Mighty: The Story of an Oak Tree Ecosystem
by Henry Cole; illus. by the author
Primary    Peachtree    48 pp.
2/25    9781682637333    $18.99
e-book ed.  9781682637708    $11.99

The life of an oak tree is beautifully depicted in this engaging informational picture book. It begins with a simple yet profound concept: “A blue jay drops an acorn, and a tree’s life begins.” The narrative follows the acorn as it grows into a sapling, matures into a towering tree, and becomes a vital part of a forest ecosystem—providing shelter, food, and resources to birds, insects, and mammals for more than two centuries. It produces acorns, but the text details reasons they don’t necessarily grow into new oak trees. It also effectively depicts the effects of changes over time in the tree’s environment, and of human development, as the forest gives way to a town. Cole’s detailed, fine-lined pen-and-ink illustrations bring depth and life to the natural elements on each spread. With intricate layers, and endless details to pore over (find the camouflaged creatures!), the black-and-white art complements the minimal text, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The text strikes a balance between storytelling and information, educating readers about the oak tree’s role in its ecosystem. The back matter provides helpful resources, such as steps to create an ecosystem and a diagram of forest habitat layers.

From the March/April 2025 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.