Author/Illustrator: Vincent X. Kirsch
Publisher: Abrams, 2019
Age: 3-7
Themes: best friends, moving, tree climbing
Opening: When Adelia told me she had to move away, she was up in her favorite tree. “Roger, before i go, I’m going to teach you how to climb a tree.” “What if I fall?”
Summary: (from my library’s catalog) Edward and Adelia have been best friends for many years, so when it is time for Adelia to move away she plans a special parting gift for him.
I picked this book because: I love the message. I am already a fan of Kirsch’s somewhat quirky characters and details and his loose, energetic drawing style, so I was immediately drawn to the cover. What I really liked in this book is the message of learning something new, easing your fears by preparing for a hard landing just in case, and for letting go – one of the hardest lessons of all.
Resources/activities: learn to climb a tree with the help of a friend or an adult; learn about how to identify trees by their shape and leaves in order to find the best climbers; practice on playground equipment designed for climbing; read more tree themed books!
For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
julie rowan-zoch 
That title really grabs the attention, doesn’t it? Talk about the unexpected…and fun! Who doesn’t want to climb a tree? I do, however, recommend avoiding pines. They are so sappy!
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Haha! Immediately brings that feeling on the hands to mind!
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Kids will love the title and want to know what happens. Great message for kids about learning to let go and try something new. I lived in trees and was a fearless climber as a child.
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Good for some of us adults as well! I bet you were fearless! Is there a story in there for you to write?
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Getting up in the tree was always easy. It’s the letting go and trusting the landing that’s challenging. This looks like an awesome book, Julie. I love the illustration with them in boxes. Thanks!
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Another good one I haven’t seen! The cover is such fun, the title is great and as a tree climber from way back, I can’t wait to read the book. Thanks, Julie.
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Oh, Julie. I love hearing from you I love hearing about your creative life and your phenomenal imagination. Maybe nothing in our lives is stable, eg joy,a creative burst… but glowing energy and openness to life experience are Gifts of yours. Sending you love from Northeast New York. And love to your parents as well. RISA
Sent from the all new AOL app for Android
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