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Environmental issues don't usually rate very highly on a child's list of fun, interesting subjects, which makes for a rather difficult challenge for authors when it comes to presenting this topic in a way that will engage and hold a child's attention. Of those who have tried, the resulting stories have had varying success. Two childrens books relating to the protection and care of trees stand out in my mind for their strong morals expressed in captivating storylines that children can relate to.

"THE LORAX", by Dr. Seuss is a clever, amusing story with all the unique and bizarre imagery that this popular children's author is famous for.

The tale begins with a young boy who sets out to learn about how and why the legendary Lorax disappeared. On his travels he encounters a dark and desolate place, and the troubled whisper of the elusive Once-ler who lives there. Through an odd contraption called a whisper-ma-phone, the Once-ler relays a sad story of the beautiful forest that once existed on the now dry, parched soil. He speaks of the woolly, colourful Truffula trees that grew in abundance and supplied the local wildlife with wonderful sweet fruit. With much regret, he tells how he chopped down one of those trees and used its fluffy top to knit a "thneed", a strange looking garment which he described as "a fine something that all people need".

The Lorax, who appeared from inside the felled tree, and claimed to speak for all the Truffula trees, was awfully concerned by the Once-ler's actions. He warned the Once-ler to leave the trees alone or suffer the consequences, but when someone bought his beautiful thneed, the Once-ler became greedy and started a thneed making business, inviting all his family to join him in his venture. The Lorax continually pleaded with the Once-ler to stop destroying the forest but soon the last of the Truffula trees was gone. The Lorax picked himself up by the seat of his pants and vanished into the smog that had gathered over the barren wasteland that remained.

The young boy is devastated to hear of such a miserable story, but the Once-ler then hands him the last of his Truffula tree seeds, and begs him to plant it so that the forest can regenerate and the Lorax and all the wildlife can return.

With "The Lorax", Dr. Seuss has woven a powerful environmental message into an entertaining and original story that fascinates its readers all the way to the last page.

"FERNGULLY" by Diana Young is an enchanting fairy story that skillfully combines

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