Big Tree Down!

Written by Laurie Lawlor
Illustrated by David Gordon
Published in 2018

Why we chose this book: 
The title and cover caught my eye. When I read the synopsis, I thought this might be a good fit for a truck-loving kid like T. The publisher provided a copy for review.

Mom's Review

A neighborhood works together when a massive tree brings down the power lines.

Everyone in the neighborhood uses "Big Tree" as a reference point and meeting place. It is clear from the narrative and illustrations that this is a close-knit neighborhood without the author ever stating the fact. When a storm rages and brings down Big Tree, the narrator's dad is among the adults checking on elderly neighbors. A variety of vehicles and workers from the city arrive swiftly after a phone call to 9-1-1, and get to work clearing the tree and restoring power. All of the vehicles and tools are described against a backdrop of the neighbors sharing food with one another and the workers. Although the narrator seems sad that the tree is gone, the ending is uplifting when a new tree is planted.

This immediately became a favorite in our house, with multiple requests in a day. I like finding out just what is involved when a tree brings down a power line, and seeing the subtle message to care for our neighbors. T loves pointing out the different vehicles and telling me what he thinks about them. When the big tree is hauled away, the neighbors are left with trunk sections to carve. One of T's favorite things to discuss is the troll house carved by one of the neighbors. He thinks it is for toy trolls to live in, I think it is decorative, and his father told him animals might move into it. Each time we read the book we talk about the troll house. T tells me why he thinks it is for toys and what his dad thinks and why his dad thinks that and what do I think and why do I think that and that really it is for toy trolls and not animals or for decoration. I love his enthusiasm, but when it is nap time or bedtime, it's hard to stop the torrent of conversation that this book prompts. This has been a fun, informative book that we all like.

Son's Review
(age 3)
We have a guest review. T's grandparents visited and wanted to do a book review with him. T chose to read Big Tree Down!

Grandpa: What did you like about the story, T?

Son: I just liked it

Grandpa: I liked all the big tools and the equipment that the workmen used. What did you like, Grandma?

Grandma: I liked the fact that it was a big tree because I like big trees. They provide shade and make cozy places for picnics. And the birds love them.

Grandpa: Do you ever see workmen in bucket trucks like that?

Son: Oh sure we do.

Grandpa: Do you think other little boys and girls would like this book?

Son: Yeah. Oh sure.

Son: Why was it dark in their houses?

Grandpa: The tree went down, so they had no power. So they couldn't turn on the lights, or listen to the radio, or watch TV.

Grandpa: Do you like how they shared their ice cream?

Son: Why did they have to share it before it melted?

Grandpa: So that they wouldn't waste it. And did you like the stump grinder?

Son: It's soooo big.