Watch a thousand years unfold in the life of one magnificent tree! A thousand years ago, a tiny acorn fell to the ground. As the years pass, it grows . .and GROWS into an enormous oak tree! As the centuries sweep by, children play games around the tree. Families dance about it.

A fleeing king even hides inside its hollow trunk! The tree gives food and shelter to a host of animals, from squirrels and badgers to birds and beetles. After a thousand years, the ancient tree finally falls in a storm but a new acorn sprouts, and the cycle of life begins all over again. The trees magical life story is brought to life in Julia Donaldsons rich, dramatic rhyme.

Victoria Sandys gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations perfectly capture the changing seasons, and the people and wildlife that pass by Children will love spotting all the creatures in the pictures, and seeing the games children play around the tree This is a book that encourages us all to look more closely at nature, and to appreciate the wonder of our ancient trees. The final pages of the book contain extra fascinating facts about oak trees and the animals that depend on them. Praise for The Christmas Pine, also by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandy: Magical .

. . as well as paying tribute to tradition, the gentle rhythmic verse and stunning pictures illuminate the two other things close to Julias heart: the power of children and song Julia Donaldson is the author of many of the best-loved childrens books ever written.

She has been awarded a CBE for services to literature, and is the most celebrated childrens writer in Britain today. Many of Julia Donaldsons beloved picture books have been made into award-winning animated films which are regularly shown on the BBC at Christmas.