by Shikha

Created on: May 27, 2008

Give a crayon to kids and they can doodle for hours; and as they proceed with their artistic escapades and their attention turns towards nature, they begin to notice the sturdy thing with the chocolate brown body and a canopy of candy green leaves and orange lollipops stuck to it at places. Well, that is how kids draw trees. And then a day comes when they ask "Why aren't trees yellow and blue?"

Just in time for you to get a few books to answer their never ending questions.

BE A FRIEND TO TREES (Book and Tape) by Patricia Lauber and illustrated by Holly Keller
In this age of environmental degradation, perhaps the most important lesson that a child can learn is how valuable trees are to life. The book talks about the things that trees give us and the biological processes that take place in simple words and diagrams. Bring out the young environmentalist in your child with a chapter on ideas for recycling.
Suitable for ages 5-9.

THE GIVING TREE by Shel Silverstein
A story about an apple tree and a small boy. As he grows up into an adult, the tree gives the boy everything he asks for asking only for his love in return. Suitable for all ages.

TREETURES : FOREST ADVENTURE Written and illustrated by Paul E. Nunn
Join Blossom and Sprig on a magical adventure to different kinds of forests all over the world. Learn facts about temperate and tropical forests and visit an island forest, a mountain forest, and an urban forest while reading this fun story. The book has over 75 reusable stickers. Suitable for all ages.

A LOG'S LIFE by Wendy Pfeffer and illustrated by Robin Brickman
A simple, informative book about the life, death and decay of an oak tree. The book tells the child not only about the tree but also the ecosystem within the tree, the birds and animals that live in the tree and also the fungi that decomposes the log. Stunning three dimensional paper sculptures take your kids closer to the real world. Do not be surprised if they take a second look at the ecosystem around your home. Suitable for ages 4-8.

THE TREE FARMER by Chuck Leavell and Nicholas Cravotta
A tree farmer takes his grandson on a journey through a forest. And tells him the story of trees, that they live on to become homes, paper, a baby's crib, musical instruments and how important it is to save trees from being chopped off meaninglessly. This beautifully illustrated and poetic book was the Winner of the 2007 National Arbor Day Media Award. Suitable for ages 5-8.

Trees have always been there for us while growing up; for tying up a swing, for mangoes and apples, a place for it' to count while playing hide and seek, to lie down in its shade dreaming dreams or for just monkeying around to annoy your mother. I hope they stay around for my kids to play with.

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