There Was a Tree

Illustrated by Rachel Isadora
$7.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Nancy Paulsen Books
On sale Oct 11, 2012 | 978-1-101-64905-3
Age 3-5 years
Sales rights: World
A favorite children's song becomes a colorful book filled with African wildlife

Also known as "The Green Grass Grew All Around," this popular song has been recorded by artists from Barney to Captain Kangaroo. Now "the prettiest tree that you ever did see" is a lovely acacia tree, where a baby starling is just about to hatch. Rachel Isadora gives children a fun, easy way to follow along with the cumulative lyrics by using rebus icons for the repeated words, as she did with 12 Days of Christmas. Sheet music is also included, making this irresistible fun!
“Appealing. . . . Returning to the African setting and textured collage technique she has used so successfully in adaptations of folk tales. . . . A read-aloud, sing-along delight.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Bright, clear, colorful. . . . This lively new version of a story hour standard will appeal to young preschoolers as well as to older kids on the cusp of reading.” — Booklist

“A fine contribution to illustrated picture books based on children’s songs.” — The Horn Book

“Collage pictures that pop off the pages using bright colors and interesting textures. . . . . As she has chosen to make this a rebus story, young children will be able to participate in this fun read-aloud.” — Library Media Connection

About

A favorite children's song becomes a colorful book filled with African wildlife

Also known as "The Green Grass Grew All Around," this popular song has been recorded by artists from Barney to Captain Kangaroo. Now "the prettiest tree that you ever did see" is a lovely acacia tree, where a baby starling is just about to hatch. Rachel Isadora gives children a fun, easy way to follow along with the cumulative lyrics by using rebus icons for the repeated words, as she did with 12 Days of Christmas. Sheet music is also included, making this irresistible fun!

Praise

“Appealing. . . . Returning to the African setting and textured collage technique she has used so successfully in adaptations of folk tales. . . . A read-aloud, sing-along delight.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Bright, clear, colorful. . . . This lively new version of a story hour standard will appeal to young preschoolers as well as to older kids on the cusp of reading.” — Booklist

“A fine contribution to illustrated picture books based on children’s songs.” — The Horn Book

“Collage pictures that pop off the pages using bright colors and interesting textures. . . . . As she has chosen to make this a rebus story, young children will be able to participate in this fun read-aloud.” — Library Media Connection