Thank You, Old Oak - Hardcover

by Britt Crow-Miller (Author), Amy Schimler-Safford (Illustrator)

A 2026 Massachusetts Book Award longlist title

"An arboreal appreciation, told with sensitive prose and detailed illustrations." - Kirkus Reviews

"A touching story, engaging illustrations, and valuable educational content in the back matter make for a great addition to school library collections" - School Library Journal

A charming story about the lifecycle of a mother tree and the creatures who rely on her.

Just like that, Old Oak's rooted life came to an end.
Even with her tap root severed, Old Oak would bring new life to the forest.

After 400 years in the forest, it's time for Old Oak to fall. With a pop, frenzy of snaps, and a flurry of movement, she leans to one side and falls heavily to rest on the forest floor. When news of beloved Old Oak spreads throughout the forest, creatures big and small gather to show their gratitude for all she gave in her rooted life.

The squirrels thank her for the acorns, leaf buds, and catkins. The rabbits remember the cozy burrows her roots provided. Even the weevils scuttle aboveground to acknowledge all she gave them as tiny grubs. But the creatures soon discover Old Oak's life is actually just beginning, and her legacy will serve the forest for hundreds of years to come.

• Teaches kids about all of the unique ways trees provide resources for the forest ecosystem
• Features a wide range of forest creatures
• Includes endnotes about oak trees, tree rings, and the forest ecosystem

Back Jacket

After 400 years in the forest, it's time for Old Oak to fall. But her life is just beginning.
A charming story about the lifecycle of a mother tree and the creatures who rely on her. Includes end notes about oak trees, tree rings, and the forest ecosystem.

Author Biography

Britt Crow-Miller's life has played out against the backdrop of incredible, old trees -- from climbing their branches and enjoying their shade, to walking among their roots. She now explores the forests and advocates for trees in western Massachusetts, USA, where she lives with her family and too many pets. In addition to writing, Britt also works as a professor of environmental geography and as an environmental educator.

Amy Schimler-Safford recently relocated from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest, USA, with her family. She is having fun discovering new plant and animal life to draw and paint. Having grown up by the beach, she is also finding it wonderful to be reacquainted with the local seagulls. She has illustrated many children's books including The Seagull and the Sea Captain, Inky's Amazing Escape, Look and Listen, and At the Pond.