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Books can be used to educate young minds about the world around them. Many times we often forget and can take for granted the importance of our environment including trees. Children will love to learn that trees aren't just for climbing on and holding that secret tree house, they are important for the survival of many living beings including themselves. There have been some wonderful and unforgettable tales brought to life through words and illustrations that show the importance of these large wonders to young readers.

THE GIVING TREE by Shel Silverstein

This book is a popular tale of a boy and an apple tree who loves to give. A significant story of not only self-sacrifice but teaches the many uses a tree can provide. While the story can be very sad for some readers, the actual moral is open to interpretation. Recommended for ages 4-8.

THE GREAT KAPOK TREE: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest by Lynne Cherry

The storyline is simple to understand for young readers. The book focuses on the importance of the rain forest and how much the world around us depends upon its' beauty. A man has been sent into the forest to chop down a Kapok tree. During his labors, he begins to get tired and falls asleep. While taking his nap, he is visited by different forest residents that depend upon the survival of the trees for their livelihood. The illustrations are vibrant and brilliantly depict the story to keep young minds interested in the story. Recommended for ages 4-8.

BE A FRIEND TO TREES by Patricia Lauber

This is a complex but a thought provoking look at trees in our environment. Colorful illustrations and diagrams explain what products are produced from trees, how animals rely on trees and ends with suggestions on recycling and finding alternatives to paper products. Also included are illustrations that show the process of photosynthesis. Recommended for ages 4-8.

TELL ME, TREE: All About Trees for Kids by Gail Gibbons

This brilliantly illustrated book educates about the different parts of trees and their functions. Photosynthesis is discussed and includes the meanings of scientific terms related to photosynthesis. This is an informative book to learn about the types of fruits and seeds produced by trees and the different barks found on trees. Recommended for ages 4-8.

THE TREE by Dana Lyons

With the sounds of bulldozers in the distance, an 800 year old Douglas fir remembers the many things it has seen in the world around it. Will people arrive in time to save it from devastation? Recommended for ages 4-8.

TREES OF NORTH AMERICA: A Field Guide to the Major Native and Introduced Species North of Mexico by C. Frank Brockman

This book is a field guide that features the many trees of North America. It identifies many characteristics of different trees including the bark, flowers and fruit. This guide includes over 730 species, common and scientific names and illustrations. Recommended reading age level 9-12 and is useful for adults also.

Reading a book about any topic to a child can open up their imagination to a whole new world. When an idea is brought to them, children are more prone to explore and discover new things. By reading a story to a child about trees, children can learn to appreciate these large wonders while they learn how the environment depends on them for survival.

Learn more about this author, Angela Pollock.
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