Celebritrees: Historic and Famous Trees of the World

This playful celebration of trees offers profiles of 14 specimens. A sequoia known as General Sherman that stands in California's Sequoia National Park weighs close to three million pounds, or "as much as 14 Argentinosauruses, 10 blue whales, or three 747 jets." The Tule Tree, in Mexico, is recognized for gnarled contortions in its bark that "give the appearance of creatures hiding inside," while the Boab Prison Tree in Derby, Australia, carries a dark history—at the turn of the century, Aboriginal prisoners were chained there. Gibbon's muted mixed-media illustrations set each tree in context, as soft-featured people from across the centuries reflect the trees' storied histories. A joyful and respectful homage to trees that have stood the test of time. Ages 5–8. (Mar.)