Trees

by Harry Behn

Printed on recycled paper, this illustrated poem encourages children to respect the environment, especially the trees. By the author of Listen to the Rain.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Childrens, Plants

28 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes indeed, for a single and all encompassing poem about trees as plants, as living entities, about what trees are, how they are used by both man and beast (although some specific details on logging and that over-logging can be very destructive to and for tres, to and for forests would also be appreciated) and of course how trees make our landscapes pretty and visually spectacular with their leaves, with their canopies, with their impressive trunks, Harry Behn’ 1992 picture book Trees certainly is lovely and sweetly lyrical. And most definitely (at least in my humble opinion), Trees is also perfect to be read aloud, to be shared with a child or with a group of children, since the verses Behn presents in Trees are also rhyming, and delightfully so not ever showing an awkward or halting rhyming scheme (as this, as a traditional rhyming scheme for me often makes a poem or a group of poems better for oral reading than blank or free verses). Therefore, a nice little lyrical introduction to trees is Harry Behn’s poem, although I do wish that for one Behn had in Trees not described trees as being imbued with kindness (as I really do think that this type of anthropomorphism is in fact rather problematic since kindness is a human sentiment and trees are not humans and humans are not trees) and that for two, Harry Behn claiming in Trees that trees are somehow incapable of doing harm is in my humble opinion just totally erroneous in and of itself (as some trees can be toxic, and well, if a tree falls during for example a severe windstorm, it certainly can and often does cause real harm, because it can hit cars, people etc. and cause major damage, injuries, even potential death).

But text wise, Trees and Harry Behn’s poem (and even with the two bones of textual contention I have described above) are still solidly four stars. And honestly, the only reason why my final rating for Trees has to be a high three and not yet four stars is that while I do think that James Endicott’s accompanying artwork is visually expressive, descriptive and as such sure does provide a successfully or at least a generally successful visual mirror to and for Harry Behn’s featured verses, I do wonder and question why Endicott makes use of so little green, why his colour scheme (and for pictures of trees at that) is often not all that verdant (and certainly not early enough so for my aesthetics).

[Keegan Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this from the library just because it was on my list, but hadn't ever heard of it from other parents and, therefore, didn't expect to like it. However, it's very fall/winter appropriate with the colors. The poem isn't stupendous but it is pleasant. And the artwork is unique with the lines and curves and colors. So I ended up liking it more than expected.

[Roger DeBlanck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book has remarkable artwork to accompany the beauty of the poem that is equally mesmerizing. The opening lines read: “Trees are the kindest thing I know,/ They do not harm, they simply grow.” The words and pictures never lose their power at any time in this amazing book for preschoolers and up.

[Taylor Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lines of this poem are beautiful. I am always looking for a calming book to read to my children and this one hits the nail on the head. The illustrations are equally soothing. This poem makes me feel positive emotions within.

(Poetry category)

[Aine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poem with lovely images.

[Buxmont Uu]

WAMWAO Session 10
CMMW 31

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tender poem about arboreal vegetation is accompanied by some of the loveliest illustrations I’ve ever seen. There are leaves that are so realistic looking, you expect them to blow off the page. The pictures also show trees in varying angles of light, so they’re never quite the same from one page to another. They’re also different trees, too, including what looks like a pink-hued pineapple tree underneath a lambent moon.

Children will adore this but I’m thinking adults will find it a lovely treat for the eyes.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Trees are the kindest things I know.”