The Tree That Time Built

Bibliography:

Hoberman, Mary Ann & Linda Winston. 2009. The Tree That Time Built: a celebration of nature, science, and imagination. Naperville, Illinois: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 978--1-4022-2517-8

Summary:

The Tree That Time Built is an anthology of poems dedicated to all things about the world around us.  It includes over 100 poems from over 75 international poets, and has an accompanying audio CD that features readings of 44 poems, including many poets reading their own work.  The authors describe The Tree That Time Built as the "family tree of all life on earth" and this collection takes the reader on a journey through nature, time and space (pg. xi).

Analysis:

This rich anthology presents itself in a very appealing, understandable manner.  The collection includes a variety of types of poems on various subjects within the global nature/science theme.  The poems include shape poems, rhyming poems, haiku poetry and many other types.  At the bottom of almost every page there is a description about the poetry, something that could very easily be used as a conversation-starter.  The poems are divided into thematic categories with a specific instruction into each category revealing information about the section and the umbrella topic.  For example, the section titled "Think Like a Tree" begins with a description of how essential plant life is to our global ecosystem, how "plants and animals are perfect breathing partners" (pg. 49).  These introductions aide the reader in understanding why the poems were selected and how they all fit together.  The anthology also includes a reference section where the reader can easily find information about the authors, a glossary of terms and an index of authors and poem titles.

The audio CD that accompanies the book is an exceptional addition to the anthology.  It provides the reader with an interesting alternative to the sometimes seemingly daunting task of reading poetry.  Even the most reluctant readers can engage a selection of poetry by hearing it read, many times by the authors themselves.  This format takes the burden of phrasing and rhythm off the reader and gives them a perspective that can later be translated into poetry readings.  The audio CD also can be used as a tool to whet the appetite of many readers, providing a multi-media experience that highlights the rich collection of works within the anthology's pages.

Reviews:

"The poets here yield a lively mix of forms, voices and moods, with Pulitzer Prize winners Robert Frost and Mary Oliver sharing space with children's poets Douglas Florian, Constance Levy and the incomparable Valerie Worth…This anthology is perfect for dipping or diving into, for reading aloud and for celebrating the quirks and glories of everything from William Blake's "World in a grain of sand" to Wislawa Szymborska's lighthearted whale." - Mary Quattlebaum, Washington Post (found on Barnes & Noble website)

"When I read a poetry book that dazzles me, I have to share it with you right away. The Tree That Time Built is an excellent example of poetry meeting science and logic meeting language. This 200-page book may become your reading and language arts teachers' favorite tool for teaching figurative language, poetry, scientific observation, and thinking skills." - School Library Journal Mobile (found on maryannhoberman.com)

"Collaborators Hoberman and Winston show how the wondering of science is similar to the wonderment of poetry. . . This beautifully rendered book includes a CD with 44 poems, some read by the poets themselves. . . 'children of all ages' will delight in listening to the poems being recited." - NPR's Susan Stamberg (found on maryannhoberman.com)

Connections:

•  Categorize the different types of poetry, use anthologies as resources during a poetry unit:
• This Same Sky: A Collection of Poems from Around the World - Naomi Shihab Nye
• The 20th Century Children's Poetry Treasury - Jack Prelutsky
• Utilize poetry during a science unit as a source of information or interpretation
• Create a classroom anthology of poetry and accompanying audio CD for the classroom library