Arbor Day Square

by Kathryn O. Galbraith, Cyd Moore (Illustrator)

Inspired by the creation of Arbor Day, this gentle picture book illuminates the experience of establishing roots in a new home and the comfort that a familiar landscape can provide.

Katie and her papa are among a group of settlers building a town in the middle of the dusty, brown prairie. Every week the trains bring more people who build houses, fences, and barns. But one thing is trees.

The townspeople take up a collection to order trees from back east and Katie adds her own pennies and Papa's silver dollar. When the tiny saplings finally arrive, Katie helps dig holes and fetch water. Then, in a quiet corner off the public square, Katie and Papa plant a flowering dogwood in memory of Mama.

Kathryn O. Galbraith's gentle story of community building, the timelessness of love, and the power of ritual will resonate with readers.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Kathryn O. Galbraith is an award-winning children's book author with more than a dozen picture books to her credit, including Boo, Bunny!; Arbor Day Square; Traveling Babies; and Laura Charlotte. She teaches writing for children at the University of Washington.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching picture book tribute to the first Arbor Day (begun in Nebraska in 1872), this tells the story of Katie and her father and the growing prairie town they call home. The town smells like wood, for so many new structures are being built from the wood brought over from the east; but there are no trees "for shade and beauty and birds." So, the town decides to plan them. After many donations, they are able to telegram for trees to be sent over from the east. And they arrive! But they are so *small*--Katie isn't sure they will ever grow. But they do! And it's lovely to see the town prosper with so many beautiful trees around. The story is sweetly told and the illustrations are charming and provide so many lovely details. The dogs especially ;-)

Here is my concern, and it's not really fair for me to take it out on this book so I'm still giving it four stars. BUT... I feel that children need to learn about invasive species and the damage that is being done to native species as a result. In this case, especially, they need to know that the prairie birds did *not* need trees--the prairie birds are adapted for the prairie, a prairie without trees. It is one thing to replant trees (with the same species) that are chopped down. It is another to bring in trees from other regions simply to beautify an area. Problems can occur because the non-native species can cause damage and sometimes even eradicate the native species, leading to all sorts of problems.

Now, I love trees! I really love them. I love a variety of trees. I probably would have wanted some on the prairie if I was Katie and her friends; and, back then, I probably wouldn't have known any better, either. I am the first one to say "oh, how beautiful!" when I drive or walk past any number of non-native trees (flowers, etc.) around cities and neighborhoods. But, I have learned that it is better to encourage native species and try to create landscaping, etc. accordingly. I hope that those planning landscaping or Arbor Day activities in the future might consider planting native species.

For more information:

http://www.arborday.org/programs/tree...

http://www.mymotherlode.com/news/loca...

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katie and her Papa, newly arrived in their windswept prairie town, eagerly participate in the planning of the new town square, and in the drive to raise money for trees - fifteen of them, imported from the east - to make their new home more beautiful. When the precious cargo finally arrives, there is much celebration, as well as work, as the townspeople plant the saplings - including one special dogwood, in honor of Katie's deceased mother - enjoy an evening picnic, and promise to meet again for the same purpose, the following year...

A fictional account of the beginning of Arbor Day - begun in real life by journalist J. Sterling Morton of Nebraska City, Nebraska, in 1872, it has since become a national holiday, and spread to many countries around the world - Arbor Day Square is an engaging "slice of life" tale, set in a new-formed prairie town, and emphasizing the importance of Arbor Day, as a communal and familial celebration. The father-daughter bond between Katie and her father was touching, and the final fast-forward - in which Katie has a daughter of her own - very satisfying. The watercolor and pencil illustrations by Cyd Moore - who also worked on Steven J. Simmons' books about two witches named Alice and Greta - were very appealing, colorful without being overdone. All in all, a solidly pleasing book about a holiday that seems to have been somewhat overlooked, in the world of children's books.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple story that begins with a little prairie town saving for a planting trees each year to make their town beautiful, green and shaded, and progresses to subsequent generations.

The cheery and colorful illustrations are quite delightful!

Ages: 3 - 8

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice story to associate with the Arbor Day holiday, one that also connects to western settlement of the United States. It's well done and offers insights into a part of the world that many readers might not have an easy connection to. The story is multi-generational, showing how the topic spans the breadth of time.

[Lynn K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe it's because I'm from Nebraska and live near the home of Arbor Day, but this story struck a chord. My son (who loves stories of pioneers early struggles) loved this book and readily identified with the story, even wondering if it was set in Nebraska City!

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting story about the first Arbor Day. Having lived in Nebraska and visited the Lied Lodge, it was refreshing to see the history behind it all. Our girls liked the story a lot.

[Christopher Reiger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admire this fictionalized account of Arbor Day's beginnings. Mostly, I enjoy Kathryn O. Galbraith's writing and story, but I'm also biased by a personal connection to Nebraska City (the site of the first American Arbor Day celebration) and having read quite a bit about the history of the region and holiday.

I do wish the illustrations were stronger (they're merely fine).

