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Zee Grows a Tree
A fact-filled story about a little girl and an evergreen tree that grow up side by side. Perfect for anyone who loves the natural world--or wonders about the origins of their holiday tree.
On the morning little Zee Cooper is born, a Douglas-fir seedling emerges from the nursery bed at her family's Christmas tree farm. As Zee and the tree grow up together, they experience many of the same milestones. When Zee starts preschool, her tree is ready to start life outside the nursery. As Zee outgrows all her clothes, her tree grows taller, too. When Zee gets a whole new look for kindergarten, her tree gets a spiffy transformation as well. And as the years go on, Zee takes loving care of her tree, watering it through heat waves and protecting it from winter winds. Combining interesting details about how trees are grown and cared for on a farm with the sweet story of a friendship between a girl and her special tree, Zee Grows a Tree offers a blend of fiction and nonfiction that will draw the interest of young nature lovers everywhere. In the back of the book, readers will find an index, bibliography, and an author's note suggesting some ways to enjoy a holiday tree without cutting one down.
On the morning little Zee Cooper is born, a Douglas-fir seedling emerges from the nursery bed at her family's Christmas tree farm. As Zee and the tree grow up together, they experience many of the same milestones. When Zee starts preschool, her tree is ready to start life outside the nursery. As Zee outgrows all her clothes, her tree grows taller, too. When Zee gets a whole new look for kindergarten, her tree gets a spiffy transformation as well. And as the years go on, Zee takes loving care of her tree, watering it through heat waves and protecting it from winter winds. Combining interesting details about how trees are grown and cared for on a farm with the sweet story of a friendship between a girl and her special tree, Zee Grows a Tree offers a blend of fiction and nonfiction that will draw the interest of young nature lovers everywhere. In the back of the book, readers will find an index, bibliography, and an author's note suggesting some ways to enjoy a holiday tree without cutting one down.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 4, 2021
1 person is currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Rusch
30 books72 followersELIZABETH RUSCH is an award-winning book author, magazine writer, editor, writing teacher and speaker. Her wide-ranging passions include astronomy, volcanology, art, music, history, nature, waves, jokes, crayons, and mud — anything that catches her fancy. She is inspired by stories of exploration and discovery, stories that have been overlooked by history, and stories that grapple with persistent questions. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction for children or adults or teaching workshops, she hopes her work opens doors, opens minds, opens possibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 30, 2022
So sweet! I love all the nurturing shown in this book, the parents nurturing Zee as she grows, as well as caring for their tree nursery, and then Zee caring for her own tree once she is old enough. The story is charming and the interspersed facts about fir trees are interesting and can be read to older children or simply skipped for youngest audiences. My young tree lover requested several re-reads of this one :-)
April 1, 2021
Richie’s Picks: ZEE GROWS A TREE by Elizabeth Rusch and Will Hillenbrand, ill., Candlewick, March 2021, 32p., ISBN: 978-0-7636-9754-9
“Word of the week is whorl [hwurl] (botany noun): An arrangement of similar parts (sepals, petals, stipules or branches) that radiate from a single point and surround or wrap around the stem of a tree or plant…
Many evergreen trees, like pines, spruces, or firs, have whorled branches that form a circular pattern around the growing tip. Each whorl represents one year of growth, which means that counting the number of whorls can help us determine the age of these trees, especially for young evergreen trees.”
-- High Park Nature Center website
“Talk to the trees
That’s why they take me away”
-- Snow Patrol (2001)
“One spring morning, little Zee Cooper arrived in the world.
The very same day, a Douglas-fir seedling emerged from the soil at Coopers’ Christmas Tree Farm.
In the wild, Douglas-fir seeds need cold and moisture to trigger their growth. At a nursery, farmers wet and cool the seeds, then plant them in warm soil to help get them ready to grow.”
I don’t recall ever reading about whorls, prior to seeing them mentioned in ZEE GROWS A TREE. I had no idea that each represented a year of growth. There is a wealth of interesting botanical terminology and fact scattered throughout this tale of Zee and the little (and then not-so-little) tree that sprouts on Zee’s birth day, and is eventually planted outside her bedroom window.
Over the course of her childhood, we watch both the little girl and the tree grow. Over the years, we see Zee prune and mulch her tree, sit in its shade, provide relief when it suffers heat stress and, ultimately, decorate it for Christmas as her ninth birthday approaches.
