Trees are some of nature’s most amazing creations! Around the world, trees of all sizes and shapes are the heart of forest ecosystems. They provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, stabilize soil, and serve as essential habitat and food sources for countless species. In these books, readers can 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. They make a great starting point for classroom discussions and activities!
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 the leaves or needles, flowers, nuts, cones, or fruit. Special features and “fun facts” make this more than just an ordinary field guide.
Classroom Activity – Tree Detective
What types of trees grow where you live? Explain to students that they will act as “tree detectives.” Using observational skills, they will identify different types of trees in their neighborhood. Students should examine features such as leaf shape, size, and edges, as well as bark texture, seeds, and the tree’s overall shape. Using a simple tree identification chart or field guide, they can compare their observations to determine the tree’s species or group, such as deciduous or evergreen. As they work, students should record detailed observations of the trees they find and explain which characteristics helped them identify them. Students can share their findings with the class or create a local tree guidebook for the classroom.
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.
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 and the animals that live in them. The final two sections outline human impacts on forests and how people care for forests.
Classroom Activity – Forest Threats
Forests around the world are threatened by human activities, such as deforestation, climate change, pollution, and invasive species. Divide students into small groups and have each group investigate one of the threats facing the world’s forests. In their research, students should answer the following questions:
- What is the threat facing forests?
- How have humans caused/contributed to this threat?
- What damage has this threat caused?
- What types of forests have been impacted?
- What is the impact on the greater forest ecosystem?
- What conservation efforts are being made to restore/repair forests?
- How can students help with conservation?
Students can create a presentation to share what they have learned with their classmates.
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.
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, its flowers, fruits, and seeds, tree habitats, its partnerships with other species, and the complexities of human-tree relationships.
Classroom Activity – Trees in Earth’s Carbon Cycle
Trees play an important role in Earth’s carbon cycle, absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. Students can illustrate their role by creating a forest carbon cycle diagram that shows how carbon moves through a forest ecosystem. Consider how to answer/illustrate the following questions in the diagram:
- Where do trees get the carbon dioxide they use for photosynthesis?
- Where do they store carbon?
- How does the carbon move from trees into animals and soil?
- What is the role of decomposers?
- How does carbon return to the atmosphere?
- Why are forests an important carbon sink?
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Carla Mooney loves to explore the world around us and discover the details about how it works. An award-winning author of numerous nonfiction science books for kids and teens, she hopes to spark a healthy curiosity and love of science in today’s young people. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, three kids, and dog. Visit her at www.carlamooney.com.
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