Eloise Evergreen Isn't Keen on the Color Green by Andrea Hyatt is a beautifully illustrated children's picture book about color. Eloise Evergreen really didn't like autumn, but she loved the colors that came with the season. Her best friends, Bradley Birch, Olivia Oak, and Marcie Maple, all changed colors and looked amazing, and Elosie desperately wanted to do the same. But being a pine tree, she would always stay the same color, and it wasn’t her favorite. Owen the Owl has come up with a plan, though, and all her friends are in on it. Will it work? And what will the family who lives in the old house think when they see Eloise?

Eloise Evergreen Isn’t Keen on the Color Green by Andrea Hyatt is a lovely book with amazing illustrations by Baran Sabahi. It’s a heartwarming tale about accepting who and what you are, but it also teaches young readers that you have the power to change yourself if you really want to. There are some educational facts about pine trees, too, which are useful. The story is about kindness and working together to overcome a problem, written in simple language that’s easy to follow and understand. The characters are lovely, each tree and animal with their own unique personality, and kids are guaranteed to love them all. This is one of those books they’ll want to read all the time. Recommended for all young readers and anyone who thinks trees aren’t alive and full of special magic.

Have you ever wanted to be more like your friends? Well, so has Eloise, the charming pine tree in Eloise Evergreen Isn’t Keen on the Color Green by Andrea Hyatt. The story begins with Eloise and her tree friends, Olivia Oak, Bradley Birch, and Marcie Maple, enjoying life together on a farm with a big red barn and farmhouse. As autumn begins, her friends’ leaves start changing colors before they fall off until the following spring. Her deciduous friends are so excited to see their leaves changing into beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows, while Eloise feels unhappy about staying green. Her friends have an idea to cheer her up by sharing facts about being a pine tree, leading up to a magical twist involving Christmas lights, when Eloise finally begins to see herself in a new, colorful light (both literally and emotionally). The brightly colored illustrations add warmth and perfectly complement each page, bringing the setting and characters to life in a delightful way.

As an educator, I appreciated many aspects of Eloise Evergreen Isn’t Keen on the Color Green by Andrea Hyatt. I could relate to Eloise wanting to be like her friends. It’s a feeling many children—and even adults—can understand, which makes the story especially impactful. I also appreciated that children will learn while enjoying the story, thanks to the fun facts about evergreen trees. It was also sweet to see her friends try to make her feel better—something many children will relate to. This book would be a great addition to any home, classroom, or library. In the classroom, it could spark thoughtful discussions with questions like: “How would you feel if you were Eloise?”, “Which type of tree do you like the most?” and “Why don’t pine trees change color?” Baran Sabahi’s vibrant pictures will draw children in and keep them engaged. The autumn colors, cheerful expressions, and cozy scenery give young readers plenty to look at and enjoy.