Description
A spirited young girl struggles to get a much-loved mimosa tree for her birthday. A delightful, multigenerational story, ideal for Arbor Day and Earth Day!
“A spunky and independent heroine, a satisfying story and a gentle environmental message combine nicely here in an arboreal celebration that will delight many a young reader.” ―Kirkus Reviews
Emmy loves trees. She loves oak trees with acorns. She loves pine trees with cones, and willow trees with swishy branches. But best of all, Emmy loves the mimosa tree that grows in her grandmother’s pasture.
So when Emmy decides she wants a mimosa tree of her own for her birthday, she is dismayed to find that many garden stores only sell ornamental trees like plum or pear or tulip trees. Emmy is crushed―until she discovers that the answer to her problem is growing right before her eyes!
Mary Ann Rodman’s joyful story – packed with environmental, independence, and problem-solving themes – will appeal to nature- and tree-lovers as well as those seeking great spring, Arbor Day, and Earth Day read-alouds. Illustrator Tatjana Mai-Wyss’s whimsical watercolor and collage artwork captures Emmy’s exuberant personality and the story’s hopeful ending.
Reviews
“A spunky and independent heroine, a satisfying story and a gentle environmental message combine nicely here in an arboreal celebration that will delight many a young reader.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Watercolor and collage illustrations feature lively cartoon figures and depict Emmy’s vibrant world.” ―School Library Journal
“The repetition of phrases, the cadence of the text, and the understanding of a child’s emotions make this picture book a fine choice for reading aloud. A natural for Arbor Day or Earth Day.” ―Booklist
“Rodman’s lively story will keep children engaged…Lyrical, colorful illustrations by Tatjana Mai-Wyss add a great deal.” ―The News Tribune
“An engaging story of a determined little girl…” ―Sunday Eagle
“This is a lovely story about beauty being in the eye of the beholder and that beauty for children comes from joy and adventures not from status, reputation or origin.” ―My Little Bookcase
“With a charming message and lovely multimedia illustrations, this picture book is a tribute to all those people, young and old, who love all of nature’s gifts and who have the courage to be unique.” ―Through the Looking Glass
Awards
Giverny Award ―15 Degree Laboratory at LSU, 2011
Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Honor Book) ―The Poetry Center at Passiac County Community College, 2010
More Details
AR Level: 2.3
F&P: GRL L, Gr 2, Genre RF
Lexile: AD360L
Themes: Birthday, Identity, Independence, Mimosa Trees
BISAC 1: JUV029020 JUVENILE FICTION / Nature & the Natural World/General
BISAC 2: JUV017100 JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Birthdays
BISAC 3: JUV013030 JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Multigenerational