Above all, as a natural history nerd, I would have liked Galbraith to flesh out her Author's Note (which shares selected details about Arbor Day's history) to include an ecological perspective – this would necessarily be one of ambivalence, since the great tree-planting project of white settlers in our Great Plains is best described as a successful terraforming initiative driven by economic and psychological needs (i.e., the protection of livestock/crops via windbreaks and ecologically inaccurate ideas of "normal" vegetation).

[Evie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story about how an Arbor Day tradition begins at the settlement of a prairie town, and grows a community. I can't help but think, though, throughout the story, that Native Americans were probably pushed out of the prairie, had their land stolen and divided, and now these new settlers are designing their lives on their heritage. And, there are no trees because plains are predominantly places of grass and shrubs. Call me a killjoy! Oh well.

[Turrean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet family history intertwined with the origins of Arbor Day.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little picture book celebrating the first Arbor Day.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how we see that working together people can change anything. Together, not matter with how little we start with, we can make things better.

[Ann Nekola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audience: Primary
Genre: Historical fiction picture book
Pre-Reading Strategy: Think-Pair-Share
This strategy requires the students to think about the question asked them,then pair up with a partner and share their ideas. I would use this strategy so that the students would have time to discuss what they think and hear what others think.

Beginning statement: I would begin this reading lesson by asking if anyone has heard of Arbor Day. We would then have a discussion about what they may know about the holiday already. If they have never heard of it before I would give them a brief summary of what Arbor Day is. I would explain that it is a holiday that started in Nebraska in the 1800's. To celebrate Arbor Day people plant trees during the month of April. I would also explain that when people first came to the prairies in the Midwest there weren't a lot of trees and that is why people had to plant them.

Questions: While reading the book I would stop every few pages and ask the students different questions about things I read in the story or what they saw in the pictures. When and where do you think this story takes place? How can you tell? What kinds of things are different from back than they are today? We could also discuss the different relationships between the townspeople, and what the people are doing in the pictures and what clues they saw to help them know these things.
They would then find a partner and share their ideas with this partner. I would then have someone from each pair share what they discussed.

Closing: After reading the book and discussing all of our ideas I would ask them how they think this book is related to Arbor Day and how they came to their conclusions. They would partner again to share their ideas, and finally we would share as a group.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIENCE: Primary
GENRE: Historical Fiction

PRE-READING STRATEGY: Think-Pair-Share
* Think-Pair-Share is a strategy that allows students to think about a topic or theme in a book prior to reading the text. Students think about a whole-group teacher question independently, then share their ideas with a partner, and lastly share ideas with the whole chart.
* I chose this strategy because I wanted to get students thinking about prairies and activate their background knowledge about this type of landscape.
* I would begin by using the pre-reading strategy Think-Pair-Share. I would ask students to "Think" about what they already know about a prairie. What does a prairie look like? What kinds of things grow naturally in a prairie? After students have thought about their answers and have brainstormed what they already know about the prairie I will have students pair with their talking buddy and share what they know about prairies. During this sharing time I will walk around and listen in on the many partner buddies. After each buddy has had a chance to share with their partner, I will call the group back together and have a few students share what they and their partner discussed. I will then expand on what students have already talked about and share more information, as well as a visual picture of the prairie. (If you have never discussed the prairie before, you could also consider showing a picture of a prairie prior to the Think-Pair-Share to scaffold students.) I will use this strategy to focus students' attention and get them thinking about how trees do not grow naturally in the prairie and therefore people have to plant them. I would also ask students to think about the title "Arbor Day Square" and discuss what "arbor" means.

[Cherilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audience: Primary

Genre: Historical Fiction

I would use the pre-reading strategy of Think/Pair/Share with the book Arbor Day Square. We have a unit in our Reading curriculum on Country Life, so I would incorporate Arbor Day Square into our current unit as a read aloud. It would also be a great book to read around Arbor Day which is April 10th.
The Think/Pair/Share strategy begins by asking a specific question about the text. Students "think" about what they know or have learned about the topic.
I would tell the class we are going to read a new book called Arbor Day Square, and ask the question(s).

T (Think) "What do you already know about the prairie? " Also ask, "What do you know about Arbor Day?"

P (Pair) Students should be paired with another student or a small group.
I would have pre-assigned pairs for reading and have them get with their partner to discuss and answer the question "What do you know about life on the prairie?" "Why would trees be important to people living on the prairie?"

S (Share) Students share their thinking with their partner. Expand the "share" into a whole-class discussion.

I would have the groups discuss their prior knowledge about life on the prairie and Arbor Day and then give each group a chance to share with the whole group.
I would make a chart with the groups responses and expand our discussion to include Arbor Day. As I read the story we would revisit their prior knowledge listed on the chart and confirm prior knowledge. After completing the story we will discuss new things we learned through reading the story together.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything in the prairie town is brand new because the town itself has just been built by settlers. There is a church, stores, and a school, but what is missing is trees! Everyone donates coins to send east for trees to plant. When they arrive, Katie is alarmed at how small the trees are, but her father reassures her that they will live and grow. Katie helps her father plant the trees, even a special dogwood in memory of her mother. Year after year, the town gathered on Arbor Day to plant more and more trees. Katie now came with her own daughter to celebrate the day and linger under her mother’s tree.

