On the day beloved Old Oak falls, the creatures of the forest gather to show their gratitude for all of the ways she served their community, and discover her life is just beginning. A charming story about the lifecycle of a mother tree and the creatures who rely on her. Just like that, Old Oak's rooted life came to an end. Even with her tap root severed, Old Oak would bring new life to the forest. After 400 years in the forest, it's time for Old Oak to fall. With a pop, frenzy of snaps, and a flurry of movement, she leans to one side and falls heavily to rest on the forest floor. When news of beloved Old Oak spreads throughout the forest, creatures big and small gather to show their gratitude for all she gave in her rooted life. The squirrels thank her for the acorns, leaf buds, and catkins. The rabbits remember the cozy burrows her roots provided. Even the weevils scuttle aboveground to acknowledge all she gave them as tiny grubs. But the creatures soon discover Old Oak's life is actually just beginning, and her legacy will serve the forest for hundreds of years to come. . Teaches kids about all of the unique ways trees provide resources for the forest ecosystem . Features a wide range of forest creatures . Includes endnotes about oak trees, tree rings, and the forest ecosystem AGES: 6 to 8 AUTHOR: Britt Crow-Miller's life has played out against the backdrop of incredible, old trees - from climbing their branches and enjoying their shade, to walking among their roots. She now explores the forests and advocates for trees in western Massachusetts, USA, where she lives with her family and too many pets. In addition to writing, Britt also works as a professor of environmental geography and as an environmental educator. Amy Schimler-Safford recently relocated from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest, USA, with her family. She is having fun discovering new plant and animal life to draw and paint. Having grown up by the beach, she is also finding it wonderful to be reacquainted with the local seagulls. She has illustrated many children's books including The Seagull and the Sea Captain, Inky's Amazing Escape, Look and Listen, and At the Pond. SELLING POINTS: . ILLUSTRATOR: Illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford who also illustrated Of the Pond (2022 Society of Illustrators Original Art Show selection, 2022 Cybils Award finalist), Look and Listen (2023 Bank Street College of Education Best Books of the Year), and Hidden City (2018 Society of Illustrators Original Art Show Selection, 2019 Bank Street College of Education Best Books of the Year) . STEM: A story-driven text about forest animals and a tree's life cycle . SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING: Themes of interconnectedness, community, and gratitude. Concepts about life and death aren't bogged down by sadness and grief. . READ-ALOUD PROSE: Descriptive text and lush illustrations make this a perfect book to read aloud to kids, including storytime at schools and libraries, as well as bedtime. . ENDNOTES: Includes endnotes about oak trees, tree rings, and the forest ecosystem.
