Take a walk through a number of different forests across the globe and join scientists and naturalists as they discover many amazing secrets of some remarkable trees. And learn how we can all help protect these important guardians of our globe.
Can You Hear the Trees Talking? Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest by Peter Wohlleben
This book is a walk through the woods in seven chapters. Forest explorers learn how trees work, how they grow, animals that live in and around them, and more. Each spread examines a single question: How do trees drink? Do trees make babies? Can they talk? “Look” sidebars invite readers to notice something, and “Try This” activities provide hands-on STEM activities to explore the forest around you.
Forest Talk: How Trees Communicate by Melissa Koch
An engaging and conversational older middle grade book highlighting various tree scientists and their fascinating and surprising discoveries about the trees’ ability to communicate with each other. Using an underground system of soil fungi and other methods, trees help each other survive and thrive by transferring resources, sending defense signals, and communicating. It also explores our need for the forests and how we can help them.
The Magnificent Book of Trees by Tony Russell
An oversize, browsable book that will have kids not only turning pages, but turning the book to better study the illustrations of three dozen trees from around the world. Intriguing facts reveal the secret lives of each tree, along with a quick “fact file” box.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees (The Magic and Mystery of the Natural World) by Jen Green
This browsable book opens with a map showing where trees live in the world. Five sections explore what a tree is, their flowers, fruits, and seeds, tree habitats, their partnerships with other species, and the complexities of human-tree relationships.
Deep Roots: How Trees Sustain Our Planet (Orca Footprints, 8) by Nikki Tate
This book explores forests through their interactions with four essential elements: earth, air, water, and fire all the while celebrating the central role they play in our human lives. Margin notes include “Forest Facts” and “Try This” activities.
A Walk in the Boreal Forest by Rebecca L Johnson
A great evaluation of the largest forest on earth through a fun mix of text, stunning photographs (with lyrical captions), and illustrated ‘notebook’ sidebars. It explores the lives and interactions of the flora and fauna, as well as the unique climate of this forest. Back matter includes a call to action and additional resources.
Forest Ecosystems (Earth’s Ecosystems) by Tammy Gagne
Divided into 12 sections, this book takes a close look at different kinds of forests around the world, as well as the animals living in them. The final two sections outline human impacts on forests and how people care for forests.
Forests in Danger (A True Book: The Earth at Risk) by Jasmine Ting
From the tropics to the poles, this book looks at three forest biomes and what makes each unique. A fourth chapter examines threats to forests, from invasive species and deforestation to fires, and shares ways kids can help with forest conservation. There’s also a great explainer about carbon capture.
The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest by Heather Lang
Margaret Lowman had been a leaf detective since she was a young girl. Even though most people thought there was no room for a woman in science, she went to university and conducted research in the rainforest. But to study leaves she needed to find a way to get into the treetops. Because, she said, “We had already been to the moon and back and nobody had been to the top of the tree.”
Activity/Field guides:
Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Trees by Patricia Daniels
Introductory pages include “what is a tree?” and provide lessons for recognizing leaves. Each tree entry includes a photo of the entire tree and a close-up of leaf or needle, flowers, nuts, cones, or fruit. Special features and “fun facts” make this more than just an ordinary field guide.
Treecology, 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring the World of Trees and Forests by Monica Russo
Starting with the basics, this book introduces what a tree is and how scientists have sorted them into plant families. Did you know that apple trees are in the same family as roses? From forest basics to food webs, this book will inspire kids to get to know the trees around them on a deeper level.
This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:
Sue Heavenrich is an award-winning author, blogger, and bug-watcher. A long line of ants marching across the kitchen counter inspired her first article for kids. When not writing, she’s either in the garden or tromping through the woods. Her books for middle-grade readers include Funky Fungi: 30 Activities for Exploring Molds, Mushrooms, Lichens, and More (with Alisha Gabriel) and Diet for a Changing Climate (with Christy Mihaly). Visit her at www.sueheavenrich.com
Maria is a children’s author, blogger, and poet who is passionate about making nature and reading fun for children. She was a round 2 judge for the 2018 & 2017 Cybils Awards, and a judge for the #50PreciousWords competition since its inception. Two of her poems are published in The Best of Today’s Little Ditty 2016 and 2014-2015 anthologies. When not writing, critiquing, or reading, she bird watches, travels the world, bakes, and hikes. Visit her at www.mariacmarshall.com.
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