Originally published in TEACH Magazine, September/October 2024 Issue
By Kelsey McCallum
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 Mag. 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, Banksy.
