Trees represent every aspect of life, which is why they are a go-to when it comes to thematic or mini lessons on nearly any aspect of learning. Whether you are teaching a scientific concept, the environment, or more fundamental lessons about life, there are children's books about trees with beautiful illustrations, true stories, and types of trees.
In this article, we'll explore some of the most classic children's books about trees and how to incorporate them into your teaching.
1. The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a beautiful book that can be used for nearly any grade level.
While there are endless teaching ideas for this book, students can make their own special tree to show what they can give to others.
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2. The Little Tree
The Little Tree by Loren Long can be found for free on YouTube, and with lessons to showcase the cycle of trees through the seasons. This book is an eye-popping book to help kids who are afraid of going through change.
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3. Kate Who Tamed the Wind
Kate Who Tamed the Wind by Liz Garton Scanlon and Lee White is a picture book about a girl who solves a problem by planting trees. It's perfect for Earth Day or inspiring your kids to go out and plant trees themselves!
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4. Tree
Tree by Britta Teckentrup has clever illustrations that capture the seasons turning with each changing page, perfect for introducing seasons to children in earlier years.
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5. Tap the Magic Tree
This book by Christie Matheson is a picture book about the seasons that helps little ones interact with the delightfulness of trees by tapping, rubbing, and touching different parts of the book! It is great for kids who always want to touch the books as they read!
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6. Trees
A simple title by Leminscates for a masterful picture book that simply celebrates beautiful trees.
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7. Ms. Twiggley's Trees
This book by Dorothea Warren Fox is a little more classic, but it has colorful illustrations and is a sweet story for kids of all ages. This teacher walks you through the book so you can decide for yourself!
She gives you a page-by-page analysis to help you decide if this book is right for your teaching.
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8. Fall is Not Easy
Marty Kelley's silly story is made for kids of all ages, about a tree that struggles to find its true colors. You can listen to the story here to see and view its bright illustrations.
This book is great for discussion about differences and growing up.
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9. Because of an Acorn
This book by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer is all about how one little acorn can make a difference, perfect for ages 3 - 6, or anyone learning the benefits of trees and their purpose. You can even incorporate a whole acorn unit, or just use this simple read-aloud with your students.
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10. Busy Tree
The Busy Tree by Jennifer Ward is available here, showing gorgeous illustrations, and there is this great activity from Crayola that is perfect to go along with it, where students create a tree based on their understanding in this book. There are many opportunities to discuss the types of animals that live in trees.
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11. Be a Friend to Trees
This book by Holly Keller shows the purposes of trees, and quite simply, why we should be friendly to them. This is another excellent Earth Day opportunity or can be fit into any unit in the environment.
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12. The Tiny Seed
Eric Carle is known for The Very Hungry Caterpillar, but he has many other books to explore.
Eric Carle's The Tiny Seed has many cheerful illustrations to learn about growing seeds and makes for the perfect project to plant your own seeds with your kids.
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13. The Great Kapok Tree
Lynne Cherry's classic story explores cutting down trees in the rainforest, perfect for slightly older groups that can be tied to environmental science. Plus, it helps students explore the specific types of trees and their roles.
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14. We Planted a Tree
Look no further than Diane Muldrow's classic for a lesson on planting trees, especially for families planting trees. This will inspire your home or classroom to go out and plant some trees.
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15. Zee Grows a Tree
To continue on with the growing tree theme, this book by Elizabeth Rusch, addresses growing up with the metaphor of the tree itself. How are we all like trees?
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16. The Hugging Tree
Getting more deeply into themes, this book by Jill Neimark is a story of resilience, where a tree perseveres through tough times. This book shows the role trees can represent in difficult situations, which will inspire many students going through hardships themselves.
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17. The Last Tree in the City
A great opening to a lesson would be, "How would you feel if there was just one last tree standing?" This book by Peter Carnavas explores sometimes difficult environmental themes with still cheery illustrations.
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18. This Book Was a Tree
Marcie Chambers Cuff draws natural curiosity with its title, with many more ideas to reconnect with nature inside. In our modern lives, this might be perfect for your home or classroom, helping kids seek the true essence of life and nature.
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19. The Things That I Love about Trees
This delicately illustrated book by Chris Butterworth is a journey through the seasons, showing why we should all love trees.
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20. Only a Tree Knows How to Be a Tree
The author Mary Murphy reads one of our favorite books, showing the different roles people, animals, and plants take on in our lives.
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21. Be a Tree!
Maria Gianferrari simply talks about the majesty and benefits of trees with her outstanding illustrations.
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22. Tell Me, Tree
If you're looking for something with more informational text, this book by Gail Gibbons is perfect for you. The diagrams and text are kid-friendly and engaging.
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23. The Story of a Tree and a Cloud
If you're looking for a deeper story with many literary elements, Daryl McCullough's book is a great match. Inspired by his family, he writes a story of life and death that is appropriate for children and adults alike. These are often difficult concepts to talk about, and this book will help you navigate these topics with students.
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24. Strange Trees: And The Stories Behind Them
If you're looking for fun stories about bizarre trees, this book by Bernadette Pourquié and Cécile Gambini will keep any kid engaged!
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25. The Lorax
There is a reason why this book by Dr. Seuss is a philosophical classic, and while many feel it is "overdone", there are endless amounts of new and engaging teaching activities out there. Even if your students have read this book, the lessons they learn with it may change each time they read it.
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