Save the Tree!

The Big Green Help
Wonder Pets!
Save the Tree!
adapted by Kermit Frazier
illustrated by Amy Marie Stadelmann
children's fiction, ages 3-6

The Wonder Pets television show follows the same format each episode - the Wonder Pets get a call from an animal that is in trouble and the Wonder Pets save the animal (usually a baby animal). This book changes the format, however, and has them save an urban tree that is in an abandoned city lot. The plot is awkward because the song says that the animal in trouble has to get on a telephone to ask for help. Trees can't get on the telephone and trees aren't animals. This book and episode is part of Nick Jr.'s Earth Day celebration - The Big Green Help. Why didn't they have the Wonder Pets save an endangered bug or snake or something instead?
Other than that, this book is charming, as is the entire operatic series.

Secret Place

Secret Place
by Eve Bunting and Ted Rand
children's fiction
ages 3-6

This book was recommended by the local Metroparks people.
A boy and his urban neighbors know that if you look around, even in the most smoggy, dirty city there is wildlife. They find ducks, possum, and more. They keep the wildlife a secret, however, so that people do not disturb the animals. I could not help but think of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Children, flowers, and animals can all grow and even thrive in great adversity.