The Wind and the Trees A conversation takes place between a mature pine tree and a seedling as they grow together over many years, weathering the winds and storms of life. This story is a perfect comple- ment of eloquent words and stunning illustrations. Our forest “classroom” was the perfect location to read this


to my 5- and 6-year-old students, who loved the illustrations and made comment after comment about the wind and the circle of life. These little ones also compared the forest in the story to our forest and how the story of these trees was so “true.” – (AS) Owl Kids, 2019; ISBN-978-1-77147-433-7 (hb); 44 pp.; CDN$19.95 from www.owlkidsbooks.com


a good book to read before going on a walk outside to have children get into the mood to look carefully and listen. Pre- schoolers and Kindergarten children will enjoy the simple but descriptive language of the sounds that are heard. – (VU) Greystone Kids, 2021; ISBN 978-1-77164-736-6 (hb); 36 pp.; CDN$22.95 from www.greystonekids.com


Mothers of Xsan Series A great reverence for the land comes through the words that Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson) uses in this series. In each book, he beautifully tells the life story of the animals from birth to motherhood as they continue through the cycle of life. Potentially unfamiliar vocabulary is defined in small boxes while Gitxsan words are introduced in the text. Nata- sha Donovan’s rich and colourful illustrations bring the text to life as she incorporates movement and traditional artwork into them. Not only do we learn about each particular animal but also about how they fit into the ecosystem into which the Gitxsan people are deeply interconnected. There are great tie-ins in this series to Grades 4–6 science and social studies units. – (VU) Highwater Press: The Wolf Mother, 2021; ISBN 978-1-55379-978-8 (hb) / The Sockeye Mother, 2017; ISBN 978-1-55379-739-5 (hb) / The Frog Mother, 2021; ISBN 978-1-55379-901-6 (hb) / The Eagle Mother, 2020; ISBN 978-1-55379-859-0 (hb); All 32 pp., CDN$23.00 from www.high- waterpress.com


I Hear You, Forest In this delightful book, Kallie George introduces young readers to the art of listening and being respectful when visiting the woods. It focuses the senses and demonstrates how much the forest world opens up when we are quiet and listen. It is full of won- der, observations, and quesitons. The


whole book has a gentle feel to it captured through the illus- trations of Carmen Mok’s vibrant watercolors. It would be


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If Only… We often compare ourselves to others without recognizing our own special gifts and abilities. Mies van Hout has cap- tured that sentiment in this charming book where a child, and then each creature that follows, wishes if only they had the characteristic of another then they would be able to do something special. The vivid colors and the use of collage as well as the personality given to each small creature invite the reader to turn the page to see what comes next. At the end of the book, some of the special creature features are explained and there are instructions on how to make your own art col- lage as van Hout has done. A lovely book for young readers JK–Grade 2. – (VU) Pajama Press , 2021, ISBN 978-1-77278-196-0 (hb), 32 pp., CAN $22.95, from www.pajamapress.ca


What Does It Mean to Be Green? This updated version of Rana DiOrio’s book includes some updated facts and information and continues to share lots of ideas for children and adults alike on what actions they can take to help the planet and be “green.” Addy Rivera Sonda’s bright and cheerful illustrations are intentionally inclusive so that children may see themselves represented in them. The book is full of hope and possibility for the planet, provided we all do our part. It would serve well as a means of initiat- ing some thoughtful conversations with primary classes to empower students to take eco-actions within the school and at home. – (VU) Little Pickle Press, 2021; ISBN 978-1-7282-3286-7 (hb); 40 pp.; US$17.99 from www.littlepicklepress.com


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