OLD ELM SPEAKS: TREE POEMS

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
O’Connell George, Kristine. 2006. Old Elm Speaks: Tree Poems. Ill. by Kate Kiesler. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618752420

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Kristine O’Connell George wrote a series of poems that discusses the nature of trees. The poems talk directly from the old elm trees perspective and also elaborate on the many happenings in and around a tree. The poems are written in a variety of poetic forms. The beauty of this compilation is that is draws you to discover the many extraordinary discoveries that can be found and had from a tree.

3. CRITICAL ANAYLSIS

Christine George O’ Connell has composed a book of poetry based on the theme of trees. She starts off with an introduction poem from the tree. The compilation then goes on to explain many daily activities that take place in and around a trees. The poems describe activities such as squirrel commuters, children playing horse on the limbs of the tree, the fate of trees, and how nature takes its course with trees. On poem in particular that I enjoyed is: Lullaby

Tree sighs softly
as the birds patter about
her heavy old branches,
settling down,
tucking their heads
beneath their wings.

She waits until dusk
has shadowed her leaves,
and when she’s sure
she’s heard that last
soft cheep,

she rocks her birds to sleep.

The language George has used is vivid and descriptive enough that you can sense the gentle loving care as the tree sways in the night breeze to gently rock her birds to sleep.
The tree is personified throughout the book as being strong, yet gentle, with motherly qualities of tenderness and concern. The tree delights in children and animals enjoying her beauty, majesty, and shade. George has also supplied enough creative words that imagery of the verse comes to life. In one poem she discusses the bud and explains how it is a neatly and tightly packed leaf in a valise. What wonderful metaphors that evoke emotions of curiosity, wonder, and the splendor of trees.
The illustrations in the compilation were artistically done by Kate Kiesler. She used a variety of natural colors to highlight the nature of trees and its surroundings. The children’s faces are blurred a bit most likely to give focus to the tree and its surroundings. Kiesler’s illustrations of the animals who visit the tree are given a little bit more substance highlighting how nature works together. The affect her drawings have on the reader are one of peace and tranquility. Kiesler allows nature to speak for itself through its grace and beauty of her illustrations. Together George and Kiesler have put together a beautiful tribute to nature and the majesty of trees.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist: The original poems in this lovely, simple collection celebrate every aspect of trees in a variety of poetic forms including free verse, rhyme, and haiku.
Kirkus Review: …a specialized collection of nature poetry, loosely organized around the four seasons. A lovely, often luminous, collection.
Publishers Weekly: George and Kiesler team up for another close look at the natural world with poetry that invites readers to meditate on trees. Together George and Kiesler have put together a beautiful tribute to nature and the majesty of trees.

5. CONNECTIONS
*Have students go outside and observe a tree and illustrate it. Then ask the students to write their own poem from the images and feelings the tree evoked.
*Research different types of trees and their leaves. Discuss differences in the color, size, and shape of trees.
*Discuss environmental issues that are occurring today and the effects trees have on our earth.
*Visit Kristine O’Connell George on the website at:
http://www.kristinegeorge.com/
*Other related books:
George O’Connell, Kristine. The Great Frog Race: And Other Poems. ISBN 0618604782
Levy, Constance. A Tree Place: And Other Poems. ISBN 68950599X