4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
And The Trees Began To Move by Lisa Gammon Olson is a lovely book that uses allegory to introduce children to the benefits of kindness and collaboration. It also introduces the function of ecosystems.
In this story, the spirit of a pool is delighted with his own clear water and his reflections. However, in a time of drought, he finds that his water level has dropped significantly and that the trees have moved closed in order to drink. Fearing for his own survival, he forbids them access to his pond.
This is a cautionary tale much in the style of Aesop’s fables, where an act of meanness has negative repercussions on the initiator. However, lessons are learned not only about sharing, but also how the natural world is interlinked and how a break in the chain upsets it.
The story is enjoyable, but most of all, the artwork is stunning. Although the style is mildly surreal, with sunbeams and spangles of light, the animals and plants are painted as recognisable species. This adds to the concept that this isn’t just a fairy tale; it is also a lesson in biology. Any parent who enjoys the natural world will have the opportunity to point out cardinals, woodpeckers, terrapins and a whole host of other animals.
I’m not sure if this has been professionally edited, most of the text is fine but there is a missing speech mark and a stray semicolon. Altogether,
I enjoyed this book and though it is a children’s book, I would imagine that the parent helping the child read would enjoy it too. Despite the errors, I am giving this book 4 out of 4 stars because the errors are minor and the enjoyment is great.
******
And The Trees Began To Move
View: on Bookshelves