Picture Books that love Trees, Forests and the Natural World
Below are some of the picture books that deepen our love for and relationship with Trees, Forests and the Natural World.
All of them can be found at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library.
Where we can, we've included video read-alouds of the book.
Got a book you think should be included? Use our contact form to tell us about it.
Be a Tree by Maria Gianferrai and Felicita Sala
"Stand tall.
Stretch your branches to the sun.
Be a tree!"
"A lyrical, gorgeously illustrated look at the majesty of trees—and what humans can learn from them." -YA (and Kids!) Book Central
Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) catalogue record
Miss Maple's Seeds by Eliza Wheeler
“Completely enchanting . . . Filled with broad vistas, warm breezes, woodland creatures, and other whimsical imagery . . . With its positive message about the value of nurturing even the tiniest bit of the natural world, this book is simply wonderful.”—School Library Journal
Walking Together by Elder Dr. Albert D. Marshall & Louise Zimanyi
“Grounded in Etuaptmumk, also known as Two-Eyed Seeing, the Gift of Multiple Perspectives, and the Mi’kmaw concept of Netukulimk, meaning to protect Mother Earth for the Ancestors, present, and future generations, 'Walking Together' nurtures respectful, reciprocal, responsible relationships with the Land and Water, Plant-life, Animals and Other-Than-Human Beings for the benefit of all." -Good Minds
A Tree is Home by Pamela Hickman and Zafouko Yamamoto
"In this delightful exploration of the seasons in nature, an oak tree and its animal inhabitants change and grow over the course of a year – just like their human neighbors!" Kids Can Press
Trees by Tony Johnston and Tiffany Bozic
"Explore a fantastical forest in this exquisite and lyrical picture book that celebrates all trees...Part poetry, part celebration of nature, each page of this stunning book brings readers deeper into the majestic world of trees. Old trees. Trees with shiny leaves shimmering after rain. And at night, trees holding out their limbs for the stars." -Simon and Schuster
We Learn From the Sun by David Bouchard and Kristy Cameron
"This richly illustrated book by Metis writer David Bouchard and Metis illustrator Kristy Cameron, weaves together Woodland style paintings with a rhythmic poem about the spiritual lessons that we can learn from the Sun and the seven sacred teachings."
Be a Good Ancestor by Leona Price, Gabrielle Price and Carla Joseph
"Be a good Ancestor with your thoughts. Thoughts become ideas. Ideas become actions. Actions become movements. Movements become change.
Rooted in Indigenous teachings, this stunning picture book encourages readers of all ages to consider the ways in which they live in connection to the world around them and to think deeply about their behaviours." -Good Minds
Thank you Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre
Winner of the Green Prize for Sustainable Literature "introduces concepts of science, nature, and language arts through stunning photographs and a poetic text structured as a simple thank-you note." -Harper Collins
The City Tree by Shira Boss and Lorena Alvarez
"In this enchanting and informative picture book with environmental themes, a newly planted sidewalk tree transforms the neighborhood as residents nurture it through the seasons. Vibrantly illustrated and with extensive back matter, this is a lovely ode to how trees make cities—and communities—better." -Harper Collins
THEY PLANT A SOFT LANDING!!
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
"While out exploring one day, a little boy named Liam discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a lush, green world." -Peter Brown Studios
E.B. White Read-Aloud Picture Book Award (2010)
Children’s Choice Illustrator of the Year Award (2010)
An ALA Notable Children’s Book (2010)
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade
"Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . ."
"In this tribute to Native resilience, Indigenous author-and-illustrator team Lindstrom and Goade invite readers to stand up for environmental justice. An inspiring call to action for all who care about our interconnected planet."- Kirkus Reviews
KFPL catalogue record and in French
It's a Mitig by Bridget George
"It’s a Mitig! guides young readers through the forest while introducing them to Ojibwe words for nature. From sunup to sundown, encounter an amik playing with sticks and swimming in the river, a prickly gaag hiding in the bushes and a big, bark-covered mitig." -Good Minds
The Legend of the Lady Slipper by Lise Lunge-Larsen, Margi Preus, and Andrea Arroyo
"In their appealing first book, the authors offer a smooth retelling of an Ojibwe tale, weaving a number of melodic foreign words into their narrative. At the center of the legend, which explains the origin of the ma-ki-sin waa-big-waan, or lady slipper flower, is a courageous girl who braves a fierce snowstorm to cure her ailing family and fellow villagers." -Publisher's Weekly
Can You Hug a Forest? by Frances Gilbert and Amy Hevron
"Celebrate the beauty of the natural world in this meditative picture book encouraging mindfulness, gratitude, and love for the environment—featuring illustrations painted on actual wood." -Simon and Schuster
You Belong Here by M.H. Clark and Isabelle Arsenault
"The stars belong in the deep night sky, and the moon belongs there too, and the winds belong in each place they blow by, and I belong here with you."
"This classic bedtime story journeys around the world, observing plants and animals everywhere, and reminding children that they are right where they belong."--Compendium
Hello, Trees by Bailey Bezuidenhout and Maria Lebedeva
"Hello, Trees, written by Bailey Bezuidenhout and illustrated by Maria Lebedeva, investigates who we are by taking a closer look at the fascinating lives of trees. We are more than just a body and a name. We are more than just our feelings. Like trees, we are a culmination of many things." -Imaginary House
Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter and Daniel Miyares
"Before her grandchildren climbed the towering tree,
explored its secret nests,
raced to its sturdy trunk,
read in its cool shade,
or made pies with its pecans…
Nell buried a seed."
"This gorgeous picture book shows how one little girl’s careful tending of a pecan tree creates the living center of a loving, intergenerational Black family." -Harper Collins