Author:
Kelly Bauer
Illustrator:
Stella Maris
Publisher:
Seize the Moon
Released: July 1, 2023
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
979-8-9882106-0-3
Reviewer:
Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 5
Lemon Drops
Through
self-discovery a girl realizes her life's meaning through nature!
I
received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily
chose to read and post an honest review.
Review:
Book Summary:
An extraordinary little girl who lives an ordinary life craves adventure, freedom, and love. Something in her life is missing.
When the world around her turns scary, she retreats to a high mountaintop. By leaving behind society's anger and fear, the girl becomes mindful of the present moment.
Mesmerized by the natural beauty surrounding her, she uncovers hope, comfort, freedom, and self-love through her senses and the elements of nature.
Opinion:
A beautiful story, I Am The Tree, follows a little girl's journey to find meaning in her life by connecting with nature.
The plot exemplifies a compelling message of how humans are fundamentally linked with nature and with each other, something that many of us lack.
I appreciated Bauers' purposeful use of the four elements. This aids the protagonist in finding the peace and love that she requires-that we all require.
Her fear gets washed away by the rain. The tree comforts her and the bumble bee offers a fresh outlook on the world.
Upon completing her journey of self-discovery, the little girl understands that love is essential and that we are all united- that we are all one!
The story weaves a universal theme of interdependence that will bring comfort to readers of all ages.
Amidst high tech and false narratives, I Am The Tree reminds us to appreciate the grandeur and legitimacy of our world.
Bauer’s low-key style offers children an earthy alternative to hand-held devices and clamorous social media.
Another strategy I appreciated was keeping the little girl's name anonymous.
This gives young readers the opportunity to make a deeper connection to the story by filling in the blank with their own name.
Maris's superb illustrations are sweet and tranquil. They capture the magic and serenity of the story. The pictures of the tree particularly appealed to me.
I give it 5 Lemon Drops!
Classroom Connection:
I
Am The Tree is an excellent example for a unit on the environment and a lesson
on mindful strategies for inner peace.
Students
could create a picture of their favorite natural element and write why it
appeals to them.
Age
Range: Pre-K to 3rd Grade
Targeted
Vocabulary:
Resources:
Click the picture to reach the link.
About The Author:
I Am the Tree is Kelly's debut children's book inspired by actual events that took place while she was retreating in nature.
Kelly was a storyteller from the moment she could talk. She spun stories in rhymes and songs about the adventures of her family as they traveled the United States.
She loves getting lost in another world, another time, and another dimension.
Her favorite bedtime stories as a child, and inspiration to write, came from Shel Silverstein, J. R. R. Tolkien, Beverly Cleary, and Maurice Sendak.
About the Illustrator:
Stella Maris is an award-winning children's book illustrator.
Her style is steeped in "traditional media flavor", and sports a whimsically dreamy, feathery, playful feel, befitting her fairy spirit.
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