My Mother Talks to Trees

cloth, [32] p., $15.95

With a stippled effect, Marilynn H. Mallory illustrates this informative title in shades of yellow, green and blue with touches of red. Two-page layouts are used throughout, with lively text and a dominant illustration leaving space to reveal magnifications of buds, leaves, nuts, cones and catkins in the border. Mother and daughter walk through their neighborhood and stop to look at 11 trees, including coniferous and deciduous varieties. Laura is embarrassed when her mom greets every tree, but seems to enjoy learning about each one. Although Laura seems to get over her mom's quirky habit, young readers might not be so forgiving and get turned off by the device. Colorful details make this book special, but the inability to see pictures of a full-sized tree is a disappointment. This book is designed and written for younger readers.

— Nancy H. McCray