Illustrator Will Hillenbrand has been creating picture books for more than two decades. He has a recognizable style that often reminds me of the work of Hillenbrand’s late friend Tomie DePaola. Here, the greens, blues, and grays give the story a soft, dreamy feel.
When Zee decorates her tree for Christmas, it is still alive and outside. The story notes that, “An uncut Douglas-fir can live for hundreds of years and grow to be more than three hundred feet tall!”
Given that trees help mitigate climate change and provide beauty, it would be terrific if some young, budding environmentalists are inspired by the tale of Zee’s tree to advocate for live Christmas trees that can be planted outside after the holiday season.
ZEE GROWS A TREE will engage pre-Ks and kindergarteners with its storytelling, and will be worthy of inclusion in botany and environmental units for early elementary students.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
https://twitter.com/richiespicks
richiepartington@gmail.com
“Word of the week is whorl [hwurl] (botany noun): An arrangement of similar parts (sepals, petals, stipules or branches) that radiate from a single point and surround or wrap around the stem of a tree or plant…
Many evergreen trees, like pines, spruces, or firs, have whorled branches that form a circular pattern around the growing tip. Each whorl represents one year of growth, which means that counting the number of whorls can help us determine the age of these trees, especially for young evergreen trees.”
-- High Park Nature Center website
“Talk to the trees
That’s why they take me away”
-- Snow Patrol (2001)
“One spring morning, little Zee Cooper arrived in the world.
The very same day, a Douglas-fir seedling emerged from the soil at Coopers’ Christmas Tree Farm.
In the wild, Douglas-fir seeds need cold and moisture to trigger their growth. At a nursery, farmers wet and cool the seeds, then plant them in warm soil to help get them ready to grow.”
I don’t recall ever reading about whorls, prior to seeing them mentioned in ZEE GROWS A TREE. I had no idea that each represented a year of growth. There is a wealth of interesting botanical terminology and fact scattered throughout this tale of Zee and the little (and then not-so-little) tree that sprouts on Zee’s birth day, and is eventually planted outside her bedroom window.
Over the course of her childhood, we watch both the little girl and the tree grow. Over the years, we see Zee prune and mulch her tree, sit in its shade, provide relief when it suffers heat stress and, ultimately, decorate it for Christmas as her ninth birthday approaches.
Illustrator Will Hillenbrand has been creating picture books for more than two decades. He has a recognizable style that often reminds me of the work of Hillenbrand’s late friend Tomie DePaola. Here, the greens, blues, and grays give the story a soft, dreamy feel.
When Zee decorates her tree for Christmas, it is still alive and outside. The story notes that, “An uncut Douglas-fir can live for hundreds of years and grow to be more than three hundred feet tall!”
Given that trees help mitigate climate change and provide beauty, it would be terrific if some young, budding environmentalists are inspired by the tale of Zee’s tree to advocate for live Christmas trees that can be planted outside after the holiday season.
ZEE GROWS A TREE will engage pre-Ks and kindergarteners with its storytelling, and will be worthy of inclusion in botany and environmental units for early elementary students.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
https://twitter.com/richiespicks
richiepartington@gmail.com
March 26, 2021
Zee and her fir tree grow up at the same time. When Zee is born, her seedling tree is in a greenhouse nursery. When Zee goes to kindergarten, her fir tree is planted outdoors. As Zee grows up, she measures her height and the height of her little tree. When there is a drought, Zee does everything she can to help her tree survive. She waters it and builds a shelter around it, and even camps outside in a tent to be near her tree in the night. With special love and care, Zee's tree recovers from the drought.
I loved that this book has the main story about Zee, and includes little side text on each page about Douglas fir trees and how they grow. I like that it doesn't slow down the pace of the main story, but also gives such good information about trees and tree farming.
Zee is such a sweet sunshiney character, and I love to see how she grows up and learns all about her parents' tree farm, and uses that knowledge to take care of her own special tree. It was really charming to follow her heart-warming story.
The illustrations are a complete delight! The colors are soft and refreshing. All the characters are so cute! I'm not even sure what kind of art style this is. It's some kind of pencil and mixed media art.
