use of illustrations makes it an interesting read for unmotivated students.
Reviewed By: Perkins, L. Crinkleroot’s nature almanac. Booklist. (1999).
April 9, 2019
With colorful watercolor illustrations that are as informative as they are entertaining, this book is sure to appeal to children who enjoy learning about science and the seasons.
I love how much Crinkleroot loves to just sit and observe nature. I know that I should do this more and I am happiest when I can spend most of a day puttering outside and trying to beautify my yard, work in my garden, or simply play with our puppy.
9 April 2019 update: We are big fans of Mr. Arnosky's books and it's always fun to visit with Crinkleroot. I've read this book a couple of times.
I love how much Crinkleroot loves to just sit and observe nature. I know that I should do this more and I am happiest when I can spend most of a day puttering outside and trying to beautify my yard, work in my garden, or simply play with our puppy.
9 April 2019 update: We are big fans of Mr. Arnosky's books and it's always fun to visit with Crinkleroot. I've read this book a couple of times.
January 11, 2010
I got an idea for a birdfeeder I could make
April 15, 2012
I wish words could do justice to just how good I found this book. My only "critism" was... why popcorn?
May 23, 2016
If I were 6 years old, this would make me want to run outside and look for tracks!
July 28, 2016
Loved the illustrations and the idea. The text was boring for a children's book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews