Tap the Magic Tree

Was Matheson inspired by Herve Tullet's Press Here and its concept of analog interactivity? Or is this a case of convergent evolution? In any case, Tullet fans will recognize the sequence of commands that animates Matheson's creations in her first picture book. An unseen narrator asks readers to take an apple tree through the seasons by tapping, brushing, shaking, and clapping. The commands are in verse: "There's magic in this bare brown tree./ Tap it once. Turn the page to see." After following the directions to tap, a page turn reveals a new leaf ("Tap again--/ one, two, three, four"); another page turn reveals more leaves. The bare tree appears against a white background and is adorned with collaged elements in bright colors. Pink flowers appear and fall, apples grow and are harvested by knocking on the trunk, and clapping brings snow, which melts as spring arrives by waiting: "Close your eyes and count to ten." It's a good on-the-way-to-bed activity--calming, but still requiring a modicum of concentration and action. Ages 4-8. Agent: Stacey Glick, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (Sept.)

Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-K--The conceit of this clever picture book is that the changing seasons occur as if by magic. Readers are shown a bare brown tree and are implored to, "Tap it once. Turn the page to see." As they do, green leaves appear. Next, they are told to "Rub the tree to make it warm." That results in pale pink buds, which then form beautiful blossoms and a jiggle makes them fall to the ground. Darker leaves mingle with robust red apples, and then leaves turn color, drift away, and snow falls all around. Finally, the tree finds a new purpose as a home for a baby bird. Each change receives its own spread, and a page turn reveals another alteration to the tree's appearance. A few words on each spread keep the emphasis on readers' perceived control over the climate; a call to participation encourages audience involvement. "Pat the leaves-be gentle, please. Aha! Now blow a whooshing breeze." Spare backgrounds maintain the focus on the tree; its thick, supportive trunk remains the solid recurring note in each stark scene. Textured collages add immediacy to each spread. A natural rhythm is maintained through rolling rhymes. The subtle shifts of the seasons capture a tree that is simply a treasure to behold.--Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Proves you don't need apps for interactivity. [A] child makes the seasons change by following Matheson's instructions; each turned page shows the result. You can imagine this book wearing out after repeated tapping, swishing, counting and shaking, but you won't ever have to recharge its battery."—New York Times