Marya Wright – illustratör

Trees are symbols of growth, strength and endurance. Most countries have chosen a national tree that represents their resources, history and culture . . . and this nature book for kids celebrates 12 of them! From the animals and birds that live among them, to their folklore, legends and history, discover:India's BANYAN: its thick aerial roots create a respite for multigenerational communities.Chile's PEHUEN: an ancient tree considered a bridge between this world and the spirit world.Canada's SUGAR MAPLE: a tree renowned for its brightly colored fall foliage (and the poems that have been written about it!).USA + England's OAK: a tree frequently struck by lightning, which is why it's associated with Zeus, hurler of thunderbolts.South Africa's Real YELLOWWOOD:  a tree that became endangered when so much of its wood was used to make railroads and coffins.The Philippines' NARRA: a tree that shows resilience and strength, symbolizing the Filipino people's struggle for independence.Other featured trees include Australia's GOLDEN WATTLE, Angola's BAOBAB, Peru and Ecuador's QUINA, Albania's OLIVE, Cuba's ROYAL PALM and China's Ginkgo.With additional informative spreads at the back of the book and mapped endpapers showing the global reach of the trees, this book will teach young people and their families just how uniquely iconic, fabulous and beloved their national trees are to so many cultures around the world.