More, More, More: Arbor Day Square by Kathryn Galbraith

In honor of Arbor Day today, check out the beautiful book by Kathryn Galbraith, illustrated by Cyd Moore. Poetic language and gentle watercolors are paired together for this book which celebrates trees and the act of planting them.

When Katie settles into her new town on the prairie, all seems to be established, just like back East, but there are no trees.

"There are no trees on the prairie.
No trees for climbing.
Or for shade.
No trees for fruit or warm winter fires.
No trees for birds. Or for beauty."

The townspeople agree to purchase trees, and when the saplings arrive, it takes faith to believe the trees will grow and offer shade in the Square. But they do, even the dogwood in memory of Katie's mother.

Cyd's illustrations set the scene for this picture book of the past. Gentle colors reflect the bright sunshine of the prairie, while spot illustrations accompanying the 1/2 to 2/3 page spreads draw the reader into details which flesh out chosen moments.

Kathryn's text is the spare language of a poet. She closes the work with a conclusion of Arbor Day:

"Celebrating
families,
trees,
and
neighbors.

Year after year.

And the year after that."

Find this book and then plant a tree with your totz!

Arbor Day Square
by Kathryn Galbraith
illustrated by Cyd Moore
Peachtree Publishers, April 1, 2010