Papa and Katie, a father and daughter, move to a new prairie town in the 1800s. As they settle in, Papa notices, along with other townspeople, that there are no trees for climbing, shade or firewood. Everyone donates what they can for new trees, even Katie, who drops six pennies into the collection basket. When the trees arrive, the townspeople celebrate their arrival with music and food and set about planting them. Thus, Arbor Day is born. It’s hard for Katie to believe that someday the little saplings will be big trees, but Papa assures her they will. They also plant one in memory of Katie’s mother, a story within the story that’s left to readers’ imaginations. The last two spreads bring the tale forward, first with a glimpse of a grown Katie and her own children, then with a modern park scene. Moore’s gentle pencil and watercolors lend a classic “storybook” feel to the story but don’t stand out stylistically. A sweet but not terribly substantive tale about the origin of Arbor Day. (historical note) (Picture book. 3-7)
