The Blue Jays That Grew a Forest

The blue jay gets its due in this sharply written appreciation of the bird’s critically important symbiotic relationship with oak trees. A straightforward question opens—“How does the mighty oak tree create more oak trees?”—and the ensuing answer shines a spotlight on how nature’s perpetuation relies on interconnection and mutualism. The narrative unfolds seasonally, beginning in late summer as “blue jays perch in the canopy,/ watching and waiting for the acorns to ripen.” Rhythmic lines go on to describe an autumn harvest that sees the subjects stowing acorns in their throat pockets: “They fly one block, two blocks,/ over a farm or two,/ and hide their treasure.” After winter fast-forwards to spring, uncollected acorns sprout, and young jays grow into the “next blue crew.” Soft pen, ink, and colored pencil renderings have a fittingly feathered texture that enhances the careful detailing used to capture the birds and plant life alike. The magnitude of the blue jays’ contribution to forest health resounds in an admiring and conscientious portrait from Street, making her children’s debut, and Hunter (The Lonely Goose). Further information concludes. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Stephanie Fretwell-Hill, Red Fox Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary. (Aug.)