Tap the Magic Tree
by Christie Matheson; 
illus. by the author
Preschool   Greenwillow   40 pp.
9/13   978-0-06-227445-8   $15.99

The book begins with a “bare brown tree,” its outstretched branches and twisting trunk shown against a crisp white page. In order to see the tree’s “magic,” the text instructs readers or listeners to “tap it once”; and with a page turn the tree now has one bright green leaf. Four more taps and another page turn result in four more green leaves. As the book goes on, children can rub the tree, tap new pink buds, and even blow the tree a kiss; the pink buds turn to blossoms, darker green leaves appear, apples grow. The story moves through the seasons, urging patience in wintertime when the bare branches are covered in pale blue snow. Finally it is back to spring, concluding with the appearance of a birds’ nest and some bright new leaves: “It begins again.” Perhaps inspired by the very popular Press Here (rev. 7/11), this is winsome in its own right and stylishly designed. The story has a satisfying arc that encourages children to closely observe the seemingly magical way real trees change throughout the year.

From the January/February 2014 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.