"Nell Plants a Tree," beautifully illustrated by Daniel Miyares, tells the story of Nell, a young girl who embarks on a journey to plant a tree with her father. Set against the backdrop of a bustling city, the book captures the magic of nature and the importance of environmental stewardship. Through Nell's adventure, readers are encouraged to appreciate the beauty of trees and the impact of small actions in preserving our planet. ( )

From Kirkus: "Gorgeous images and text chronicle joyful childhood experiences—a future classic."

If I were on the Caldecott committee for this year I would definitely nominate this one. The illustrations are so beautiful! And the story is too- I love how this shows how much happens in the everyday life of Nell's family during the time it takes for the tree to grow tall enough to climb. ( )

Before a pack of kids can race to a tree, climb it, sit in its shade, or gather pecans from it...Nell plants a seed. Gorgeous illustrations in warm, muted colors show the back ("before...") and forth: Nell finding the seed, taking care of it, planting the sapling, and watching it grow, all as she grows too: into a young mother, then a grandmother, always in a yellow dress with different patterns.

Author's note, illustrator's note. Beautiful endpapers show a patchwork quilt with a seed on the front and a tree on the back.

See also: This is the Rope by Jacqueline Woodson and James Ransome, Pie is for Sharing by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard and Jason Chin ( )