The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever

Unearth the true story of green-thumbed pioneer and activist Kate Sessions, who helped San Diego grow from a dry desert town into a lush, leafy city known for its gorgeous parks and gardens.

Katherine Olivia Sessions never thought she'd live in a place without trees. After all, Kate grew up among the towering pines and redwoods of Northern California. But after becoming the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science, she took a job as a teacher far south in the dry desert town of San Diego. Where there were almost no trees.

Kate decided that San Diego needed trees more than anything else. So this trailblazing young woman singlehandedly started a massive movement that transformed the town into the green, garden-filled oasis it is today. Now, more than 100 years after Kate first arrived in San Diego, her gorgeous gardens and parks can be found all over the city.

Part fascinating biography, part inspirational story, this moving picture book about following your dreams, using your talents, and staying strong in the face of adversity is sure to resonate with readers young and old.

Author: H. Joseph Hopkins
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Published: 09/17/2013
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 9.20h x 11.10w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781442414020
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.8
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 160667 / Tree Lady


Award: Kentucky Bluegrass Award - Nominee
Award: Keystone to Reading Book Award - Nominee
Award: Oregon Book Awards - Finalist
Award: Land of Enchantment Book Award - Nominee
Award: Georgia Children's Book Award - Finalist
Award: California Young Reader Medal - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 06/01/2013 pg. 84
Publishers Weekly 07/08/2013
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2013
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2013 pg. 96
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2013 pg. 122
School Library Journal 10/01/2013 pg. 134
Shelf Awareness 10/25/2013
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2014 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
H. Joseph Hopkins lives on a houseboat in Portland, Oregon. This is his first picture book.

Jill McElmurry has written and illustrated many acclaimed picture books, including Mario Makes a Move; Mad about Plaid; Who Stole Mona Lisa? by Ruthie Knapp; and the bestselling Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle. She lives on a farm in New Mexico. Visit her at JillMcElmurry.com.