Jack Pine.

Gregory Bryan is a member of the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

The jack pine (pinus banksiana) is a species of tree found primarily in eastern North America. This charming book tells its story. There is no mistaking Christopher Patton’s affection for the short, durable tree, which survives in otherwise unproductive soils “where naught else but weeds grow.” Humans have seldom logged it because of its knotty, twisted shape.

The combination of poetic text and illustrations is delightful. Christopher Patton’s evocative word images are wonderfully enhanced by Cybèle Young’s illustrations. As engaging as Patton’s poetry is, though, Young’s elaborate, three-dimensional collages almost steal the show. Her artwork in softly muted colours beautifully details the conifer and its parts. Highly recommended.