If you have read very many of my reviews on this site, you will know that I love picture book biographies and other picture books with realistic pictures that tell a real story about something from history. These are the kind of books I watch for when I am looking at lists of books available to review. One of my recent finds was Franklin’s Trees. I read it to my little girls last night, and they enjoyed it, too.

Franklin Roosevelt is one of the better-known United States Presidents, but I don’t think I’ve ever found a picture book that mentioned him. We have a biography for young readers on our shelf, but no one has read it in a long time, so I doubt my girls had ever heard of this president. Franklin’s Trees is a wonderful way to discover this man who was able to accomplish so much even after losing the ability to walk. This book focuses on his love of trees, but mention is also made, briefly, of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and World War II. At the end of the book are two pages for identifying four of FDR’s favorite trees. All the pictures are beautiful, clear paintings. This is a wonderful addition to a library of picture book biographies.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

A pictorial stance on the childhood life of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his avocation for plantation. This is showing his love for nature and how even after being the Prez one day he didn't even forget the tree plantation. He got Polio but that too didn't stopped him for roaming around his estate. However, this is so ironical that this nature lover became the murderer of more than 200000 humans when he decided to drop Atom bomb on Japan's cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
When there comes a telling of someone's life one must remember how he and his harsh decisions affected the world in wrong manner. The Planning to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima & Nagasaki were the violations of the laws and customs of any war. Attacks did not distinguish between military and civilian targets and hence inflicted unnecessary sufferings to millions for decades to come.

There is a mention in excerpt as "Today, FDR’s love of trees is remembered at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York, where many of the trees he planted still rise on the grounds and surrounding forest.'
There must also be a 'Global War Park' made and he should be remembered there as an anti-human President of America along with Harry Truman; and not just that but what was more heinous is that he started this stream of human killings in the name of saving a world by the people who holds office in White House.

Where was that creation of the 'Civilian Conservation Corps' during the Great Depression, which came to be known as “Roosevelt’s Tree Army"??
He forgot all when it comes to win the war and left generations of people of japan erased from the history of this world. Only if he denied Manhattan project but he secured funding for the same which his prodigy Truman set alive.
Sending Christmas tree to Churchill and bombs to Japan.
He even stated a term 'UNITED NATIONS' to cover his wrong unethical war doings by showing how courteous and empathetic US and its allies were by sending medical aids and through those helping aid they can easily spy on the countries they assign those workers from United Nations in. He was the true architect of discrimination and racism in this modern world which later helped America putting multiple sanctions on all those countries with talent who could challenge US upfront.

I liked the aquarelle illustrations by Lauren Reese and the boyhood story of FDR but to no value when Character is bad. People remembered for their doings not hobbies. I, though, appreciate the writer for his appraising of FDR as most of his works are based on the glory of his country. But, One should not be idolized for anything unless there would be wrong character in coming of age of that idol for anyone to follow the suit for doing exactly what one's idol was doing. This fantasizing is worrisome and idolizing is the biggest threat to world if one really consider it as a family.

Definitely a unique and cute story!
I'll start off by talking about the illustrations. It is apparent that the illustrator, Lauren Reese, has a lot of talent. Every illustration was highly detailed and sketched in pencil/charcoal and then colored with peaceful watercolors. This definitely pushed the common theme of nature even further because the colors weren't too overpowering and reminded me of the great outdoors.
Now for the story and writing itself. This is written perfectly for kids. Sentences weren't too long or complex, which helps a young audience understand and stay engaged. In terms of the story, I think it could be written a little less like a basic historical paper. There's a really good idea here! I just felt like someone was spewing out facts about FDR for no reason. To fix this, I would really pinpoint the focus on FDR's love for trees, and extend that passion to readers by highlighting the importance of trees in everyday life in the modern world. This will make the book a lot more memorable and enjoyable for readers (especially young ones) and potentially inspire them to care for trees like the main character of the book.

I received an ARC of this children's book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great book. The pictures are well done and the text would help a child learn a lot about one of our former presidents.

I learned a lot from this book. I had no idea that FDR had such a love for trees or the outdoors in general. I also appreciated learning how he drove his car after losing sensation in his legs. It was nuggets of information like that that were absolutely golden.
I adored the illustrations! They were colorful, sweet, informative, and added to the text in all the right ways.
While I enjoyed the factual information in this book, I was hoping for a little bit more character development in a children’s story to bring kids into the story with FDR’s personality. That is the only thing missing for me.

So, I have this thing about trees. I have favorite trees. Trees I go visit. Trees that have special memories. I may even have a crush on a tree or two. "There is nothing I love in nature so much as trees" FDR. This book is beautifully illustrated and tells the historical story of FDR, the CCC, and FDR's love of trees. I was given an advanced copy, and I loved this book!

Advanced book @netgalley kids book recap 📚✏️✂️📖🖌️🖍️

The Puzzle Piece by Andrea Mendoza (May 13) The most beautiful story in how to help children love themselves and be their most authentic self. I’m excited to read more of her books. Wonderful conversations to follow this with my kids!

Gathered at the Table by Glenn’s Nellist (Sept. 9) Using poems, it explains Jesus last supper and his time at the table. Such a profound, kid appropriate explanation of the communion.

Rosie’s Wild Ride by Paige Murray (Oct 7) Her completion doesn’t go quite as planned, but what if we keep going and ask “What if I can?” as we follow big dreams! I can’t wait to get this for my daughter. Loved the illustrations.

Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henson (Sept 23) This was SUCH a fun book of information. Why does it take so long for the eye to adjust to night? Lots of great information with this book and at a child’s level.

The Mountain and the Goat by Slamk Taghaddas (Sept 23) I loved the concept of teaching resourcefulness in this one. Loved the storyline.

Sea Dog Boats by Astrid Sheckels (Jan 14) To learn all about boats, let the dogs lead the way. All about the ABCs and nautical adventures this is a really cute story!

Twelve Days of Summer by Sherri Meret (July 1) “On the first day of summer…” The animals take you on a summer adventure as you sing along! My kids LOVED this adorable book.

Franklin’s Trees by AJ Skenkman (July 1) A story about young President Franklin. A history major myself, this was a really cute informative book.

Outdoor Skills for Kids by Buck Tilton (June 3) My son thought this book was the bees knees. He learned so much from it and kept talking about “when you approach an animal this is what to do..” He was so excited to share all he learned.

A Very Dinosaur Christmas by Adam Wallace (Sept 2) The giggles with this one! Dinosaurs at Christmas is silly.

Spooky Poems Aloud by Joseph Coelho

The Story of Dinosaurs by Catherine Barr

The Not So Wicked Witch by Bergen Steven’s

Pips Adventure by Ashling Lindsay

Paul the Peacock by Tilly Matthews

Happy Halloween Fiona by Zondervan

The Adventures of Cam E. Chameleon by Donna Herweck Rice

I personally find Franklin D. Roosevelt as one of the most interesting politicians ever, and a book about a past US president’s love for trees intrigued me - I requested it to discuss it with my child, and reminiscence a deceased loved one who loved trees.

Moreover, the cover gave me a curious vibe.

Overall, this was informative. We had no idea that Roosevelt cared for trees this much and went out of his way to protect them.

As the cover suggests, the drawing style is classic and nostalgic (experts might use better words to define it). I did not like all drawings but most of them were lovely and I was glad to see this style.

Politics and history aside, this is a great book to promote young one’s love and respect for nature.