19 January 2018 BIG TREE DOWN! by Laurie Lawlor and David Gordon, ill., Holiday House, February 2018, 32p., ISBN: 978-0-8234-3661-3

“I’ve seen fire

And I’ve seen rain”

-- James Taylor (1970)

“On the corner towered Big Tree: shelter, shade, hiding place. Just right for sharing secrets, leaning, and dreaming. All seasons, all weathers.

‘Meet me at Big Tree!’ we told one another. Everyone knew where to go.”

There has been a profusion of natural disasters lately. The Gulf coast is still regaining its footing after Harvey. Puerto Rico isn’t even close to back to normal after Hurricane Maria. There’ve been deadly mudslides in Southern California. And I’ve driven through some of the empty streets up in Santa Rosa where several old friends lost their homes in last fall’s firestorms, which leveled entire neighborhoods.

BIG TREE DOWN! is the picture book tale of a smaller, not-so-tragic, close-to-home, natural disaster. A huge tree, one that was growing long before the neighbors were there,  snaps and tumbles in a windy storm, knocking down power lines and a fire hydrant as it falls. Big Tree’s demise and the ensuing power blackout become the subject of an unforgettable day in the neighborhood, featuring community helpers and big machines.

First the police cars race to the scene to protect everyone from the dangerous conditions. Young kids who love giant trucks will be thrilled by the cherry pickers, log loaders, and stump grinders that arrive to help in the removal of Big Tree’s remains and in the repair of the power lines.

With the blackout silencing TVs and computers, neighbors come together, watching and conversing as workers focus on their tasks. By evening, with power yet to be restored, families pull out their thawing food and gather in neighborhood picnic mode.

“There was plenty of food for everyone--neighbors and community helpers alike. We shared flashlights and plates, candles and songs, grills and lemonade.

We stayed up late and told stories about Big Tree and how this neighbor had lived here longer  than anyone.”

In a very satisfying conclusion, the young narrator is part of the group that plants a new tree to replace the fallen giant.

Particularly notable in David Gordon’s bright and lively illustrations is a spread featuring a pair of blurred police cars speeding to the scene.

It’s sad to see an old tree fall, but glorious to see a neighborhood come together in response.

Richie Partington, MLIS

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