DO YOU SPEAK TREE?

In Oaktree’s debut picture book, a log seeks help to save its grove in a story that explores humankind’s connection to the environment.

A small log awakens startled by the sight of its home, and fellow trees, destroyed by construction vehicles. It stumbles out of the desolate forest, seeking help from a squirrel, pigeons, and a dog, yet none seem to understand. The log then discovers a school and continues its quest until it finds a first grader who not only understands the log’s alarm, but also explains the situation to her teacher and classmates. Will they be able to save what remains of the log’s home? Oaktree’s picture book, though mostly wordless, effectively gives trees a voice and, importantly, allows readers to sympathize with their potential fates. The format emphasizes facial expressions and movement and commands readers’ attention with each appealing full-color illustration and transition. Youngsters will relish the highly visual style, as it gives them room to establish their own take on the story. Varying panel sizes and the use of a few speech balloons near the end help to emphasize the book’s message, which is a bit generic but still salient and will resonate with young readers.

A lushly illustrated tale for youngsters that will foster environmental empathy.