​A story of survival.
A story of strength.

Recipient of a silver Eureka! Award from the California Reading Association for "outstanding nonfiction."
​Nominated for the Great Lakes, Great Reads Award 2019-2020
Dianne, children's bookseller, Snowbound Books: "By chronicling the growth of the world’s tallest tree in Redwood National Park, California, Pearson and Swan have honored an ecosystem that is worth far more than money, paper, and even time. This book is profusely illustrated with paintings overlaid with collage work and text that describes a remarkable being that supports life every day. As in her other natural history books for children, Marquette author Pearson delves into the subject matter so everyone can appreciate these living entities that are our companions throughout life and beyond."
​​School and Library Journal review: ..."Lyrical and gentle text, with a bit of understated repetition, sets the scene; this work begs to be read aloud." 
James Wheeler, 30 year Park Ranger/Interpreter, Redwood National and State Parks: "I think your story, Stretch to the Sun, along with Susan Swan's illustrations will be a captivating read for young minds. In addition to the story of the survival of the tallest tree, you've woven the basics of ecology in a coast redwood forest, including how the dominating ancient trees become vertical layers of habitat for both plants and animals.  The illustrations convey the deepness and intricacy of the ancient redwood forest.  For a young person, the book may spark an interest they carry throughout their lives."                          
The News-Gazette, Alice B. McGinty, best selling author: "Bold illustrations and language bursting with action and sensory detail bring this story to life. An author's note at the end, followed by many pages of back matter, make this a wonderful read."
Through this tree-ography, learn about the amazingly rich canopy ecosystem that exists hundreds of feet in the air and far beyond our limited sight from the forest floor. This book will appeal to fans of ecoliteracy, nature, trees, and forest creatures and those who are interested in the social history of saving ancient species for generations to come. 
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For a book flyer, click HERE. Feel free to share. 
To book a school, library, or bookstore visit, click HERE 
For correlation to Common Core and Next Generation State Standards, click HERE
For the book trailer produced by PookyHonk, click HERE
For Activity and Discussion Guide, click HERE
​For more than twelve hundred years, a little sprout grew, survived fires, drought, and logging, and flourished undiscovered. Tall-tree researchers found the tree in 2006 and at more than 380 feet today—and still growing—it’s the tallest tree known on earth. 

​A unique, vibrant ecosystem hides high in the coast redwood’s canopy: huckleberry bushes, ferns, and mosses grow atop its branches, birds nest and feed their young, while salamanders and squirrels scamper from limb to limb. Coast redwoods are the only nesting habitat for the marbled murrelet that has recently been reclassified from threatened to endangered. (Read more about the marbled murrelet on Save the Redwoods League blog HERE.)

​Now protected in Redwood National Park in Northern California, the tree stands as a reminder of nature’s strength and fragility—and our ability save an ancient world from destruction.
How did this book begin?
​
In 2013, I won an SCBWI Work of Outstanding Progress (WOOP) grant to pursue a children's book about the utterly amazing coast redwood trees. As part of the research grant, I visited Redwood National and State Parks and toured with Mr. James Wheeler, a 30+ year veteran park ranger/interpreter. The resulting narrative nonfiction picture book, STRETCH TO THE SUN: FROM A TINY SPROUT TO THE TALLEST TREE ON EARTH, published by Charlesbridge Publishing, launched October 9, 2018. The amazing Susan Swan is the illustrator. The book is available through your favorite bookseller. 

Scroll down for a two minute video I created from that life-changing experience. If you've never seen the coast redwoods, prepare to be awed! Be sure to turn up the volume on your speakers. (P.S. I tear up every time I view it. In fact, it's happening again now!)

Fun fact about coast redwoods
Ever wondered why Christmas trees are pointy on top? Here is the answer from Emily Burns, the director of science at Save the Redwoods League. 

Do you know the difference between coast redwoods and sequoias? 
Here's a quiz from Save the Redwoods League to help you. Be careful of the bark question; it's a doozy! 

Tallest Trees Around the World 
A quick look at the tallest trees around the world. Guess who is #1? 

More Than Just Parks' Short Film (3m:48s) about Redwood National & State Parks

For Students: An Old Growth Forest Experience
​California State Parks | Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Redwood 

Role of Coast Redwoods in Addressing Climate Crisis
New Research Findings
I had a sneak peek at this picture book yesterday and was blown away. The illustrations are just exquisite. Through collage, the artist has brought all the elements of forest life to the page. Readers will find themselves exploring the forest and discovering insects, birds, mammals, and lizards peeking out from behind leaves and branches just as if they were using careful, quiet observation skills in an actual forest. Carrie Pearson's text is beautifully written and well researched. This is a fun read aloud with lots of great word choices. A fantastic celebration of a forest ecosystem and a homage to old growth forests!                                           
--Nancy Castaldo, children's book author, SEEDS, BACK FROM THE BRINK, SNIFFER DOGS, etc.
A giant, ancient redwood tree inspired this book of history, ecology, and stewardship. Lyrical text, vibrant visuals, and informational back matter guides readers on a journey through time and change.
-- Laura Renauld, children's book author, PORCUPINE'S PIE, FRED'S BIG FEELINGS
                                                 
Verdict: A richly illustrated story of an amazing tree, this is a great addition to STEM storytimes and outdoor investigations. Children will be eager to search for the animals hidden in the leafy art and the poetic text will make a good read-aloud for strong listeners.
--Jennifer the Librarian, Jean Little Library 
Elderberry Tales podcast, "An imaginative biography of the world's tallest tree, the simple narrative and lush illustrations inspire exploration and connection with the world around us."


​carrieapear@aol.com
​906.360.3229 EST