Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 04/01/2023 *Starred Review* Hirsch and Posada, who previously collaborated on Plants Can’t Sit Still (2016), now explain how the tallest trees grow. After sprouting from a seed or an old tree stump, each new tree sustains itself by drawing light from the sun, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the ground. As it grows, it contributes to Earth’s water cycle and to the oxygen content of the air. The tree’s trunk grows upward, while its roots grow deeper and wider, intertwining with those of other trees for stability. Many tall trees live for hundreds of years, and some are more than 3,000 years old. While the main text uses common words, in the back matter Hirsch introduces and uses fundamental botanical terms, such as stomata, xylem, and phloem, when explaining basic internal functions of trees. Varied composition and realistic textures heighten the appeal of Posada’s attractive illustrations. Created with cut-paper collage and watercolor, they capture the trees’ soaring height and dignity; while small photos represent the examples featured in the appended section on the tallest trees. World maps indicate the general locations of these giants. Written with clarity and illustrated to help viewers understand the ideas discussed, this handsome book offers an appealing, informative introduction to trees. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 11/03/2023 PreS-Gr 3—When people think of the tallest living thing, animals may come to mind at first. But trees hold this distinct honor, and the tallest among them are found only in a few select locations around the world. From tiny seeds, trees dig their roots deep into the ground and, with enough water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide, they can eventually reach the sky. This charming story is a love letter to the tenacity of trees to grow for hundreds or even thousands of years and become the highest they can be. The primary text is designed for young children, using limited words and poetic language to describe trees in a complete yet accessible way. Throughout the book, readers will also find details embedded within the illustrations that provide greater context for older children. At the end, even more detail is given through diagrams, activity guides, and a list of titles for further investigation. One of the most notable elements is the collage-style illustrations that use cut paper to depict not only the trees and their environment but the scientific details as well. This design gives the book a tactile appearance and connects the visual of the paper to the trees that provided it. VERDICT This is a captivating nonfiction title that will appeal to preschoolers as well as older readers thanks to its versatile presentation.—Mary R. Lanni - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.