Bristlecone: The Secret Life of the World's Oldest Tree

by Alexandra Siy,

Illustrated by Marlo Garnsworthy

Living for more than five thousand years, ancient bristlecone pines are the oldest trees on Earth.

Interweaving lovely, meticulously drawn pictures with a story line that spans 5,000 years, Alexandra Siy invites young naturalists to explore the secrets of the world’s oldest trees—secrets of the earth’s climate, recorded in their tree rings, and secrets of the bristlecones’ resilience, as a species that lives in the harshest of environments. Recorded in their rings is evidence of a changing planet. A volcano erupts in 2036 BC. In 775, a storm explodes on the sun. Lightning strikes in 1122. And during the 20th century, the temperature increases dramatically. Alexandra Siy’s lyrical text, paired with Marlo Garnsworthy’s meticulously researched mixed media paintings, reveals the life cycle of the mysterious and ancient bristlecone pine.

Free, downloadable activities designed to accompany the book are available on the publisher's website. Research, nature, art, vocabulary, and literature activities address Common Core State Standards: ELA/Literacy and Next Generation Science Standards. 

Hardcover / Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Nature / Trees & Forests / Botany / Environmental Conservation & Protection / Environmental Science & Ecosystems / Earth Sciences / Geography