This uniquely shaped book is a celebration of trees through gentle, poetic verse and colorful collage illustrations of various tree species in all seasons. Inspired, in part, by the wonderful response the public has always had for my trees, and by a small, holiday exhibit I had at the former Church Door Gallery in the winter of 2005, entitled “Little Trees,” for which a wrote a poem called “To Be A Tree.” This poem is included in the book, as well as a great Tree Facts page that shows the basic parts of a tree along with scientific information about trees, which teachers will love for their tree-study units.
If I Were A Tree is a wonderful book for either the home or the classroom and will encourage thoughtful readers and listeners to think about trees in a new and imaginative way.
$17.95, 40 pages, Ages 1-8, ISBN 0-9721967-3-0.
The lyrical text is both soothing and thought provoking. An Edenic quality infuses Hosta’s collage illustrations, which abound in bright colors, full curves and images pared to the essence of their shape.
~Washington Parent
Hosta’s love for and knowledge of nature is apparent, making this an excellent read-aloud selection for a unit in science. This book encourages readers to ponder the numerous ways they’d make life better on earth if they were trees.
~ForeWord Magazine
An effective consciousness-raiser for pre and emergent readers, pleasant to read, hear and see... even the tall, narrow trim size is evocative.
~Kirkus
Stunning, colorful collage illustrations. Paying homage to the important role trees serve in daily life, If I Were A Tree encourages young readers to consider what it would be like to actually be a tree. The final pages offer fun facts about trees to inquisitive young minds. Highly recommended.
~Midwest Book Review
An inspiring new picture book that asks readers to leap into the bark of a tree, imagining what life would be like.
~American Horticultural Society, Books For Young Readers