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As a child, Susan Polk Van Dusen visited the library every week with her parents and brought home stacks of books to enjoy. After having kids of her own, Susan continued this tradition with weekly trips to storytime and nightly bedtime stories. She now hopes her picture books will bring joy to countless children and the grownups who love them.
Susan’s work has been honored by the Parenting Media Association, International Association of Business Communicators, and Public Relations Society of America, among others. She has worked as a writer, editor, and proofreader, in addition to teaching college writing and public relations courses.
Susan has two grown daughters and lives in Arkansas with her husband and two dogs. Visit Susan online at VanDusenBooks.com.
Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite
What's So Special About a Tree? is a picture book by Susan Polk Van Dusen with full-color illustrations by the late John S. Polk. After inheriting her father’s collection of original art, Van Dusen was inspired to collate several of his tree-themed pieces, including vibrant watercolors, oil paintings, and drawings, into a picture book. She accompanies the illustrations with engaging and age-appropriate rhymed verses to introduce young readers to the wonder, beauty, and roles of trees. Adults can discuss the concepts of color, size, and shape, and the importance of the shade, shelter, and food that trees provide. The illustrations may inspire children to draw pictures of trees in their neighborhoods. A list of the illustrations and a link to other art are included.
What's So Special About a Tree? by Susan Polk Van Dusen is a wonderful picture book to add to any home or school library. We must do everything we can to instill a love for our natural environment and a desire to protect it in children in their earliest years. Trees are a critical component of our environment, and the concepts presented in this book are foundational to young children gaining a lifelong love for nature. I especially appreciate the gorgeous artwork, particularly the watercolors, which skillfully portray different aspects of the beauty and functions of trees. What’s So Special About a Tree? by Susan Polk Van Dusen is a book that any child can enjoy reading for both the artwork and the fun rhymes.
