BRANCHING OUT

Trees matter in our world.

From the red maples of North America to the storied cedar of Lebanon, Galat has chosen 11 species from around the world to illustrate the place of trees in human and animal lives. In four opening chapters, the author explains why the world needs trees in general and especially in a time of global warming, defines tree parts, and explains the organization and useful features of each four-page section that follows. Photographs of trees, tree parts and animals, as well as maps and drawings, help readers picture each species. Examples include deciduous trees like the hardy downy birch and coniferous trees such as Scotch pines, familiar as Christmas trees. Epiphytic banyan seedlings send roots from the air to the ground; the roots of tall stilted mangroves shield shorelines. Without killing the tree, the inside of a baobab can be hollowed out and the bark of the cork oak harvested. Pau brasil wood makes a red dye; kapok, from silk cotton pods, fills life preservers; camphor laurel leaves release a menthol scent used to treat chest colds. The author provides no sources for her wide-ranging and fascinating information but does thank a subject expert. In conclusion, she encourages readers to go plant some trees themselves.

An informative introduction for middle-grade readers, especially useful in schools.