Now Is the Time for Trees

Thank you, Timber Press, for the advance reading copy.

First, the contents has real pictures of people in action planting trees and of different trees and such as opposed to the artwork on the cover. I find both impressive though!

Highlights of the book would be the real pictures, the pioneers who are working actively for the drive, relevant programs for the same and their importance.

We need more of such books. As long as we are aware about the issue and such books are available, the following generations will know from where to pick up and carry on the same.

Now Is the Time for Trees by the Arbor Day Foundation and Dan Lambe is a great book for parents, teachers, and kids alike. Kids need more books like this–it teaches kids the principles of environmentalism and is a great crash course on how to save the trees. It covers lots of important topics like the science of trees, the importance of planting trees, environmental activism, and more! It is a great lesson in science and teaches us about the environment and what we can do to save it. A great book for teachers and educators who want to teach kids more about protecting the earth.

Splendid photos of major trees, and beautiful general photos of trees in blossom or fruit, or providing shade, fill this lovely book. We also see many enthusiastic volunteers planting and tending young trees. You get the idea, this account of the many services trees provide is designed to start readers on their way to planting.

A few chapters in, we get reminded to plant the right tree in the right place. I might have said that earlier, especially given suburban gardens are a typical planting spot. Shading and sheltering trees are shown in a diagram, and the expected height and spread are considered. As a suburban tree surgeon I would recommend giving equal priority to the size and nature of roots. Many a healthy tree has had to be removed because of root system spread, or has been damaged due to careless actions around roots.

The species listed are chiefly North American and we're reminded to plant native, not invasive, wherever we live. With this in mind I would have liked more examples of bird life in trees, from nests to owl roots in hollows, to granary trees for woodpeckers. The main bird image I noticed is a toucan, which won't turn up in everyone's garden. The emphasis on ecosystem services to benefit humans seems deliberate. Maybe the authors thought this was what was needed; tempering the climate should help householders use less electricity and water.

I was interested in the groups who replant trees after disasters and those who saved individual trees struck by catastrophe such as terrorism. We don't hear enough about these good people.

I did enjoy the read, I am sure the book will make many friends.
References start P 206, called 'further reading' so as not to deter anyone, index p211 - 215.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

This is a lovely book about environmentalism for kids! The photographs are great, and its language is age-appropriate. Five stars.