Parents' Guide to Big Tree

Parents need to know that Big Tree is another gorgeous, intense, complex, harrowing and heartstring-tugging tale from bestselling author-illustrator Brian Selznick (The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonderstruck, Kaleidoscope). As told in economical text and lavish illustrations, it's the story of a brother and sister -- in this case, two sycamore seeds -- on a quest to find a home where they can survive and thrive after their loving mom, a tree, is killed by a stampede of dinosaurs in a moment of Bambi-level trauma. It's also a lesson about learning to listen to the Earth, which tells one of young seeds an origin story involving the Big Bang, how the moon came to be (Selznick describes the planetary-collision theory as the Earth falling in love with another planet and having a baby), and the source of life on Earth (here, it's a passing asteroid, a theory shared by many scientists and backed by research). Also lots about the interdependence of all life forms, some gentle poking fun at those who think their worldview is the only way to look at things, and what to do when an asteroid's about to hit the planet if you want any life to survive. What with the grief, loss, information overload, and heavy concepts from planetary annihilation to the death of your mama, it's quite a lot to take in, and may be too intense for younger or sensitive readers. But balancing the frequent sadness and terror is a lot of engagingly presented science. And also, in classic Selznick fashion, poignant, uplifting moments of joy and beauty. Keep the tissues handy. The audiobook version is narrated by Meryl Streep.