McLennan, Connie. The Forest in the Trees. Arbordale Publishing, 2019. ISBN 9781643513508. Unpaged. Ages 4-8. P9Q9
You will not regret climbing into this nonfiction picture book about coast redwood trees. This adaptation of The House That Jack Built explores the secret hidden habitat full of all kinds of plants and animals that call this forest home. Written in nursery rhyme stye, the repetitive nature makes it a fun story to read out loud. The amazing art is so realistic, inviting young readers to begin to identify forest fauna based on their unique characteristics. Factoids are placed in separate boxes on the side of the page with text and illustrations to accompany the fact. The back matter contains a section title For Creative Minds; four pages of cross-curricular teaching activities, with a website listed for additional resources.
Verdict: this book is a must for both the library and the classroom. Both fascinating and factual it will be enjoyed by anyone who picks it up. For those of us living in the Pacific Northwest – this is our backyard!​
March 2020 review by Denyse Marsh.
Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center 