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Vendor
Mohrbooks Literary Agency
Sebastian Ritscher
Original language
English
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AS AN OAK TREE GROWS

G. Brian Karas

A fun, eye-opening window into history.
A child plants an acorn, and an oak tree sprouts. As two hundred years pass, genera- tions of people come and go—but the tree remains standing strong, sole witness to the remarkable changes taking place all around it.

This inventive book relays history from a unique perspective, showing how much the world can transform from a single vantage point. This fascinating framing device lets readers watch as populations shift and the landscape transitions from country to city. While methods of transportation, communi- cation and energy use progress rapidly, other things hardly seem to change at all.

Perfect for budding historians and nature enthusiasts alike, the time-lapse quality of the detail-packed illustrations encourages readers to pore over each spread to spot the changes that come with each new era. A fact-filled poster is included to add to the fun.

G. Brian Karas (www.gbriankaras.com) is the popu- lar author and illustrator of numerous picture books, including On Earth and Atlantic (both ALA Notable Books). He lives in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Available products
Book

Published 2014-09-01 by Nancy Paulsen Books

Book

Published 2014-09-01 by Nancy Paulsen Books

Comments

Engaging... Karas's straightforward narration is informative and reflective. Detailed watercolor illustrations dramatically show the landscape evolving from rural to urban over time... This fascinating time capsule will spark nature and history discussions.

Clear and simple look at over two centuries of change in a single landscape... Art has a friendly, intimate quality... This will invite repeat visits.

Engaging tale of transformation and constancy... [Invites] comparisons between elements in each spread and their more modern counterparts that follow... A rapidly modernizing society, the resultant impact on the environment, and the constant, observant presence of nature are themes readers can start to grasp with this book. More simply, it's a charming cycle-of-life story and an engaging chronicle of American urban history.

The sweep of Karas' pencil and gouache full-bleed spreads has all the majesty of good landscape, with the stately tree firmly rooted in the center of every scene, but his homey and accessible draftsmanship keeps the details human as well as intricate... The hilltop prospect provides a particularly fine vista, and audiences will appreciate the small dramas and subtle alterations as well as the significant changes. If you're near any large trees, this could spark your own local trip through history.

This bookcommands more than one reading to truly appreciate all the information shared. The book is dedicated to naturalist and conservationist, John Muir; a most fitting tribute.

Illustrations allow readers to see how generations alter the landscape... and variations in farming practices as well as the development of differing modes of transportation.

Chinese Simplified: Beijing Yuanliu ; Japanese: BL Shuppan