We Are Branches

Caldecott winner Beth Krommes and Newbery Honor-winning poet Joyce Sidman team up in this singular celebration of a beautiful, fascinating shape in nature. A nonfiction picture book companion to their acclaimed Swirl by Swirl.

Branches are all around us: in butterfly wings, on gecko toes, in flowers, frost, and mud. Whether as electricity moving across the sky or rivers flowing to the sea, branches are nature’s most efficient way to spread and to connect. They are even found inside our own bodies, helping us reach and grow with each breath and heartbeat.

Branches—strong, hopeful, beautiful—are the shape of life. How many can you find?

★ “Exquisitely simple and memorable.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ "Poetic text and luminous scratchboard illustrations with refined watercolors explain the purpose of different branches from the branches’ points of view. This STEM concept book turns to STEAM through exquisite detail and design." - Booklist (starred review)

"With spare but imagistic text, Sidman highlights the interconnectedness of life, clearly conveying how branching is an essential part of nature. Krommes’ defined, crisp scratchboard art is especially effective."

"The creators of Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature (2011) salute another of the world’s essential and ubiquitous patterns. Explores a fundamental concept with characteristic grace and simplicity." - Kirkus Reviews

"Via instantly recognizable scratchboard spreads, Krommes draws branching life with exquisite delicacy. Further information about patterns in nature concludes this striking study of growing forms’ startling similarity." - Publishers Weekly

Praise for Swirl by Swirl: ★ "Elegantly constructed, and as poetry, picture book, or nonfiction, a success in every way.”  - Horn Book (starred review)

★ "Striking . . . Will make the everyday fascinating.” - ALA Booklist (starred review)

★ “One of those rare children’s books that make you look at the physical world differently.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★ "Gorgeous.” - School Library Journal (starred review)