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WISCONSIN TREES SHARE THEIR SECRETS "'If Trees Could Talk' is a charming and educational book that deftly combines the majesty of our state's natural history with the drama of its cultural heritage, showing the timeless connection between her people and the land. It's a 'must read' for kids who love history or nature!" —Kathe Conn, president, Aldo Leopold Nature Center The Wisconsin Historical Society Press announces the release of "If Trees Could Talk: Stories About Wisconsin Trees" (ISBN: 978-0-87020-419-7; $15.95) by R. Bruce Allison, the children's companion to his 2005 adult title, "Every Root an Anchor." Inside the pages of "If Trees Could Talk," Allison gives readers aged 7-12 a fascinating glimpse into the history of noteworthy trees, both past and present, across Wisconsin. From Kenosha's buried forest on the shores of Lake Michigan to the Wyalusing maple that saw the last of the passenger pigeons and from Aldo Leopold's "good oak" to the disappeared elms of State Street in Madison, these stories open up a fascinating ecological and social history of Wisconsin to young readers. Other stories showcase the state's history: Readers will encounter Chief Black Hawk hiding in a hickory, Civil War soldiers enlisting for battle under "sign-up" trees, and trees used to hang criminals without a trail. They will also learn of large and unusual trees like the Columbus Cottonwood, which was over 26 feet around or, in the words of the author, so large that "it would take you and eight of your friends with arms outstretched to reach all the way around it!" Told in compelling narrative style and supplemented with historic photographs and illustrations, these stories instill a sense of place and understanding of the rich heritage of our trees and forests. The book also carries an environmental message encouraging children to appreciate and manage natural resources wisely and respectfully. The highly accessible format includes a map of historic trees' locations, a glossary of tree terms, a tree identification chart, and a list of suggested books and Web sites for further reading. Media: For review copies of the book, or author or book photos or book event information, please contact Melanie Roth, Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 816 State St., Madison, Wis. 53706; (608) 264-6465; e-mail: melanie.roth@wisconsinhistory.org. The Wisconsin Historical Society Press, publishing since 1855, is the state's oldest publisher. ###
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