What if one oak tree could help kids fall in love with science, story, and their own backyards? In Episode 194, author Maria Gianferrariand illustrator Diana Sudyka share how their new picture book Just One Oakturns a single tree into a whole universe of keystone species, climate conversations, and everyday nature joy, from city parks to schoolyards. Summary In this episode of Adventures in Learning with Dr. Diane, author Maria Gianferrari and illustrator Diana Sudyka talk about their collaboration on Fungi Grow and their newest nature picture book, Just One Oak. They share how a lifelong love of the outdoors, urban ecology, and everyday backyard wildlife fuels their work and helps kids see that nature isn’t “out there” in national parks -- it’s right outside their doors in cities, suburbs, and schoolyards. Maria explains how Doug Tallamy’s The Nature of Oaks and the Homegrown National Park movement inspired her to celebrate oak trees as keystone species and to weave science, vocabulary, and rich back matter into lyrical, read-aloud text. Diana talks about researching oak ecosystems, grieving the loss of 200–250 year old oaks in Illinois, and visually “peopling” the pages with ants, weevils, and acorn woodpeckers so readers can sense the oak as a living habitat. Together, they and Dr. Diane explore how Just One Oak can launch lessons on ecosystems, climate change, keystone species, and habitats for elementary and middle school learners, and how picture books act as true art objects that teach complex science to kids and adults alike. They also share their creative origin stories, upcoming projects about dead wood and oak forests, and what currently gives them hope: young people, community, and small, daily moments of wonder like hummingbirds, frogs, and backyard birds. Chapters [01:30] Nature as Shared Inspiration: Maria and Diana describe nature as their place of solace, joy, and curiosity, and how their shared love of the natural world fuels their collaborations[04:18] Urban Ecology & Everyday Nature: Finding wildlife and nature connection in cities and suburbs (backyard coyotes, bobcats, and Central Park birding, oh my!)[08:12] Inside Just One Oak: Keystone Species & Research: How Doug Tallamy and The Nature of Oaks inspired the concept, from microscopic soil life to birds and mammals relying on oaks as keystone species.[12:49] Old Oaks, Loss, and Art as Response: Channeling grief and urgency into art[16:25] Building a Spread: Acorn Woodpeckers & Hidden Details: Walk through the acorn woodpecker “granary” spread, talking about lyrical text, scientific sidebars, visual storytelling, and packing pages with tiny creatures.[22:36] Teaching with Just One Oak in K–8 Classrooms: Using the book to teach keystone species, climate change, habitats, food webs, and close observation across grade levels.[26:51] Becoming an Author: Maria's path from shy, nature-loving child to children’s author, persistence through rejection, and turning encounters like Coyote Moon into nonfiction[32:10] From Band Posters to Picture Books: Diana's path from screen-printed band posters to books like The Mysterious Benedict Society, and why picture books are a powerful narrative art form.[36:53] Picture Books as Art Objects in the Age of AI: Why the craft, intention, and skill behind picture books remains relevant and timely[40:01] Favorite Places in Nature & Learning to Love Where You Live: From Illinois forest preserves and Lake Michigan to New England woods and ponds, discover the joy of backyard birding and travel.[46:22] What’s Next: Dead Wood & Acorn Adventures: Maria previews her upcoming book From Forest to a Dead Tree’s Legacy, while Diana shares her forthcoming author/illustrator title The Acorn’s Gift.[48:52] What Brings Hope: young people, readers, community, and everyday wonders like phoebes, hummingbirds, and backyard wildlife.Links Learn more about Maria Gianferrari and Diana Sudyka (and check out the resource guides for their books on their websites!)Order Fungi Grow and Just One OakFollow Maria on Instagram & FacebookFollow Diana on Instagram & Facebook Support the show Share this episode If this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague. Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friend Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.