This picture book is based on the creation of Arbor Day in the new state of Nebraska in 1872. Ideal for release in April, this book is a glimpse into the history of Arbor Day and the importance of planting trees. Galbraith’s text is simple and at times poetic. She uses repeating phrases and rhythm subtly and effectively. Particularly effective is having Katie as the protagonist of the story and the lens through which readers view the history and the planting. Moore’s illustrations are soft with a lovely vintage tone to them that suits the subject. The transformation from dusty prairie to a lush green filled with trees is reflected in the illustrations with a nice gradual palette change.

Pick this one up for Arbor Day! Appropriate for ages 4-7.

[Melissa Lampe]

Audience: Primary

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pre-Reading Strategy: Learn-Read-Discuss

Learn-Read-Discuss helps students comprehend material presented orally, builds students' prior knowledge before they read a text, and engages struggling readers in classroom discussions.

For the book, Arbor Day Square, I would start off with a short lesson/lecture on the settlers. The story is about a family of settlers who are helping the people around them build a town. They have all the help they can get and all the materials they need, but are missing on thing--trees. Being from Nebraska, I would also tie Arbor Day into my lesson. After giving the students the knowledge, I would read them this story. During the story I would point out the things I taught in my lesson to bring back the knowledge. After reading the story, I would have a small discussion with the students. The students could talk about the differences of the settlers back then and out society today. We could also talk about the importance of Arbor Day and why is it so meaningful.

[Megan Wismer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audience: K-3
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pre-reading strategy: List-Group-Label
Before reading this story, I will use the List-Group-Label strategy with my students to help them recall what they know about growing trees and uses for trees.

I will begin by asking students to think of words and phrases that explain how to grow tress. (Examples: dirt, sun, seeds)

Next, it is time to group the words. I will model how to would split the words into different groups based on specific criteria.

Finally, I will give each group a label to describe the group.


After I model the strategy it is the student’s turn. This time, we will work together as a class to brainstorm works and phrases for how we use trees.

Once we have created a list, students will split into smaller groups to talk about how they would group the words into different types of categories. Don't forget to remind groups that there is no right or wrong answer as long as you can explain why they go together.

Finally, students will put a label on each of their groups.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audience: Primary
Genre: Historical Fiction

Pre-Reading Strategy: Anticipation
The goal of anticipation is to help build background knowledge and to get students about the book. This is a good strategy for this particular book because many students may not have heard of Arbor Day before or what it deals with.

Before reading I would ask questions like:
What is Arbor Day?
When building a town in the middle of the plains, what needs to be there?
What are some reasons to plant trees?
Where do we see a lot of trees?
For each question, I would give the students time to answer and share their ideas with the group. After reading the story, I would revisit the questions to see if student have a better understanding. We would focus more on the historical part after reading and talk about how trees were important parts of the plains.

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only things missing in Katie's prairie settlement are her recently deceased mother and trees. "There are no trees on the prairie. No trees for climbing. Or for shade. No trees for fruit or warm winter fires. No trees for birds. Or for beauty." The whole town chips in to purchase trees from back East and joins together to plant the first fifteen trees all over town. Katie and her father plant one special tree for Mother. Each year, the townspeople plant more trees, beginning the annual Arbor Day tradition that still takes place across the US. The author provides a brief history of Arbor Day in the back of the book.

[Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathryn Galbraith writes pitch-perfect picture books. Her newest imagines a small prairie town celebrating the Arbor Day holiday in the holiday's early years. This warm story pays tribute to community, to families and to making a difference. I loved spending time with Katie and her papa; this story is nostalgic and contemporary at the same time. Great information in the end notes about the actual holiday.

[Sara Bowen]

Audience: primary
Genre: historical fiction
Pre-reading strategy: for this book I might use the k-w-l chart. I would make a chart on the whiteboard and discuss with the children what they know about Arbor Day and what they want to know. After reading the book (as well as the authors note in the back that talks about Arbor Day) I would discuss with the children what thy learned.

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This heart warming story tells of Katie and her family as they endeavor to spread a little "green" around their praire town. Speaks to the wonder and beauty of nature....plus offers a background on the holiday and its inception.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really sweet story.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nebraska! Story of a small frontier town's quest to bring trees to the landscape.

[Becky Aughenbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice tie to Nebraska. It would mean a lot since we are so close to Nebraska City.

[Isela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to a tradition and a holiday. Especially since it is observed here in Nebraska.

[Serina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eh... not my style

[Lisa Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I loved that it included some unexpected turns, like the fact that Katie's mom has passed away, so they planted a tree for her, and that it goes on beyond her generation.

[S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A just okay book. Not especially creative.

[Aimee Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I unwittingly read this on Arbor Day, which made me like it just a little bit more.