An educational and fun book about the native trees of North America that have given us food and shelter, and have been an important part of our heritage. Twenty-seven children from the United States, Canada, and Mexico tell about what makes “their” tree special. Details of each tree include where it can be found, how big it is, what its leaves look like, what kinds of animals live in and around it, and the role it played in the lives of Native Americans and early settlers. This book is packed full of information with full page color illustrations throughout.
— Parent Line of Southern Maryland – Carla Cosner (May 2006)
Twenty-seven children or groups of children have decided to share something very special with us. They are going to tell us which tree is their favorite. The children come from the United States, Mexico, or Canada and for each tree they tell us what makes ‘their’ tree special. For a group of children in Hawaii the ‘Ohi’a Lehua tree is special because it gives them flowers for their birthday party leis and for two children living in the south west the Joshua tree is their favorite because it is “so weird and different from any other tree.”
In addition to hearing what these children like best about their favorite trees, we are also given a great deal of wonderful information about each tree. This includes: where it can be found, how big it is, what its leaves look like, and what kinds of animals live in and around it. We are also given a “Hall of Fame” fact about each tree. For example the Redwood is the world’s largest tree and the sugar maple is not only the national tree of Canada but it is also the state tree for the states of Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Packed full of information which is presented in a visually interesting and appealing way, this is a wonderful guide book to the world of trees. It is also made very personal because we are able to read the thoughts and ideas of the children. Readers will see that trees are not just large plants that stand in yards and parks, woods, and forests. They are also friends to play around, to look at, and to admire.
— Through the Looking Glass – www.lookingglassreview.com (April 2006)
My Favorite Tree is an informative children’s guide to the variety of trees that are native to Canada, Mexico or the United States. The trees were chosen by author and illustrator Diane Iverson for their varied habitats, geographic areas and their role in the balance of nature. Each tree has a full-page illustration of children enjoying their favorite tree, while the facing page contains interesting factual information about the tree’s habitat and map, its physical characteristics, its uses by wildlife as well as its traditional and historical importance to Natives and Colonists. . .
— Childsake.com (February 2005)
Diane Iverson invites young readers to notice their silent, stalwart companions in My Favorite Tree. Families will appreciate this friendly guide as they hike forest trails or stroll city neighborhoods. Information on 27 North American trees is provided in a child-friendly format. Each spread features a full-page color illustration of the tree and a child’s short explanation of why this is a favorite. The facing page gathers together details on the tree’s habitat, leaves, bark, height and claims to fame, such as the American holly’s status as Delaware’s state tree and its alleged ability to ward off evil spirits, according to the ancient Romans. Iverson’s pictures of leaves, seeds and grown trees can help readers identify a real ash, dogwood or yew when they see it.
— Washington Parent (May 2004)
Education plays a big role in creating and nurturing a healthy respect for the natural world. This respect develops into a need and desire to protect the environment and the plants and animals with whom we share the Earth.
Two informative books published by Dawn Publications that will educate and entertain children about the natural world are My Favorite Tree: Terrific Trees of North America and Salamander Rain: A Lake & Pond Journal.
In her informative and entertaining book, My Favorite Tree, Diane Iverson looks at 27 trees native to Canada, Mexico or the United States. For each tree, there is information on traits (habitat – including a range map, height, bark, leaves, flowers and seeds), wild animals who benefit from the tree species and interesting facts.
. . . The interesting facts and colorful illustrations of both books will hold a child’s attention. My Favorite Tree and Salamander Rain are great books for people of all ages who are interested in nature – and “must reads” for those who aren’t!
— Cottage Times (March 2003)
RATING: EXCELLENT – Written with great reverence and inspiration, My Favorite Tree examines the characteristics of twenty-six representative trees of North America. Trees were chosen for their natural beauty, the varied geographic areas where they grow, their wildlife companions and their roles in the web of life. Each choice also recognizes the joy children feel as they play in and about trees or observe them throughout the year. Each double-page spread introduces the tree with a full page colored pencil illustration of children enjoying the unique gifts that tree offers. Factual information includes habitat, height, bark, leaves, flowers and seeds, wildlife companions and notice of champion trees. Of special interest is “It’s a Fact” which details usage by Native Americans, colonists and modern humans. Includes bibliographical references, index, glossary and organizations involved in protecting American trees. From Ash to Yew this is a celebration of these mighty living things and the children who love them. For a cross curriculum approach, it is a perfect companion to Old Elm Speaks by Kristine O’Connell George (Clarion Books, 1998, reviewed in the Spring 1999 issue of Appraisal) – a book that imaginatively captures trees in short poems, free verse and haiku.
— Appraisal: Science Books for Young People – Librarian Reviewer (Spring 1999)
Diane Iverson is a well-known multi-talented author and illustrator, proven yet again with My Favorite Tree. This oversize paperback from Dawn Publications is a true delight, with carefully gathered data, charming illustrations and a good mixture of ethnic backgrounds for the many children involved. Any teacher is wise to order this title for the school library, then take the class on nature walks to identify trees as easily explained by the author.
