How to Draw a Tree
For as long as I can remember, I have had an affinity for trees.
Every summer at my grandparents’ home, I would sit on a fuzzy blue blanket under their backyard elm tree and read my library books. I would play architect Barbie on that blanket, with my friends, making houses and other building in our Barbie village. When the family visited every weekend, that tree provided shade for backyard feasts and playing horseshoes and croquet.
My grandparents haven’t lived in that house since 1972, but every once in a while I drive by to make sure that tree is still there.
When I saw a new book by one of my favorite authors, David LaRochelle, was called How to Draw a Tree, I couldn’t wait to read it. It’s illustrated by one of my new favorite illustrators, Colleen Muske, and published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press, so I knew this would be a treasure. And it is.
This is a book about observation, involving all of one’s senses: sight, smell, sound, touch. Only taste is not mentioned (I remember eating some pine needles. Only once.)
This is a book about experiencing a tree. “Introduce yourself.” “Thank the tree for its help.”
This is a book filled with textures, adjectives, shapes, colors, and feelings.
It’s fun and moving to read out loud. It would be even more fun in the middle of a forest where each child could run their hands along the bark of a tree and describe what they feel.
If you’re introducing a unit on trees, this is the ideal book to begin with. There are trees from all over the world included and yet each of the trees grows in the US (even the baobab tree which must grow where there is no danger of frost).
If you’re reading the book in your home, look carefully for the white text that identifies each tree. Then turn to the endpapers to see them drawn in full view.
When you look at the very first page, before the title pages, what do you see? That illustration made me laugh out loud!
The illustrator draws such beautiful forest and tree surroundings that make this book an experience. Her ability to express textures and colors and emotions is inspiring. Her color palette has the same tonal quality but each spread is thoughtfully attuned to the trees she’s portraying.
Now it’s time to take out paper and your favorite drawing implements to record everything you’ve observed. The author and illustrator invite you to do this on the very last pages. I think it would be very difficult to resist.
Whether you are encouraging children or adults to spend more time outdoors, or you know someone who has a great affinity for trees, this is the right book to give them. Be sure to get a copy for yourself.
How to Draw a Tree
written by David LaRochelle
illustrated by Colleen Muske
published by Minnesota Historical Society Press
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Ahhh . . . trees! What would we do without them? Their varying sizes, structures, smells, and the homes they create for all sorts of critters. They are simply amazing. And to top it all off, a book by David! I am completely on board. ❤️
Thank you for such a kind, thoughtful review of our book, Vicki. I'm tree-mendously grateful (I've been using that pun far more often than I should). Your fellow tree-lover, David