THANK YOU, OLD OAK

The fall of a mighty tree is an epochal event, but not a sad one.

After flourishing for over 400 years, Old Oak is understandably tired, and one morning, she crashes to the ground, causing Owl, who lives in her trunk, to take flight. A dozen squirrels assemble and thank Old Oak for the “acorns, leaf buds, and catkins” that she had supplied. “An eclipse of moths” and many bright butterflies express their appreciation for the homes the tree provided. Rabbits, deer, bears, possum, and acorn weevils pay tribute, joined by wild turkeys and other assorted birds who create “a symphony of crowing, whistling, and lively trills.” But even after falling, Old Oak still has a crucial role to play as creatures find a home in her downed trunk (known as a nurse log); as the book closes, a new generation of seedlings spring up amid the light pouring through the breached canopy. Schimler-Safford’s colorful, stylized, mixed-media art emphasizes textures: striated owl feathers, squirrels’ brindled fur, and, especially, the rough oak bark, set against yellow, green, purple, and orange leaves and flowers. The final pages provide information on the importance of oaks, their life spans, the nurturing work of nurse logs, and how to read tree rings. An accurate presentation of forest ecology mingles with anthropomorphized forest creatures, who gather with conscious gratitude to celebrate Old Oak’s countless contributions to their lives.

An arboreal appreciation, told with sensitive prose and detailed illustrations.