7 Books That Explore the Importance of Trees

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, September/October 2024 Issue

Fall is officially here! Now the days are getting shorter and the temperature will soon start dropping, and that means the leaves will begin changing too. As we watch forests transform from lush curtains of green into vibrant shades of red and gold, what better time to inspire students to explore the life cycles of trees and their importance to all living things? Plus, National Tree Day takes place on September 25 this year in Canada, in the middle of National Forest Week. To help you and your students honour the magnificence and magic of these living monuments, here are some tree-themed books to bring into your classroom.

Arboretum
By Tony Kirkham
Illustrated by Katie Scott
Big Picture Press (March 2024)
Grade Level: 3–7

Celebrate trees from all over the world with this beautifully illustrated guidebook. Within its pages, students will learn about a number of unique and unusual trees—including ones associated with ancient mythology—and the important role they play in maintaining a healthy planet.

The Comfort Tree
By Holly Carr
Plumleaf Press (August 2024)
Grade Level: K–2

Deep in a forest stands a big tree: the comfort tree. Using a series of silk paintings, author-artist Holly Carr shows readers how different animals rely on this tree throughout the seasons. The Comfort Tree is a stunning representation of the wonder of nature and the interconnectedness of all living things.

The Hidden Life of Trees: A Graphic Adaptation
By Peter Wohlleben and Fred Bernard
Illustrated by Benjamin Flao
Greystone Books (October 2024)
Grade Level: 7–12

This graphic novel adaptation of Peter Wohlleben’s bestselling book introduces students to the secret social network of the forest. The Hidden Life of Trees follows Peter over the course of his career as he strives to learn more about trees in order to protect them. Through simple, easy-to-follow text, Peter explains how trees communicate with each other, how they can impact the weather, and even how they grow together as a family!

The Magnificent Book of Trees
By Tony Russell
Illustrated by Val Walerczuk and Simon Treadwell
Weldon Owen (October 2024)
Grade Level: 7–12

The Magnificent Book of Trees takes readers on a journey across the world, introducing them to 36 spectacular trees of different shapes and sizes, such as the brilliantly coloured rainbow eucalyptus or the ancient monkey puzzle tree. Students are sure to delight in the vibrant illustrations and fascinating facts that accompany each tree. They’ll also get to observe the wildlife that thrives alongside these species.

Mother Aspen: A Story of How Forests Cooperate and Communicate
By Annette LeBox
Illustrated by Crystal Smith
Groundwood Books (September 2024)
Grade Level: K–1

Inspired by Dr. Suzanne Simard’s groundbreaking book Finding the Mother Tree, this kid-friendly version explains the concept of symbiosis by following an aspen grove through the seasons. Within the pages of Mother Aspen, young readers will watch as the Mother Tree cares for the other trees and animals in the grove, passes on messages through the fungi beneath the earth, produces new trees through her roots, and much more.

A Tree Is a Community
By David L. Harrison
Illustrated by Kate Cosgrove
Holiday House (October 2024)
Grade Level: K–2

This STEM picture book showcases the incredible biodiversity of trees, proving that they are more than just plants—they’re entire ecosystems! Trees provide food and shelter for all kinds of different animals and insects. They also keep the air clean, prevent flooding, and protect their many residents from bad weather. Through this book’s lyrical, rhythmic text and rich, dynamic illustrations, kids will gain a whole new appreciation for trees and the work they do. Note that the book has an accompanying activity kit.

Why Do We Need Trees?
By Olivia Watson
Illustrated by Tjarda Borsboom
Hungry Tomato (August 2024)
Grade Level: 1–4

Why Do We Need Trees? explores the many ways that trees support life on earth and nurture the world around us. The book introduces readers to key topics such as habitats and ecosystems, while also explaining the healing power of trees, which species humans rely on for food and shelter, the impact that climate change is having on trees across the globe, and much more. Be sure to check out the other books in the Trees series as well.

Kelsey McCallum is an Associate Editor for TEACH Magazine. She holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and a Graduate Certificate from Centennial College. She currently lives in Toronto, ON, with her partner and their cat.

Education News

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Kelsey McCallum
Kelsey McCallum
Kelsey McCallum is an Associate Editor for TEACH Magazine. She holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and a Graduate Certificate from Centennial College. She currently lives in Toronto, ON, with her partner and their cat.

Advertisement

Read More

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Real (and Really Funny) Math

I'm an author of math books, which may sound like a dry job, but that’s exactly why I do it. It’s my goal to show kids that math can be fun (and funny!)

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Exploring Indigenous Culture Through the Senses: A Transformative Learning Experience

At McKenzie Towne School in Alberta, students are learning through touch, scent, and sound with the Indigenous Sensory Box Project.

The Positive Impacts of Computer Science: What Every Teacher and Administrator Should Know

After working as both a teacher and an administrator, I know how much of a difference it can make when school leaders truly appreciate the power of computer science.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.
slotted pipe | eye of horus online slot | liên quân pc | casino renovations | bongdalu | logo casino | game naruto truyen ky | kq30 ngày | casino vtcgame vn | mhw slot upgrade | slot bonus | corona casino phú quốc | slot machine chairs | cách xóa trang | expresscard slot egpu | xổ số đà lạt ngày 9 tháng 04 | thong ke loto mb | casino bonus deutschland | best online slot machines for real money | game casino truc tuyen | 888 casino | css slot machine animation | g casino online | thống kê giải đặc biệt theo tuần tháng năm | game tim hinh bi mat cua tata tap 1 | casino trực tuyến uy tín | novomatic slot machine | video slot machines | atas casino wiki | antique slot machines | slot phones | xo so dong thap 19 2 | casino hồ tràm | corona resort & casino phú quốc | dự đoán xsmb ngày mai | vao ibet weebly | m88 m88zalo | dunder casino | xsmb 2 số cuối giải đặc biệt | casino roulette tips and tricks | casino organization | netent online casinos | số vietlott mega | gnome wood slot | aspers casino logo | winner casino online | wild swarm slot |