The Tree by Diane's House

This full-colour, illustrated story book about life cycles and the food chain begs to be read out loud. Written in the rhythm of "The House That Jack Built", The Tree by Diane's House tells the story of a budding tree and a growing girl. As the tree grows from seed to sycamore, its leaves become meals for caterpillars, which become food for birds. Diane witnesses what happens when living things depend on one another - until they can't do so anymore. This bitter-sweet tale provides a thought-provoking ending for young readers about the circle of life in the natural world.

The Tree by Diane's House is part of the I Wonder Why book series, and written to ignite the curiosity of children in years F-3 while encouraging them to become avid readers.

The I Wonder Why series is a set of science books created specifically for young learners who are in their first years of school. The content for each book was chosen to be appropriate for youngsters who are beginning to construct knowledge of the world around them. These youngsters ask questions. They want to know about things. They are more curious than they will be when they are a decade older. Research shows that science is students' favourite subject when they enter school for the first time.

These books explore the marvels of animals, plants and other phenomena related to biology. Included in each volume is a Parent/Teacher Handbook with coordinating activities. The I Wonder Why series is written by an award-winning science educator. After completing a science activity, rereading or referring back to the book and talking about connections with the activity can be a deepening experience that stabilises the learning as a long-term memory.