A Year in the Life

As you all know by now, we love a great non-fiction picture book in our house. I love just leaving them in conspicuous places and watching The Bear and The Bee read them and then share all they have learned either by reading the words or just the pictures. A Tree is a Home by Pamela Hickman and Zafouko Yamamoto is a delightful non-fiction picture book about a year in the life of an oak tree.

What makes this book extra special is readers not only learn about the tree itself over the seasons but also about all of the creatures that make a home in the mighty oak. In this case, Pamela Hickman chose six different creatures (raccoon, acorn weevil, gray squirrel, opossum, chipmunk and blue jay) and shares with readers how they change and adapt throughout the year. 

This lovely book reads like a story. You can also explore the book over and over again, perhaps choosing a new creature to learn about each time you read it. I love that it can spend a long time on bookshelves and create lots of learning opportunities as readers grow in confidence.

The illustrations by Zafouko Yamamoto are blooming with colour and interest. Readers have much to explore, each time they open the book there is something new to discover. Her illustrations are easy to read so even beginning readers and non readers can understand the life cycles of all of the living things in the story.

At the end there are defined life cycles for the oak tree and the six creatures featured in the story as well as a comprehensive glossary of the terms used throughout. Pamela Hickman has also included other books for readers to enjoy to continue their learning.