In four information-dense chapters, this French import explores tree structure, growth, reproduction, and products. A fifth section surveys some unusual tree species. Interested readers will come away with a solid grasp of botanical vocabulary and biological processes, including tree self-defense and communication. The minutely detailed illustrations, reminiscent of a naturalist's notebook, use texture, shape, and color to differentiate the arboreal subjects, while quizzes, activities, and "My Observatory" pages invite reader interaction. A final spread includes an index, answer key, and an invitation to "find the trees these fruits grow on in the book." The in-depth treatment may limit the book's audience, but for tree-lovers feeding a passion, it will be welcome.

From France, an encyclopedic encomium to trees.Five chapters are further broken down into double-page spreads with headlined text and many labeled illustrations. The first chapter ("Amazing Plants") is engrossing and scientific except for the glaring contradiction in this glib subheading: "Trees are plants that tower high in the sky." Why glaring? Directly next to it are three finely detailed, labeled drawings of heather, gorse, and hazelnut. Their subheading is "Trees grow in every size!"-and, indeed, heather's maximum height of 3 feet emphasizes a height range that dips far below "towering." The rest of the double-page spread includes an excellent list of five characteristics that distinguish trees from other plants; an appealing sidebar explaining why palm and bamboo are not trees; and a detailed illustration of an English oak with arrows pointing out basic components. Throughout, text and layout are accessible and engaging, with a variety that includes straight facts about leaves, growth, reproduction, and communication, as well as activities such as multiple-choice quizzes and directions to figure out a tree's height. The art is a great boon, exuding an aura of reverence in its careful details and coloration. Interspersed seek-and-find pages are an exemplary collaboration of art and text that encourages readers to use observation skills to learn additional arboreal information. Pretty double-page spreads show specific sites with labeled trees. Below, details from the scene accompany questions such as, "Which tree doesn't let anything grow at its base?"Worthy leafing. (contents, index, answers) (Informational picture book. 6-9)