Pearl Plants a Tree (by Jane Breskin Zalben)

Plant a tree! There is the simple but powerful message behind the words and watercolor illustrations in this exquisite book. Children will appreciate the sweet nature of the main character and will learn the importance of passing on family and cultural traditions.

 

Three underlying messages are contained within the pages of PEARL PLANTS A TREE. First, it is imperative that elders share significant events from their childhood with their descendents. Second, children need to understand the significance behind cultural and religious traditions recognized in their family. Third, everyone must respect nature by replenishing what has been expended. Young readers may need help understanding these messages, so parents may want to encourage further discussion.

A lot of artistic consideration was put into this book. The end papers are printed from handmade pages created from fig-tree bark with pressed, deep-purple petals. Detailed watercolor illustrations were painted on opaline parchment paper, and each is framed with a border of apple seeds and blossoms, checkerboards, stars, or sunflowers.

Author: Jane Breskin Zalben
Illustrator: Jane Breskin Zalben
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: November 1, 1995
Number of pages: 18
Hardcover price: $7.50