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Apr 18, 2013
There are many parts to a tree, and all of them have a role to play in its well-being. Roots anchor it in the ground, prevent soil erosion and draw in water and nutrients. The trunk moves water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves, which draw in sunlight and carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air. The tree’s leaves and branches shelter birds, bees and many other creatures, and some types of trees bear edible fruit. Trees are a very vital part of our world. In The Tree that Bear Climbed, Marianne Berkes introduces one part of a tree and its environment at a time – the soil, roots, trunk, branches, leaves, sun, blossoms, pollen, etc. as a young bear climbs high up into a tree where a beehive is overflowing with honey. Young readers will chuckle at the conclusion to this cumulative story when some very angry bees react to the young bear’s arrival at their hive. The entertaining story, the detailed artwork and four pages of learning activities at the end of the book will enlighten children about the important interaction between trees/plants and animals, and about the many ways in which we benefit from trees.