Watch a thousand years unfold in the life of one magnificent tree! A thousand years ago a
tiny acorn fell to the ground. As the years pass it grows . . . and GROWS into an enormous
oak tree! As the centuries sweep by children play games around the tree . Families dance
about it. A fleeing king even hides inside its hollow trunk! The tree gives food and shelter
to a host of animals from squirrels and badgers to birds and beetles. After a thousand
years the ancient tree finally falls in a storm - but a new acorn sprouts and the cycle of
life begins all over again . The tree's magical life story is brought to life in Julia
Donaldson's rich dramatic rhyme . Victoria Sandøy's gorgeous atmospheric illustrations
perfectly capture the changing seasons and the people and wildlife that pass by Children
will love spotting all the creatures in the pictures and seeing the games children play
around the tree This is a book that encourages us all to look more closely at nature and
to appreciate the wonder of our ancient trees. The final pages of the book contain extra
fascinating facts about oak trees and the animals that depend on them. Praise for The
Christmas Pine also by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandøy: "Magical . . . as well as paying
tribute to tradition the gentle rhythmic verse and stunning pictures illuminate the two other
things close to Julia's heart: the power of children and song" Julia Donaldson is the
author of many of the best-loved children's books ever written. She has been awarded a CBE for
services to literature and is the most celebrated children's writer in Britain today. Many
of Julia Donaldson's beloved picture books have been made into award-winning animated films
which are regularly shown on the BBC at Christmas.