There are so many little details that make this book really special!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved that this book has the main story about Zee, and includes little side text on each page about Douglas fir trees and how they grow. I like that it doesn't slow down the pace of the main story, but also gives such good information about trees and tree farming.
Zee is such a sweet sunshiney character, and I love to see how she grows up and learns all about her parents' tree farm, and uses that knowledge to take care of her own special tree. It was really charming to follow her heart-warming story.
The illustrations are a complete delight! The colors are soft and refreshing. All the characters are so cute! I'm not even sure what kind of art style this is. It's some kind of pencil and mixed media art.
There are so many little details that make this book really special!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
April 27, 2021
For JE 634 collection
Read
January 16, 2022Note to self: given to Toby, Christmas 2021
February 27, 2022
A girl and a tree grow up together.
Good combination of fiction story with nonfiction information on trees and horticulture.
Good combination of fiction story with nonfiction information on trees and horticulture.
May 29, 2021
This book sings to my gardening ears!
This gentle story follows the growth of a young girl named Zee and her Douglas fir tree for eight years, beginning at the time each makes their entrance in the world. It contrasts and compares life events - such as caring for both when very young so they could grow and become stronger, growth patterns, and growth spurts.
Rusch touches on so many milestones for both in such a tender, thoughtful way. The text is casual and loving, respectful and inviting. The fictional story line is told in a larger sized font than the supplemental information, which appears off to the side in a much smaller font. Mixed media illustrations by Will Hillenbrand reflect the same calm charm. The way the book is formatted, the illustrations often reflect what is occurring in the story (ex. Zee's height is being measured on the left page; the tree is being measured by Zee on the right) or talk about the two in the same illustration (Zee camps out by her tree, waterscan nearby). Be sure to pour over the details in this one - they add so much (ex. p.17 note the tree appears to be drying out from the top down).
Like many good non-fiction books, this one includes an index of vocabulary words, a note about live Christmas trees and bibliography for further reading will engage students. If I would add anything, it might be a word or two of suggestions of what to do with your cut tree after the holidays (ex. chop it down to smaller pieces and leave in a small pile as a place for animals to overwinter).
Very nicely packaged for any time of the year!
Highly Recommended for Preschool-grade 3.
This gentle story follows the growth of a young girl named Zee and her Douglas fir tree for eight years, beginning at the time each makes their entrance in the world. It contrasts and compares life events - such as caring for both when very young so they could grow and become stronger, growth patterns, and growth spurts.
Rusch touches on so many milestones for both in such a tender, thoughtful way. The text is casual and loving, respectful and inviting. The fictional story line is told in a larger sized font than the supplemental information, which appears off to the side in a much smaller font. Mixed media illustrations by Will Hillenbrand reflect the same calm charm. The way the book is formatted, the illustrations often reflect what is occurring in the story (ex. Zee's height is being measured on the left page; the tree is being measured by Zee on the right) or talk about the two in the same illustration (Zee camps out by her tree, waterscan nearby). Be sure to pour over the details in this one - they add so much (ex. p.17 note the tree appears to be drying out from the top down).
Like many good non-fiction books, this one includes an index of vocabulary words, a note about live Christmas trees and bibliography for further reading will engage students. If I would add anything, it might be a word or two of suggestions of what to do with your cut tree after the holidays (ex. chop it down to smaller pieces and leave in a small pile as a place for animals to overwinter).
Very nicely packaged for any time of the year!
Highly Recommended for Preschool-grade 3.
April 19, 2021
In a new non-fiction book, Elizabeth Rusch and Will Hillenbrand tell of Zee's birth, alongside the birth of a Douglas fir tree. Her parents run a Christmas tree farm. We know a lot about human growth but not so much about these beautiful fir trees, so as the story "grows" along with Zee, they share information about this (at first) tiny fir. When Zee is old enough, she takes care of it, too, helping it when it's too dry or too windy cold. It's fun to see the comparisons and to see what Zee herself is learning, in and out of school. For instance, as Zee learns her ABCs, the fir is growing mostly underground, roots spreading "down and outward to absorb water and nutrients." Hillenbrand's art shows the action in beautiful soft colors, including tree care and children of diverse backgrounds throughout the story. It's a clever way to offer information connected to a child's life.
