Member Reviews
A Northern Spotted Owl introduces the book by saying that until recently humans didn’t know what a thriving ecology could occur so high up in trees, with many different animals living or visiting.
The rhymes are inventive, following the usually more hilarious conceit of what would be the last word in one stanza starting off the next. Each verse describes a creature that lives way up there, though there’s only so much information you can include in three lines (the fourth is always “And now comes number x”). The second line has to rhyme with the next number, so no doubt that was a little difficult for the author.
I can only describe the artwork as lush, with tree bark and green leaves, bushes, and ferns dominating. The owls are a little dark, but the detail is wonderful, the banana slugs just as horrifying as in real life (try eating a chocolate banana slug, I dare you). The ladybugs, on the other hand, were cute. But you really need a vertical view to understand the size of these trees, especially when there’s drawings of tiny humans at the bottom. I first read this on my desktop, then downloaded it to my tablet; the text is better on the former, the paintings on the latter.
At the end are many facts and details about redwoods, as well as an invite to go back and look through the artwork for other animals (I’m guessing the author didn’t bother to try rhyming any numbers further than ten).
Anthony Fredericks rhythmic prose invites readers to discover the animals secretly hiding among the Giant Redwoods. The illustrations are a stunning companion and kids will love trying to find all the animals in each picture. A former educator, Fredericks includes background information on the animals and STEM activities to extend the learning. This is a great addition to any classroom library.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ebook for review. First impressions: This is a gorgeous book! The writing and illustrating are spotless. (I especially love the owls.) So informative. Highly recommend for homeschool or classroom learning.
This nature book is absolutely gorgeous. I love the opening line 'Dear Humans'. Yes, I want to explore this forest. And I want to be friends with all these animals. This rhyming book is a must read. It is inspiring as well as educational.
Wasn't expecting this to be a counting book. A second surprise awaited me at the end: a list of STEAM activities for teachers who include this in their curriculum!
This is a nice concise little children's book which introduces readers to 10 different species that live in the Redwood trees. The good thing about this is that there are a few animals which youngsters might not be aware of, such as a salamander. The book counts to 10, numbering each of the animals, so is good reinforcement of basic counting. The text is in rhyming verse which is a nice touch.
The book includes several page of facts about Redwood trees, which is great for slightly older readers that want to know more. And to add more fun for readers, there's a page of hidden animals, so that you can go back and find the others smaller animals that are hidden in the illustrations. Because of these little extras, this book would suit quite a wide range of ages.
This thoroughly enjoyable children's book is beautiful as well as educational. Toddlers and early readers will appreciate the rhyming pattern. The title offers number reinforcement by embedding it in the story. If you dive into the world of these redwoods, you'll learn more about the creatures inhabiting the trees while viewing the exceptional illustrations.
Stunning illustrations accompany brief rhyming text (part one) about ten types of creatures that live way up high (and sometimes on the ground by) giant redwood trees. This is followed by general information about the animals as well as seeds and trees. Teachers will appreciate the "Explore More" features and suggestions for class activities and resources. A wonderful introduction to life in a redwood forest. Five stars.
This handsomely illustrated book works very well with the rhyming text to introduce readers to the grandeur of redwood trees and the diversity of life these trees support. Rhyming text and repetition make this a fine choice for reading aloud while at the same time introducing youngsters 10 creatures that live in redwood trees. A host of interesting activities in the. backmatter encourage further learning about. redwoods and suggest how to revisit the book's illustrations to find even more information. Interesting and informative.