I like this book! Jack and the Beanstalk is an old favorite of mine! I really liked that even though it was never said in the story, kids who are familiar with that story could link the two together. ( )

For Thea's science project she wanted to explore beans growing. So she planted them in her backyard and would evaluate the growth of the plants each day. But, something was different about these beans she planted. They grew so quickly soon she couldn't even see the top. Before reading the inner pages or anything about this story it reminded me of a version of Jack and the beanstalk. I really enjoyed this book and think kids will too. ( )

Thea's Tree follows Thea, a little girl that has to do a science project. She plants a small purple seed in her yard and it grows very rapidly over the next few days. In a very short period of time, the plant has grown into a tree so large that the sun isn't even visible from her yard anymore. Many scientists cannot figure out what type of tree it is o how it got so big, but it disappears one day after a giant jumps out and runs away. This book is surely a science fiction book, or more so a fiction book that is about science. Its not scientifically possible for a plant to grown that fast and that large in that short amount of time. Regardless, the book was very entertaining. It was told entirely through letters written by Thea and other scientific professionals, and other professionals that work in the field of things that Thea mysteriously finds in the tree. I takes place in Topeka, Kansas and I assume Thea is in 3rd grade. ( )

When Thea started working on her science project she had no idea what was going to happen. She planted a tiny purple seed and observed it each and everyday. She observed that it was turning the ground purple so her teacher advised her to get in touch with local specialists to find out more about her plant. However, after getting in touch with many specialists, Thea could not figure out what type of plant she had grown. Eventually, the plant grew so large that it was even inside her house. Also, a mysterious golden egg and singing harp appeared as well. Things keep getting stranger and stranger the longer the plant grows. One day, the entire plant crashed down into a big giant hole in the ground. Thea might have a hard time getting anyone to believe that what she observed actually happened. This book would be great to share when teaching students about how to grow plants. ( )

In my opinion, this book would be a great read for a science class. There are not many scientific information to learn but the plot and story of this book is a great introduction for a fourth or fifth grade class who are beginning a unit on science projects. The story is humorous and interesting for young readers because the book is told entirely through letters and “uproarious” pictures. The letters that are written throughout the story are very humorous in language and content. My personal favorite part of the story is when Thea sends a letter to the Trent Tree Removal company to come remove the tree. However, the tree company is unable to help. The letter read, “…sorry, young lady, but I've never seen anything like this in Topeka, and I give up. You’re on your own!” The illustration that corresponds with this page enhances the writing by showing the reader exactly why the tree company did not/could not cut down the tree. The message of this story is to show readers how exciting and interesting science projects could be. In the end of the book, Thea believes she could use what she learned during her month of research and begin another study. She is a TRUE scientist! ( )