What is it like to be a tree? Trees grow tall and strong, they create shade and provide protection, they connect to the world and to each other, offering us food and comfort. Can we be like trees? Can a tree be a special and unique friend? The books below might have the answer!
Be a Tree! written by Maria Gianferrari; illustrated by Felicita Sala
ebook available from Overdrive
We are all like trees: our spines, trunks; our skin, bark; our hearts giving us strength and support, like heartwood. We are fueled by air and sun. And, like humans, trees are social. They "talk" to spread information; they share food and resources. They shelter and take care of one another. They are stronger together.
If I Were a Tree written by Andrea Griffing Zimmerman; Jing Jing Tsong
ebook available from Overdrive
Two siblings journey into the woods in a tender story of branching out and new growth. The sister has camped in the forest many times before. The brother is nervous for his first overnight trip. As the illustrations in this multifaceted picture book show the siblings discovering the woods, the text celebrates the strength and grace of the trees that surround them through evocative verse that speaks to all five senses.
The Tree in Me by Corinna Luyken
ebook available from Overdrive
Through poetic text and exquisite illustrations of children reveling in nature, this picture book explores the various ways we as human beings are strong, creative, and connected to others. Each of us is like a tree, with roots and fruit, and an enduring link to everything else in nature.
Poetree written by Shauna LaVoy Reynolds; illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani
ebook available from Overdrive
The snow has melted, the buttercups are blooming, and Sylvia celebrates winter's end by writing a poem. She ties her poem to a birch tree, hoping that it doesn't count as littering if it makes the world more beautiful. But when she returns, a new poem is waiting for her. Could the tree really be writing back? Sylvia decides to test her theory, and so begins a heartwarming poetic correspondence... as well as an unexpected new friendship.
My Tree written by Hope Lim; illustrated by Il Sung Na
ebook available from Overdrive
A young boy from Korea finds a glorious plum tree in his new backyard. It reminds him of a tree his family had back home, and he names it "Plumee" for the deep purple plums on its branches. Whenever the boy is homesick, he knows he can take shelter in Plumee’s tall branches. And when a storm brings the old tree down, he and his friends have all kinds of adventures on its branches, as it becomes a dragon, a treehouse, and a ship in their imaginations. But soon it’s time to say goodbye when the remains of the tree are taken away. Before long, a new plum tree is planted, new blossoms bloom, and a new friendship takes root.
Be sure to check our catalog and Overdrive Kids eReading Room, for these titles and many more being added!
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.