That charming, grandfatherly old guide to the forest, whose story began in I Was Born in a Tree and Raised by Bees, returns in this fourth picture-book devoted to his knowledge of the natural world. Here the topic is trees, and Crinkleroot lays out a wealth of information in a friendly and well-organized way. From the basic parts of a tree to the different types - pages are devoted to both broad-leafed/deciduous trees and to evergreen/conifer trees - from the shelter and food provided by trees to wildlife to the way in which trees are shaped by their environment, Crinkleroot covers many topics. He concludes with the hope that young people will pay more attention to the trees they encounter on their own rambles...

As a confirmed tree-lover who has also enjoyed the previous titles featuring this wonderful guide, I was almost guaranteed to appreciate Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Trees, and sure enough, I ended up loving it. It is both educational and entertaining, with plenty of information for young naturalists and a personable (one might even say, lovable) guide to present that information. Author/illustrator Jim Arnosky's central idea in this series of books - having a delightfully eccentric, almost gnome-like guide provide the relevant information - was inspired. It gives an almost fairy-tale like feeling to what are otherwise non-fiction books, which is atypical. The accompanying artwork, done in pen and ink and watercolor, is absolutely charming, beautifully capturing the wonders of the natural world and the appeal of Crinkleroot himself. Recommended to all young tree lovers, and to fans of Crinkleroot himself. ( )

582.16