Sky Tree: Seeing Science Through Art

“A fascinating, even glorious celebration of nature that will stir both children and adults to a finer appreciation of a wondrous, surprising world that’s right within their grasp.” —Booklist (starred review)

In this stunning book by Thomas Locker, exquisite paintings are paired with questions about nature, making science comes alive through art. A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year!

In spring, a snapping turtle lays her eggs on the hillside beneath the tree. In autumn, leaves fall as squirrels scamper up the trunk carrying nuts. And on a winter night, a backdrop of twinkling stars shines through the branches. Each day, the tree changes with the purple and pink of a sunset or a nip of cold air. But the tree is more than a thing of beauty—its changes represent the passage of time in nature.

Sky Tree combines the artistic beauty and the scientific wonder of ever-changing nature into a satisfying experience for the soul and the mind.

Each page poses a discussion question, and at the back of the book is an explanation of how Thomas Locker created each beautiful oil painting.

In spring, a snapping turtle lays her eggs on the hillside beneath the tree. In autumn, leaves fall as squirrels scamper up the trunk carrying nuts. And on a winter night, a backdrop of twinkling stars shines through the branches. Each day, the tree changes with the purple and pink of a sunset or a nip of cold air. But the tree is more than a thing of beauty—its changes represent the passage of time in nature. In this stunning book by Thomas Locker, who was seven years old when he won his first award for a painting of a tree that still stands in the National Zoo, exquisite paintings and wondrous text are paired with questions about nature, and science comes alive through art.

“Unquestionably a fascinating, even glorious celebration of nature that will stir both children and adults to a finer appreciation of a wondrous, surprising world that’s right within their grasp.” - ALA Booklist (starred review)

“As lovely as anything the artist has ever done.” - School Library Journal

“This handsome effort is ideal for sharing.” - Kirkus Reviews