by Karen Ellis

Created on: May 24, 2008   Last Updated: November 23, 2011

Some people say they can talk to trees and sometimes the trees actually talk back. How would your child answer the question, have you ever met a tree? What would your child say about trees that talk and what would  they say to them if they had the chance.

The Giving Tree
Shel Silverstein
Ages 4 - 8

The giving tree begins its story as shade for a little boy and the children in a playground. It provided apples for him to eat, branches for him to swing on. The tree was happy as long as the boy was happy. But the boy grew older - he wanted more. His greed gave way to asking for money and a house. The tree gives up its branches and all that it has to make the boy happy. He returns to the tree (stump) as an elderly man and tree offers itself for him to sit upon. This is an excellent book to read with a child and discuss the meaning and morals.

The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest
Lynne Cherry
Ages 4 - 8

What a great learning book about the Amazon Rain Forest and the effect destroying it has not only on humans, but all the creatures who live there. A man is sent into the rain forest to chop down a Kapok Tree. After much work, he becomes tired. Laying down to rest, he falls asleep. All of the rain forest animals, birds, frogs, monkeys, snakes, a jaguar and a child, plead with the man while he sleeps not to destroy their home. This book gives the parent an opportunity to discuss conservation with their child.

The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale
Angela Elwell Hunt
Ages - all

Actually this book is listed for preschool age children. However, I personally own this book and read it every Christmas for my own enjoyment. It is one of my favorite books. The book is Christian related and should be purchased according to your own beliefs. The story if of three trees who live on a mountain top and each have their individual dreams. All the dreams come true, however, the results are very unexpected. Highly recommended.

A Tree Is Nice
Janice May Udry
Ages 4 - 8

A simple, yet beautiful tale about all great things about trees. A good book for beginning readers as the words are not too long. Be careful, by the time your child finishes this book they may be a certified "tree hugger." At the end of the book, the reader is encouraged to plant a tree of their own. This book won the prestigious Caldecott Award.

Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai
Claire A Nivola
Ages 4 - 8

This is the story of Wangari Maathai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize and was the founder of the Green Belt Movement. Maathai grew up in a land where food was bountiful, fish swam in the streams and the people were content. She went away to America to attend college. When she returns she finds a desolate land and malnourished people. After reading this book, I dare you to not want to go out and plant a tree. Highly recommended, one of my favorites.

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