— Books Plus – Gordon Hutton (July 2005)
This beautifully illustrated book is sure to warm the hearts of tree lovers everywhere. It is brimming with information about 27 major trees that are native to North America. Two pages are devoted to each native tree. One page tells in very simple terms how the author feels about the tree and the companion page includes vital statistics, dependent wildlife, and the part they played in the lives of the Native Americans and the Colonists.
— ECO Institute – Earthworm (Winter 2001)
What a wonderful addition to a child’s library . . . a terrific tool for learning not only about trees, but also what’s connected to them. The illustrations are delightful and will appeal across the cultures and physical well-being of individuals. The three separate indexes are good, as is the glossary.
— Benjamin Franklin Awards – Judge’s comments
Terrific illustrator – I will look for more of her work. Page design is unique and effective. Excellent (efficient!) presentation of learning material. Lucky kids will get to read this book.
— Benjamin Franklin Awards – Judge’s comments
In My Favorite Tree, by Diane Iverson, each double-page spread has, on one side, an illustration of a different tree along with a child’s simple statement of why that particular species is a favorite one. On the opposite page – more appropriate for older students – is factual information about the tree: its habitat, physical characteristics (height, bark, leaves, flowers, etc.), the wildlife that depends on it, and other scientific and historical facts. Covering 27 native tree species from different regions of North America, the book is a good reference easily used across a range of grade levels from K-6
— Green Teacher
(4 Teapots – Highest Rating) Terrific Trees of North America – what they are, where they grow & how humans & animals have used them.
Now, as everyone who knows me, knows I love trees. I once was an expert tree climber. One of my favorite places for reading was high up in the arms of one particular ancient Beech tree in a pasture in Herefordshire in Great Britain. There amid those dark red rustling leaves, on those long, late summer afternoons when the beechnut husks were popping, life was very, very good. Nowadays, only in spirit do I clamber up into our friends’ embrace.
So when Dawn Publications invited me to visit their website & choose from their super selection of “Sharing Nature With Children Books,” I, naturally, had to pick My Favorite Tree, written & illustrated by the much-respected grandma artist, Diane Iverson, who chose the trees & created for each tree a two page gloriously detailed illustration with useful botanical information.
Come into My Favorite Tree & meet the Ash & Aspen, Birch & Cedar, Cherry & Cottonwood, Dogwood & Elm, Holly & Honeylocust, Joshua Tree & Magnolia, Maple & Oak, Ohi’ & Palm, Persimmon & Pine, Redbud & Redwood, Saguaro & Spruce, Sweetgum & Sycamore, Walnut & Yew. You will not look at a tree again, quite the same way.
Each trees’ habitat & vital statistics are given, as well as who their Wild Companions are. There is an It’s a Fact section which tells us how Native Americans & early settlers used each tree, & a Hall of Fame box for the largest, the oldest, or if a tree has been chosen to represent the State in which it is naturally found.
Did you know Cherry Trees are in the Rose Family? The Joshua Tree is in the Lily Family? The Sweet Gum is from the Witch-Hazel Family? Silhouettes of the various leaves of cousins are given as well as flowers & seeds.
There’s a good Glossary at the end, a list of Organizations Concerned With Protecting Trees, a Further Reading section & an Index of the Trees.
So if you’re a lover of Trees & want to turn your kids on to their delights, I encourage you to pick up a copy of My Favorite Tree because it is the perfect companion for your adventures among our beautiful, health-giving arboreal brethren.
— RebeccasReads.com – Rebecca Brown (September 2002)
RATING: EXCELLENT – A terrific resource filled with engaging information, facts and insights. A good introduction to the trees of North America, designed to fill the imagination and inspire further study. Solidly presented, each tree is described and well-illustrated. There are four featured sections to each description: “Tree Traits”, “Wild Companions”, “It’s a Fact”, and “Hall of Fame”. In “Tree Traits”, the scientific name is given along with the plant family the tree belongs to. Common names are provided and leaf shapes illustrated for other members of the family. For each tree, a handy map of North America indicates its natural range. There is a discussion of the habitat where it is found and the characteristics of its size, leaves, bark, and “flowers and seeds” (even for the conifers). . . . “Wild Companions” discusses pollinating insects and other insects, birds, and mammals who feed on the tree or depend on it for shelter. This section is bound to appeal to youngsters who will probably find the wildlife more interesting than the trees — although seeing that there is a connection will perhaps encourage interest in learning more about the plant! “It’s a Fact” looks at the role each tree has played in the history of North American natives and settlers, and in some of our traditions, as well as how its wood or other products were and are used in our daily lives. “Hall of Fame” points out the national tree of Canada, U.S. state trees and flowers, and “U.S. Champion Trees” which have been chosen by combining the measurements of their height, circumference and spread. Other features include a glossary (which, I’m happy to point out, includes the definition of “circumference” for anyone not sure what that measurement entails); U.S. organizations concerned with protecting trees and teaching about trees, along with their mailing addresses and phone numbers (no websites); a list of books for further reading about North American trees; and indexes to the trees by common name, to “Hall of Fame” states, and to native American tribes mentioned in the text. My biology professor spouse thinks that this book would be an excellent supplementary text for his university students studying plant taxonomy, since many of them are interested in more than just the plants!
— Appraisal: Science Books for Young People – Specialist Reviewer (Spring 1999)
