Kimmel creates a brand-new tale that feels ancient and wise; Kurpiel finds so much more in these mighty giants.

Kimmel, Eric A. Who Will Rule the Trees? illus. by Alette Straathof. 24p. Kar-Ben. Jan. 2026. lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 9798765663493.
PreS-Gr 2–Kimmel has created a new folktale with a Genesis-like start: “In the days after creating the world, God asked the creatures of the earth to choose their leaders./ Leviathan, the giant whale, became ruler of the fish./ Behemoth, the great hippopotamus, became ruler of the land animals./ Ziz, the giant bird, became ruler of all winged creatures.” The trees wish to choose their own leader, but there is dissent. The oak puts forth its claim, noting that it withstands thunder and lightning. The pine can see for miles. The fig offers sweets. It’s the olive tree who wins the debate, for its harvest can be turned into oil, which makes light. Watercolorlike illustrations flow across the pages like unbound stained glass as the argument unfolds. The storytelling itself is also flowing; for a short story, this uses flowery language when the point is made simply and quickly. It’s an idea with faintly biblical tones, but may not sustain children beyond one telling. VERDICT Libraries seeking modestly religious creation stories may find this a quiet, sturdy edition to add to the shelves.–Kimberly Olson Fakih

Kurpiel, Sarah. More than a Tree. illus. by Sarah Kurpiel. 40p. Penguin/Rocky Pond. Mar. 2026. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593697689.
PreS-Gr 3–How can a tree be more than a tree? When it’s loved and appreciated by a young girl and her family. Using rich language and onomatopoeia, Kurpiel shares the story of how the family loves a big oak tree in their backyard. One day, the tree starts telling a different kind of story and must be cut down. The girl, with tan skin and dark hair, wants to save what she can and starts collecting leaves. That helps ease the pain of loss, but the loss is still there. Eventually, new things start to grow where the tree once stood, and the loss of the tree lessens over time. The lovely pastel artwork mirrors the gentle spirit of this story, which also comes with a message of hope and responsibility. Readers will be reminded of other books about trees over a lifetime, including Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree and Jessica Stremer’s Wonderfully Wild, but this one has its own quietly joyful message of shared family experiences and the healing that comes over time. VERDICT This book would be an excellent addition to any library’s collection, especially those needing stories of dealing with a loss.–Debbie Tanner