I noticed that the pictures in this book are mostly darker, making the reader feel as though they are really are in the rainforest, hiding under a dense canopy. Her passion for life-long learning and wonder shine through in the interview, which made picking. She describes being on a research trip in Costa Rica where the idea for the book first sprouted. The artwork in this book was created with acrylic and pencil on paper. Today, I decided to listen to the interview with Kate Messner about her most recent book, Tree of Wonder: The Many Marvelous Lives of a Rainforest Tree. Thanks to Aaron of Wriggling Bookworms for mentioning this book, last week. Also included are some fun math problems, books for further reading, and information on a documentary to watch. And as you turn each page, the number of each animal/insect doubles! In the back matter, Messner has provided more information on The Almendro Tree along with websites to groups and organizations that serve to protect the interests of the tree and the lives that thrive on it. Toward the left of each page, young readers will find a brief explanation of the animal in larger font while on the right side of the page there’s a lengthier section in smaller font that provides more details and vocabulary for older readers. From two Great Green Macaws to 1,024 Leaf-cutter Ants, readers will delight in counting each animal that makes a home in the heart of the rainforest, where life multiplies again and again in the shade of just one almendro tree. This beautiful picture book focuses on just 10 species of “marvelous lives” that make their home in one Almendro Tree. Now in paperback, Tree of Wonder is an exciting introduction to the biodiversity of the rainforest biome.

Tree of Wonder by Kate Messner