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
April 19, 2021
On the very day that Zee Cooper is born a Douglas Fir seedling sprouts on her family's Christmas Tree Farm. As Zee grows, so does the seedling. As her mom and dad cared for Zee, they also nurtured the seedling that sprouted into a big tree. As Zee grew she began to care for her tree as well often comparing height until the tree's height eventually surpassed Zee. One summer drought hit hard and damaged the tree so it needed extra protection again the upcoming winter. The extra love and protection helped the tree survive.
I thought this was a very sweet and touching story that followed Zee and the Douglas fir from birth to age 8 and measured various milestones. I liked that there was an index and suggestions for both enjoying and preserving precious trees. With glossy pages and pleasing art and a story and simple text that should be appropriate for children between the ages of 4 and 8. This is another Earth Day winner. Be sure to add this to your personal library.
I thought this was a very sweet and touching story that followed Zee and the Douglas fir from birth to age 8 and measured various milestones. I liked that there was an index and suggestions for both enjoying and preserving precious trees. With glossy pages and pleasing art and a story and simple text that should be appropriate for children between the ages of 4 and 8. This is another Earth Day winner. Be sure to add this to your personal library.
April 8, 2021
Thanks to Edelweiss for the digital copy to read and review.
A lovely pairing of realistic fiction story about a family who owns a tree farm and their newly born daughter Zee, with the factual information of growing and keeping Douglas Firs (on farms) and in the wild. When Zee is born, her parents gift her a Douglas Fir seedling in a little pot. When she is 5 and goes to Kindergarten the tree is ready to be planted outdoors. Zee gains friends in school and the tree becomes acquainted with Earth's friends in nature. Side by side they grow. Short snippets of information are on almost every page in regard to growth, drought and other dangers to trees, additional care given by tree farmers, etc. The perfect blend of story and facts. Highly recommended for libraries, classrooms and homes.
July 15, 2021
Zee Cooper's family has a tree farm. On the day she was born, a douglas fir seeding also started its life journey. The tree was big enough to plant outside in a few years, and Zee was just big enough to help. By the time she was in kindergarten, the tree was just a bit bigger than Zee - she got her haircut for school, and she helped prune the tree. Zee cares for the tree for many years - it takes a long time to grow a Christmas Tree.
As we read Zee's story, we also learn about the growth of a Douglas Fir. I loved the parallels to Zee's life. Hillenbrand's illustrations are full of color, well detailed and interesting. It's fun to see a book about a Christmas tree that isn't seasonal.
Cross posted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
As we read Zee's story, we also learn about the growth of a Douglas Fir. I loved the parallels to Zee's life. Hillenbrand's illustrations are full of color, well detailed and interesting. It's fun to see a book about a Christmas tree that isn't seasonal.
Cross posted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
June 14, 2021
This is a gentle and relatable fiction story used to reveal the growth patterns of douglas fir trees, loving relationships, and one family's lives as tree farmers.
The brief, clear, and focused sidebar content on each page parallels the needs, growth, and purposes of a tree with the growth patterns of Zee, for whom the tree was planted.
The subdued and direct story and expository text are perfectly paired with realistic scenes, natural colors, and varying perspectives to give young readers a clear understanding of the science as well as the sentiments.
The brief, clear, and focused sidebar content on each page parallels the needs, growth, and purposes of a tree with the growth patterns of Zee, for whom the tree was planted.
The subdued and direct story and expository text are perfectly paired with realistic scenes, natural colors, and varying perspectives to give young readers a clear understanding of the science as well as the sentiments.
April 15, 2022
Zee, the child, grows and changes in parallel with the Douglas Fir that pops out of the ground on the day that she is born. As Mom and Dad care for Zee, the also care for the tree. The story of Zee and her tree is told in the midst of bright, fun and modern illustrations by Will Hilenbrand. Tree facts are in smaller text and included on every page. Finally, the tree has grown enough to be used as a Christmas tree (and Mom's pregnant again) BUT (spoiler alert) Zee decides to decorate the tree in the field that it is growing in.
November 13, 2021
When Zee is born , a Douglas Fir seedling pops itself out of the soil. Through out the years Zee grows as does her tree. Comparisons are made between human growth and tree growth throughout the book. Story is told in larger text than the text with Douglas Fir facts that is off to the side of the page. Makes a good Christmas story as it ends when Zee is 8 and she decorates her outdoor tree for Christmas.
