Sky Tree: Seeing Science Through Art

From Publishers Weekly
Science and art appreciation join forces in this unusual variation on the theme of changing seasons. Accomplished oil paintings in a high romantic style show a single tree and its surroundings in transition-in deep winter or at the peak of autumn, for example. Quasi-surrealistic scenes of clouds, birds and stars filling bare winter branches challenge the reader to imagine the tree interacting with the sky and its inhabitants, and to ponder the liberties representational artists may take. Accompanying text lightly points out incremental changes in atmosphere and their effects, and each image is paired also with a question or two directly addressing the reader ("Why does this painting make you feel sad? Is the tree dying?"; "How does this painting capture the stillness of a snowy day?"). Written by Candace Christiansen, a chemistry teacher as well as a children's author, the questions and their answers (included in an illustrated epilogue) give a mildly scientific cast to basic lessons in understanding art. A modest introduction, but neither art nor science really blooms. Ages 5-9. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3?In his familiar lyrical style, Locker depicts the same tree throughout the seasons, but with a startling visual effect that will make readers sit up and take notice. After its leaves have dropped, the tree's bare branches are "clothed" in the same shape by being limned against clouds, holes in clouds, different skies, and even a flock of birds. The effect is as lovely as anything the artist has ever done. Each painting faces a brief appreciative caption printed in slightly enlarged type, plus a question designed to elicit responses to what viewers see (and further discussion in an appendix). However, some of the questions are leading ("Why does this painting make you feel sad?"), and the prose is less than careful: "By the end of the day many leaves began to fall, first one and then another." Text and pictures do not always correlate either; despite reference to "the weight of the heavy snow," the tree opposite "Snows [sic] fell" shows only a dusting. Though appealing in several ways?Locker adds analytical comments about color and composition that are particularly illuminating?the writing here is not up to the standard set by the art.?John Peters, New York Public LibraryCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Ages 6^-8, older for the art. It's rare that a book so obviously meant to serve more than one purpose manages the task with such polish. This collaboration speaks with a graceful simplicity that not only firmly fixes the relationship between art and science, but also subtly draws children into the miracles of nature itself. Elegant yet unpretentious oils depict a solitary tree, standing at river's edge and wrapped round by an expansive sky, as it's altered by the cycle of the seasons and the rising and setting of the sun. The tranquil mood of the artwork carries over into the main text, boxed in a background of changing sky, which provides the necessary context for the paintings. Beneath the main text are questions challenging children to explore the feelings the artwork inspires. This is the weakest part of the book, seeming more intended for grown-up facilitators--art and science teachers, Picture Ladies--than children themselves, as is the case with a follow-up section, "Connecting Art and Science in Sky Tree." Still, this is unquestionably a fascinating, even glorious celebration of nature that will stir both children and adults to a finer appreciation of a wondrous, surprising world that's right within their grasp. Stephanie Zvirin


Book Description
A tree stands on a hill by a river. As the sky changes, so does the tree, its branches filling with clouds, stars, snow, birds, mists, and the golden spring sun. One tree can mean many things.Thomas Locker's lyrical text records the changes in the tree's world just as simply as a child might observe them, and his magnificent paintings crystallize the natural phenomena that embellish the tree on each page. Questions at the bottom of each page lead to a unique discussion in the back of the book, where art and science are intertwined, and further depth is added to the wonder of Sky Tree.


About the Author
Thomas Locker is a renowned author and artist who has earned several distinctions for his children's books, including the Parent's Choice Award for Illustration, and the New York Times Best Illustrated Books of the Year.Candace Christiansen is a teacher of chemistry and mathematics at a school in Columbia County, NY.She is also the author of three children's books.They live in Stuyvesant, NY.


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Gr 1-3In his familiar lyrical style, Locker depicts the same tree throughout the seasons, but with a startling visual effect that will make readers sit up and take notice. After its leaves have dropped, the tree's bare branches are ``clothed'' in the same shape by being limned against clouds, holes in clouds, different skies, and even a flock of birds. The effect is as lovely as anything the artist has ever done. Each painting faces a brief appreciative caption printed in slightly enlarged type, plus a question designed to elicit responses to what viewers see (and further discussion in an appendix). However, some of the questions are leading (``Why does this painting make you feel sad?''), and the prose is less than careful: ``By the end of the day many leaves began to fall, first one and then another.'' Text and pictures do not always correlate either; despite reference to ``the weight of the heavy snow,'' the tree opposite ``Snows [sic] fell'' shows only a dusting. Though appealing in several waysLocker adds analytical comments about color and composition that are particularly illuminatingthe writing here is not up to the standard set by the art.John Peters, New York Public Library


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