The Library will be closed on Thursday, November 28 & Friday, November 29, 2024, in observance of Thanksgiving.

21st Century Kids: Tree Advocates

Mona Gilbert, Children's Librarian, Northridge Branch Library,
Happy person with arms raised among the trees
"There were maples and oaks to the west, and a hemlock forest to the right that pulled me right across the sweet grasses, into it. Never, never have I seen such trees. They were giants—old, old giants. They must have begun when the world began."—Jean Craighead George, My Side of the Mountain

I stand in awe of a large Ash Tree, growing in my backyard for thirty-seven years. This tree not only provides wonderful shade during summer, but also is a place of rest for birds and squirrels. I can’t imagine life without trees, as they are essential to all outdoor spaces. Here is a list of books for kids interested in exploring the significance of trees.


Celebrate Wonderful Trees


Book cover for Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees
Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees
Prévot, Franck

"A tree has roots in the soil yet reaches to the sky. It tells us that in order to aspire we need to be grounded and that no matter how high we go it is from our roots that we draw sustenance. It is a reminder to all of us who have had success that we cannot forget where we came from. It signifies that no matter how powerful we become in government or how many awards we receive, our power and strength and our ability to reach our goals depend on the people, those whose work remain unseen, who are the soil out of which we grow, the shoulders on which we stand."― Wangari Maathai


Book cover for My Side of the Mountain
My Side of the Mountain
George, Jean Craighead

Book cover for 111 Trees: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl
111 Trees: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl
Singh, Rina

Book cover for The Magic and Mystery of Trees
The Magic and Mystery of Trees
Green, Jen

Book cover for Treecology: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring the World of Trees and Forests
Treecology: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring the World of Trees and Forests
Russo, Monica

Book cover for The Tree Lady
The Tree Lady
Hopkins, H. Joseph.

Book cover for Trees: Kings of the Forest
Trees: Kings of the Forest
Hirsch, Andy

Book cover for A Forest in the City: ThinkCities Series, Book 1
A Forest in the City: ThinkCities Series, Book 1
Curtis, Andrea

Book cover for Redwoods
Redwoods
Chin, Jason

If you had to choose one book to read about Redwoods, this would be it. This lovely book packs interesting facts into each page, paired with stunning illustrations that whisk the reader off to the heart of a Redwood forest, no matter where they happen to be (even if they’re in the heart of the big city). Kids and adults alike will walk away with a new appreciation for these trees and how they shape the world around them after reading this book. Recommended for ages 4+.

Fun fact: Redwood trees can live for more than 2,000 years and grow over 350 feet tall!


Book cover for Can You Hear the Trees Talking?: Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest
Can You Hear the Trees Talking?: Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest
Wohlleben, Peter

Book cover for Deep Roots: How Trees Sustain Our Planet
Deep Roots: How Trees Sustain Our Planet
Tate, Nikki


 

 

 

Top