WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY : Just One Oak by Maria Gianferrari & Diana Sudyka

JUST ONE OAK

What a Single Tree Can Be

written by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Diana Sudyka

Beach Lane Books, 2026

ISBN: 978-1-6659-6104-2

Source: publisher for review (Thanks!)

Nonfiction

Ages 4-8 

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Book cover & summary provided by the publisher through Goodreads.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Explore an oak tree, from its leafy crown to its roots underground, and learn all the amazing ways it supports the animals, plants, and habitat where it lives in this surprising and enlightening nonfiction picture book companion to the award-winning Fungi Grow.

An oak tree is so much more than meets the eye. From tiny fungi to mighty mammals, this amazing tree contains a whole world.

For insects and birds, the oak’s leaves, branches, and bark are a home. For bears and squirrels, the thousands of acorns the oak produces are a nutritious superfood. Owls, deer, foxes, and many more creatures are drawn to the rich and healthy environment an oak creates. Because of a single oak tree, its many neighbors flourish.

REVIEW

Using poetry and expository text, Gianferrari introduces young readers to the mighty oak tree and its importance in the environment. The poetic text introduces readers to one aspect of the tree while additional information is provided in a smaller font. This allows readers to read through enjoying just the poetry if they wish or they can read the additional information for greater understanding of the topic. I loved how the illustrator included different kinds of oak trees in the pictures with all the different plants and animals labeled. The lovely watercolor illustrations with digital finishing beautifully highlight the trees and the plants and animals associated with them. There is so much here to admire. The poetry is lovely as well as informative. The expository text adds a lot of fascinating facts. And the illustrations are eye-catching and support the text nicely. The book works especially well as a classroom read aloud with or without the expository tidbits. Story times related to trees, ecosystems, and nature could easily include this title as well. Back Matter includes additional information about oak trees, leaves, and acorns. Tips on how to help with oak tree regeneration are included. An oak tree life cycle diagram and sources along with additional reading close out the back matter. All in all a wonderful book to be added to many nonfiction collections. Highly recommended.