Wechsler, Doug. What Good is a Dead Tree? A Science Mystery. Lerner/Millbrook, 04/2026. 40pp. Nonfiction. PLB $33.32. 979-8-3480-1053-9. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
The death cycle of an oak tree is explained in an unusual, though interesting, manner. Journey fifty years back in time, to when this tree first fell over, and watch nature turn it into a dark strip on the forest floor. Informative, descriptive text accompanies a plethora of color photographs showing the microbes, fungi, bacteria, insects, and animals that all take part in the decomposing process. Every few pages depicts time moving ahead, from one stage to the next, as the tree steadily disappears. Well worth reading and sharing with those interested in the decomposition process.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library