ALA Booklist (Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2020)

Trees and cities often seem at odds, but in this comprehensive informational picture book, Curtis explains why and how cities should include "urban forests." In lengthy text (which may need to be read aloud to younger audiences), the author begins with an early history of the relationship between trees and cities, from settlers cutting down trees to make way for early cities to the creation of public parks during the Industrial Revolution. She follows with a thorough look at the challenges of maintaining urban trees (e.g., polluted and unhealthy soil) and some of the engineering adaptations used to save them (e.g., suspended sidewalks that don't compact soil). Pratt's loose, predominantly green artwork features busy, happy scenes of city dwellers in action, including a dog peeing on a tree, and complements Curtis' points, especially on the benefits of urban forests, such as fighting climate change, serving as homes to wildlife, and improving people's mental health. A final spread with activism activities and a list of related resources concludes this book for budding environmentalists.

Kirkus Reviews

Trees are beneficial for city dwellers' health and survival.Curtis inundates readers with seemingly every possible fact about trees in urban areas. Many Indigenous peoples made their homes in forests; later, settlers cleared trees to make homes and roads and buildings. Trees were relegated to the outskirts of towns and cities or to the private gardens of the rich. Industrialization caused urban populations to explode, and trees were further crowded out. Parks were established in some cities so their inhabitants could enjoy a bit of fresh air and space. More details are introduced: the ravages of Dutch elm disease, the structure of a tree and the urban forest, the impacts of insects and other pests, and current methods of planting and maintaining city trees. The many health and economic benefits trees provide for urban populations are heavily stressed. Also in the mix are exhortations advocating for urban forests in the face of climate change and pollution. The information is fascinating, but the lengthy, densely set, and comprehensive text is overwhelming. The language and vocabulary are of a very high level and read as a lecture or convention speech. Pratt's bright green trees stand out in the cityscapes, but the people are cartoony, and there is a madcap, hasty quality to many of the scenes, belying the seriousness of the subject.Fodder for future arborists but probably not casual tree lovers. (glossary, sources) (Informational picture book. 9-14)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

This first entry in the narrative nonfiction ThinkCities series provides an informative look at the necessity of trees in urban environments. First providing abbreviated, high-level histories of events that affected trees, such as settler colonialism and industrialization, Curtis next shares information about root systems, how city trees differ from their wild counterparts, and how environmental factors affect trees- life spans. Pratt-s rich landscape art, painted in gouache on paper, is juxtaposed with the cartoonish style of the human populace, perhaps emphasizing the divide between civilization and nature. Though the tone can be inaccessible (-These soil cells prevent soil compaction and ensure adequate growing space for the London plane trees that shade visitors to the site-), the book serves as a comprehensive source for those interested in arboriculture and ecology. Back matter suggests ways for readers to encourage the well-being of their local urban forest. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)

School Library Journal (Sat Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2020)

Gr 4-6 The trees that make cities cleaner and more beautiful are often placed under unbearable stress. This nonfiction picture book explains the bounties of the urban forest and the many problems that threaten a tree's survival. Climate change, poor soil, drought, heat, and dogs all pose hazards to trees. Many city trees cannot live longer than seven years. The book begins with a bird's eye view of a city full of trees and then shows the interconnected root systems, the benefits of planting appropriate trees, and the care needed for long-term maintenance. Watercolor illustrations enhance the informative text. Curtis provides a short history of trees as necessary parts of ever-growing cities, describes the diseases and blights affecting them over time, and offers a clear explanation of the complexity of urban forests. A short glossary, websites, and books are listed. A list of activities to bring recognition to the role of trees for the future of cities and its inhabitants is mentioned. VERDICT The vital importance of the urban forest in relation to the welfare of city dwellers is presented with interesting information and lush illustrations. Useful for reports, projects, and classroom activities. Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, NY