Go wild this autumn with our recommended tree-themed stories for children!
Go Wild is an engaging programme of events for families across Suffolk which forms part of our wider Wild Reads programme.
Explore wild places and learn more about our environment and how to care for it with our collection of stories and information books for children of all ages.
Last Tree in the City
Peter Carnavas
Edward’s city is a place of concrete and cars, a world without colour. Every day, Edward takes himself to a part of the city that is not like the city at all – the last tree in the city.
He is happy there, until one day, the tree is gone. Edward (and his duck) eventually figure out a unique way to make the city more beautiful than it ever was before.
The Girl Who Talked to Trees
Natasha Farrant
Trees are storykeepers, witnesses to magic and history. From far away, a girl tumbles like a leaf into our world. She makes a promise, discovers the secrets of an ancient oak, and rescues a boy from a medieval hunt.
She learns how wild apple blossom is linked to three runaway brides, and hears about the revenge of an overclipped box tree. From the underground roots to the uppermost branches, from plane trees in Persia, to tulip trees in North America and underwater kelp forests, she listens to the trees telling stories for all time. And she keeps her promise.
With a conservation message and facts about tree science alongside the magic and beauty of seven beautifully imagined original stories, this full colour, gift book enchants and reminds us of the importance of trees in our lives.
Apple and Magnolia
Laura Gehl
Unusual friendships can be the most powerful of all. Britta’s two favourite trees, Apple and Magnolia, are best friends. Britta can’t explain how she is so sure about the friendship, but deep down in her heart, she knows it is true.
Then, one day, Magnolia’s branches start to droop. Her bark grows patchy. Her leaves turn brown. Can Britta find a way to help Magnolia survive the cold winter months?
With glowing illustrations from illustrator Patricia Metola, this gentle story explores the mystery of trees, the magic of nature, and one girl’s hope, determination and nurturing spirit.
The Girl Who Planted Trees
Caryl Hart
When a little girl’s grandad shows her a picture of what the great, grey mountain used to look like, she can’t wait to plant a new forest and for the animals to return.
Although the girl soon realises growing trees isn’t easy, she doesn’t give up. After many weeks, a little patch of green appears on the mountain and gives the whole village hope.
Then, one day, a terrible storm comes tearing up the valley, destroying every single one of the girl’s saplings. Has all her hard work been for nothing? Or has it inspired those around her to share her dream?
Who Owns the Woods?
Emily Hibbs
Follow a little boy and his grandma as they wander through the wild and wonderful woods. From the forest creatures who scamper, crawl or fly through the leaves to the trees and plants which sway with the breeze, the woods are full of curious and beautiful life.
As the boy is introduced to more and more of the phenomenons of the forest, he begins to ask an important question: Who owns the woods?
The Woods
Rob Hodgson
The foxes follow some helpful signs over the tallest trees, under the carrot fields and through the pumpkin patch, but there’s no sign of any rabbits. What on earth has happened to them? And why are there strange eyes following them from the trees?
Children will love outwitting the foxes – who continually say, ‘No rabbits here’ – by spotting the rabbits in each colourful illustration.
Stuck
Oliver Jeffers
Floyd gets his kite stuck up a tree.
He throws up his shoe to shift it, but that gets stuck too. So he throws up his other shoe and that gets stuck, along with a ladder, a pot of paint, the kitchen sink, an orang-utan and a whale, amongst other things!
Will Floyd ever get his kite back?
Once I Was a Tree
Eoin McLaughlin
Get ready to meet Barbara the beetle and Derek the squirrel who (through the power of poo) help a wise-cracking seed turn into a handsome tree… and become a wonderful book! And GUESS WHAT? It’s the book that you’re holding! A book to be loved, shared and cherished forever.
If you are looking for a laugh-out-loud picture book about the wonder of trees, books and stories, this is for you!
Our Tree
Jessica Meserve
Little Red is delighted when he discovers a beautiful tree, all to himself! But he soon realises he is not on his own – there are a lot of rather annoying animals living there already.
But, after a mildly perilous altercation with a leopard, Little Red learns the value of friends who have your back.
The Wood Where Stories Sing
Andy Shepherd
Do you want to join the Treetoppers? Iggy and his brother Cal still can’t believe that they have the most wonderful adventure playground at the bottom of their garden – Wildtop Wood, a place that’s full of mystery and magic.
There are whispering trees who lift them into the highest branches, wooden animals who scamper into their games, and a secret canopy treehouse den just for them!
But the wild green magic of Wildtop Wood is under threat. Not everyone loves the wood like they do, and Iggy, Cal and their friend Mae will have to dig deep into their imaginations to find a way to make the wood sing again.
What Do You See When You Look At a Tree?
Emma Carlisle
What do you see when you look at a tree? Leaves and twigs and branches? Or do you see a real, living thing, That moves, and breathes and dances?
Immerse yourself in this gentle picture book that encourages us to explore our connection with nature. This picture book explores themes of empathy, mindfulness, and personal growth through the eyes of a child.
The Magic & Mystery of Trees
Jen Green
From the highest branch and leaf down to the complex “wood wide web” of roots, it’s no wonder every part of a tree plays an important role in its own growth and the habitat of the whole forest or woodland.
The Magic & Mystery of Trees is a nature book that takes children on a fascinating journey of exploration, showing them just how special these mighty organisms are.
Did you know that trees can communicate with each other and warn each other predators? Or that they can record the past, and anticipate the future to ensure their survival? Dive deep into the pages of this nature book for kids to discover exactly how trees nurture their networks, and explore extraordinary trees from all around the world.
Around the World in 80 Trees
Ben Lerwill
Where can you find Methuselah, the oldest tree in the world? Why is the baobab’s trunk so fat? Can trees really warn each other that something is about to eat them?
Including a central gatefold that opens out to reveal all 80 trees and how they relate to each other, this book is a visual celebration of the huge variety of trees found across the world, from those you know to those you almost certainly don’t.
As the book takes the reader on a journey around the world, it reveals trees that give us food and medicine, trees with ancient legends, record-breaking trees and more.
Tremendous Trees
Susie Williams
How do massive trees grow from tiny seeds? And what are trees and why are they so important?
This book looks at the different parts of a tree, showing how animals and humans use trees and explaining why leaves turn brown in the autumn. It also shows some amazing trees from around the world, such as the oldest trees such as the baobab and bristlecone trees and the extraordinary roots of the mangrove tree.
A fun step-by-step activity at the back of the book encourages children to get hands on with nature.
Tree Explorer: A Children’s Guide to 60 Different Trees
Emma S. Young
Trees are amazing, and trees are everywhere! In this charming spotter’s guide, discover 60 different common trees to spot when you’re out and about.
Big trees, small trees and everything in between! Whether walking in the woodlands or the streets of your town, this book is your ultimate companion when you’re out on a tree-spotting adventure.
The trees are grouped by size to help children (and grown-ups) identify them easily and quickly, with illustrated flowers, fruits, and berries to show you what they might look like at any time of the year.
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