The Tree That Time Built: A celebration of nature, science, and imagination

Bibliography:
Hoberman, Mary Ann and Linda Winston. 2009. THE TREE THAT TIME BUILT: A CELEBRATION OF NATURE SCIENCE, AND IMAGINATION. Naperville, Illinois: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky. ISBN: 9781402225178

Review: The Tree that Time Built is an anthology that celebrates the beauty of wonder, imagination, and intelligent thought. Inspired by Charles Darwin's research the anthology is divided up into nine sections that refer back to Darwin's work. Each section pertains to a different aspect in nature such as “Oh, fields of Wonder” which includes thoughts, ideas and questions regarding our world, and “Think Like a Tree” which features poems about plants, trees, flowers, and their importance to us and the world. With the beginning of each new section a helpful introduction is given to explain the section's meaning and purpose. Also, the writers have included in text notes accompanying many of the poems in order to give readers a better understanding of the author's words. Many famous poet's are featured in this anthology such as Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, and T.S. Elliot.

Excerpt: “All Day Long”

Beneath the pine tree where I sat
to hear what I was looking at,

then by the sounding shore to find
some things the tide had left behind,

I thought about the hilltop blown
upon by all the winds I've known.

Why ask for any better song
in all the wide world all day long?

David McCord


Introducing the Poem:
Due to the scientific and exploratory nature, this anthology would be perfect for a classroom environment. Whether in Science or English class, this anthology invites children to peruse its contents and encourages children to explore their world. As poets write in awe of the butterfly and the bumblebee so to will children learn to see the beauty and majesty in all living things. Although the collection as whole, may be difficult for younger children many of the poems can be read individually. Also, the book is accompanied by CD that features many of the poems read aloud. Children will delight in hearing poems read aloud by their authors in the manner they were intended to be heard.