Our Very Own Tree

What happens when two friends take an interest in an oak tree? They begin to notice more about the world around them, such as the seasons changing and squirrels making homes. They are inspired to do independent research, from studying acorns to looking up scientific terms, and to be creative, by composing pictures and poems. And they discover new things, such as their tree’s structure and characteristics – all because they stopped to look around them. As warm and dreamy as a summer day, Our Very Own Tree is a full-colour, illustrated story book that will inspire readers to seek out their very own places in nature.

Our Very Own Tree is part of the I Wonder Why book series, written to ignite the curiosity of children in years F–3 while encouraging them to become avid readers.

The I Wonder Why series is a set of science books created specifically for young learners who are in their first years of school. The content for each book was chosen to be appropriate for youngsters who are beginning to construct knowledge of the world around them. These youngsters ask questions. They want to know about things. They are more curious than they will be when they are a decade older. Research shows that science is students’ favourite subject when they enter school for the first time.

These books explore the marvels of animals, plants and other phenomena related to biology. Included in each volume is a Parent/Teacher Handbook with coordinating activities. The I Wonder Why series is written by an award-winning science educator. After completing a science activity, rereading or referring back to the book and talking about connections with the activity can be a deepening experience that stabilises the learning as a long-term memory.