July 3, 2023
Renton Highlands Easy Nonfiction E635.9775
The growth of a tree is linked to the aging of a kid on a Christmas tree farm. Big print tells the story of the kid and what she's doing with the tree, and then little print will give more details on how that kind of tree works, how tree farming works, how weather works, etc. It would work as a story better than as a reference, but it does give some info.
The growth of a tree is linked to the aging of a kid on a Christmas tree farm. Big print tells the story of the kid and what she's doing with the tree, and then little print will give more details on how that kind of tree works, how tree farming works, how weather works, etc. It would work as a story better than as a reference, but it does give some info.
April 11, 2021
Very informative! I'm glad they kept the tree.
But I want to let the author know that no one wants to transplant a Christmas tree back inside and plant it back somewhere after Christmas. Maybe in some places, but I have NEVER seen a Christmas tree sold with the root ball intact. And even at farms I've been to they don't have an option for digging them up - they are meant to be cut.
But I want to let the author know that no one wants to transplant a Christmas tree back inside and plant it back somewhere after Christmas. Maybe in some places, but I have NEVER seen a Christmas tree sold with the root ball intact. And even at farms I've been to they don't have an option for digging them up - they are meant to be cut.
November 23, 2021
On the day that Zee is born, a Douglas-fir seedling emerges at her parents' Christmas tree farm. Zee feels a strong connection to the tree. She cares for it and carefully monitors its growth. This is a heartwarming story with plenty of information on Douglas-firs. A lovely Christmas themed picture book that celebrates trees.
July 5, 2022
This book tells about parents who plant a tree (Douglas Fir) when their child is born. It's two stories in one. The larger font tells the story, the smaller font gives facts. It tells how children grow step-by-step, and how the trees grows during that same time. Clever premise for a book.
There is an index as well as helpful information for Christmas trees, and further reading.
There is an index as well as helpful information for Christmas trees, and further reading.
March 5, 2024
A girl and a tree grow up together. Goes through different seasons as the years go on, and lots of facts/info about douglas firs. Author's note in the end informs readers how to plant their own holiday tree. More importantly, you don't have to cut down trees to enjoy them as holiday trees. The text is rather long so best suited for those more patient readers.
February 20, 2021
I received a digital advanced reader copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
An adorable book that follows the growth of a young girl and her tree, sprinkled with facts about the Douglas fir (my favorite forest friend!). Great for young children and families.
An adorable book that follows the growth of a young girl and her tree, sprinkled with facts about the Douglas fir (my favorite forest friend!). Great for young children and families.
March 25, 2021
When young Zee is born, her parents (owners of a tree farm), gift their young daughter with a newly sprouted Douglas fir tree. While Zee grows, so does the tree. The reader follows along with young Zee and learns facts about fir trees along the way. It's a clever and fun book!
March 27, 2021
An appealing blend of fiction and nonfiction in this fact-filled story about a little girl and a Douglas-fir tree that grow up side by side. Includes an index, bibliography, and an author's note suggesting some ways to enjoy a holiday tree without cutting one down.
November 8, 2021
Filled with lots of fun facts, this is a realistic look at tree farming and the growth of a Christmas tree. Despite not being anthropomorphic, it's easy to root for the little tree and it's child caretaker.
November 29, 2021
I enjoyed the parallel between the main character's life and the life of the Douglas fir. But what I especially liked is all of the wonderful information that the author fit in about the idiosyncrasies of Douglas fir growth.
May 25, 2022
A story of a girl growing up, while a Douglas-fir also grows up at her house. The story covers 8 or 9 years of the girl's life, while adding a nonfiction elements on every page to discuss how Douglas-firs grow and handle the seasons.
October 7, 2025
An adorable book about a young girl and the tree that us planted when she was born and how they grow up together. There is extra text with facts about growing a Douglas for which adds a nice extra layer of knowledge for the reader.
April 27, 2021
Nice compare and contrast of the difference between people's and trees growth. Filed with bonus facts!
May 14, 2021
Lovely story, wonderful illustrations, and interesting facts sprinkled throughout.
May 28, 2021
I thought this book was interesting but was concerned about the statement that having a tree inside doesn’t hurt the environment. Hmmm…
June 28, 2021
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. And you must also know I cry every time I read 'The Giving Tree'....
Beautiful story and illustrations. xoxo
Beautiful story and illustrations. xoxo
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews