EXPLORE THE CAREER OF ILLUSTRATION
More than 25 kids grabbed their art supplies and illustrated real or imagined bugs that are scattered throughout the book.
We want this book to be playful and engaging, what better way then to kids in the process!
UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIPS
Have you ever stopped to think about all the cool relationships that happen in nature? Like how bees and flowers depend on each other or how lions and gazelles are always chasing each other around? It's wild to think about how important each of these connections are to keeping everything in balance. Even the way that the seed high in the tree needs to soil low on the ground. It's crazy to think about how one small change can totally shake up the whole ecosystem. But hey, studying these relationships can teach us a lot about how to have our own healthy relationships with other people.
REVIEWED BY A VISUAL ARTS EXPERT
There are images all around you, do you know how to "read" them? Visual literacy is an important form of learning to read. This book encourages you to look closely, observe, and reflect on what you see.
THIS BOOK WAS CREATED FOR KIDS
And we also believe that's good for people of all ages to enjoy picture books.
- Art teacher: hint picture books are FULL OF ART
- Reading Teacher
- School or public library
- Science Teacher
- Nature Center
Click below to order. Barnes & Noble has hardcover in stock and Amazon has soft cover.
This colorful and playful book reveals the journey of a seed learning about the magical connection between it and the soil.
Have you ever stopped to think about what's beneath the soil that makes nature beautiful and lively?
It's a world that often goes unnoticed, but it's essential for the growth and survival of plants. Join a tiny seed on its journey as it clings to a cozy spot on a tree, stubbornly avoiding the soil below.
Up high in the tree, the air is fresh, the sun is shining, and the view is fantastic. But down low in the soil, things can get a bit messy with all the dirt, fungi, and bugs! BUGS AND INSECTS are EVERYWHERE!
However, the seed soon discovers that this muddy environment is crucial for its survival. It's all part of the incredible ecosystem that keeps our planet thriving. So next time you're out enjoying nature, remember that there's a whole world beneath your feet that's just as important as what's above ground.
There's more than one way to read the book!
I SPY
There are bees hidden throughout the book. Turn each page and see how many bees you can find!
I OBSERVE
10+ kids created bugs and insect drawings for the book. Carefully observe as you hunt for each of the bugs throughout the book.
I FLIP
The pages in this book don't turn like pages in any other book. Get ready to flip these pages in all sorts of directions. Does it make you feel like the seed HIGH in the tree?
THE CREATORS
Amber Kane [illustrator] is a visual arts educator, product manager and animal lover. She strives to make connections between ideas, materials, and processes in all of the work she creates.
Ashley and Amber are siblings... Can you tell?
Ashley Sollenberger [ writer] is a physical education teacher, running coach, and lover of wandering in the woods. He strives to write stories that demonstrate surprise connections.
Order a your copy today!
Barnes & Noble Hard Cover Available. Amazon Soft Cover, coming soon....
BOOK DETAILS
Publisher: Reading Tree Publishing
Release Date: coming soon
Language: English
Softcover: 45 pages
Reading age: 5-9 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten- third
Dimensions: 8.5x8.5
The Story Behind The Page: A note from the author
I like nature. Subconsciously, it works its way into many of my stories. I also like to write about things that generally have an obvious relationship. I then take that relationship in a not-so-obvious direction. It makes for thoughtful conflict; we all know a story needs tension or conflict.
With that thought in mind, I allowed my mind to begin brainstorming.
I must give it permission because my mind will drift when allowed to wonder and think. During a good brainstorm, one I'm excited about, it can be challenging to focus on my real-life tasks. Ideas are constantly appearing in my mind mentally. I explore the idea, but suddenly, I need paper for notes, and I lose focus on my tasks in the real world. A brainstorm is a distracting time.
During one such session, I began to think about seeds and the soil in which they sprout. It was springtime, which possibly influenced these thoughts. Quickly, I needed paper; this was an idea with roots. Once the seed developed a bit of spunk, it was easy to imagine the tension. Why would a seed want to leave a nice cone high in the treetops? It was muddy on the ground; things would like to eat the seed, the air has a funk, and it might get damaged and rot away to nothing. Plus, the seed might be unaware of its vast potential, just like a kid. So much strength and life exists in the tiny seed, but it's all in a future the seed cannot comprehend.
Thus, I spent several days lost in my mind, often clutching tiny slips of paper and a pen as I made notes and wrote pieces of the story. The seed had spunk and sass but was less knowledgeable than she imagined. The tree had calm wisdom and experience but the inability to force anything upon the seed. A dialogue must take place.
Now, I was ready to type. I love it when a story develops; the writing comes naturally. I don't fight the story or the keyboard. After the first draft, I made many small changes and revisions. I alter words and phrases, but the message stays constant. I'm confident I've written something others will enjoy when this occurs. I'm sure you will enjoy High in the tree and low in the soil.