Nice juxtaposition between seasons and long stretches of time passing. Lovely rhythm to the book as well. ( )

great story of seasons and nature and how people shape nature. very inspiring would be great for writers workshop. ( )

G. Brian Karas creates a stunning depiction of what one tree can interact with in "As an Oak Tree Grows". "As an Oak Tree Grows" begins with a Native American boy dropping an acorn on the ground, the tree begins to grow tall and strong, seasons change and years pass but the tree continues to flourish. The world around the tree continues to change and grow as well the book spans from 1775 to the year 2000 showing how the world has grown just as much as the tree. Until one day the tree is struck by lightning, the tree is cut and split and brought to numerous locations for multiple uses but one part of the tree remains, a small acorn which begins to grow as a new tree starts its journey.
I really enjoyed this book, though I pulled it for science I think it says as much about social studies. On the science side you can discuss how trees grow, how long they grow, and so on. The social studies comes in when talking about the world around the tree and the effects our growth as humans has effected our natural world. I enjoyed the illustrations as well as the timeline which showed across the bottom of the pages. ( )

The author Karas explores in "As an Oak Tree Grows" the changes of the New World from the perspective of an oak tree living in 1775-2000. Good for 2nd graders in creating discussion about how time and new inventions changes habits of humans and their lifestyles. ( )

This sweet book illustrates to children both the botanical principles of growth and death of a tree as well as a history lesson, and displaying the growth of a city. I loved reading this and seeing how with each turn of the page the tree, city, and surroundings changed a little more. ( )