The voice of Little Tree drives the story.

Carter's use of first person narration gives the novel a personal, almost journalistic quality. As Little Tree recounts his experiences in an innocent child's voice, the reader is in essence experiencing the lessons first hand as he is invited to be a part of the education.

Because Nature plays such a vital role in defining The Education of Little Tree, Carter spends a good deal of time infusing his descriptions of the environment with detailed depictions of the natural habitat: smells take on their own vibrancy, and little sounds and sights appear to Little Tree as he learns to still his body and adjust to nature's grasp. The forest becomes a place not just of wonder but a home. It is as much through Little Tree's dealings with his grandparents against the encroachment of government regulations as his...