Today at Growing with Science blog we have an older book that deserves a second look, Stretch to the Sun: From a Tiny Sprout to the Tallest Tree on Earth by Carrie A. Pearson and illustrated by Susan Swan.
How do you start a story about the tallest tree in the world? If you’re Carrie Pearson, you start it with a bang!
Creak! Crack! Kaboom!
A giant tree falls, broken,
and the forest floor trembles.
And with that dramatic event comes the opening needed for another tree to be born, one that will live over 1200 years and grow to about 380 feet tall. That’s about as tall as a 35 story building. Amazing!
Susan Swan’s illustrations are equally amazing. The trees are the central characters, of course, but she also features many animals of the Redwood National Park, giving young readers hidden treasures to search for on every page.
The back matter shines as well. Besides an Author’s Note that explains how the book came about, there are many remarkable facts about coast redwoods, a bibliography, as well as information about where you can learn more and what you can do to help preserve redwoods.
Stretch to the Sun is a one-of-a-kind book about a one-of-a-kind tree. It will thrill young nature lovers. Get lost in a copy today!
Want to learn more? Visit Growing with Science for the full review and activity suggestions.
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