Tuesday 26 September 2023

The Oak Tree

The Oak Tree by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Victoria Sandoy (Alison Green Books/Scholastic) HB RRP $26.99 ISBN 9781761294242

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Young readers of this book are introduced to the wonders of the mighty oak tree as it grows through different periods in British history. As it endures time and weather, the tree provides a home for a myriad of wildlife, climbing equipment for children, and a shaded space for families to enjoy time together. Its leaves are made into children’s garlands and beautifully decorate the ground in autumn. Its acorns are gifts for squirrels, piglets, and birds, and deliver hours of entertainment for young children. Eventually, it lies at rest providing nourishment for insects and fungi, and a hollow for animals to reside.


The Oak Tree
is the latest picture book by children’s book writing royalty, Julia Donaldson. It is written in rhyming couplets and tells the tale of the life of an oak tree spanning over 1,000 years. The full colour illustrations, by Norwegian artist Victoria Sandoy, are created using a warm colour palette and have a fairytale vibe. Images appear in single and double-page spreads, as well as vignettes and spot illustrations. The book finishes with a range of interesting facts about the Oak Tree on the closing pages.

The Oak Tree is an informative story that can introduce young children to the life cycle of a tree and would be a great addition to any kindergarten or primary school library collection.

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