The Lonely Pine

Gr 1—3—In the far north, where weather and light conditions prevent any growth, a small, singular pine tree stands. Around it, seasons come and go, polar bears pass by, and arctic foxes take temporary refuge under its boughs. When summer arrives, moths and other insects flutter on the needles, and in the fall, a weary owl pauses for a moment. Winter brings the aurora borealis and a sled-dog team heading south. This is a story of quiet reflection, and the book's most notable feature is the artwork. Detailed drawings in ink and watercolor using dark greens, golds, and other earth tones depict framed scenes of nature on one side, facing a calendar from 1945 that shows the passing of the months. The book is not heavy on plot, but rather sets a mood for considering the beauty of nature. Overall, a nice meditative piece.—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA