The 7 Best Children’s Books That Make Trees Magical

Written by Marisa Wilson
Updated: March 30, 2023
© Tommy Lee Walker/Shutterstock.com

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Young minds are the future, and treating them as such is essential. Books can teach children about various subjects while facilitating comprehension. If you want to teach and share the magic of the natural world with your children, then you’re in the right place! We’ll help you find some of the best children’s books about trees in this review.

Regarding books for younger children, the message is easier to understand with beautiful illustrations. Having intriguing art in books brings the pages to life and helps kids feel like they are part of the story. Beyond illustrations, an essential aspect in our analysis for this list was a meaningful or educational storyline. Reading is excellent for growing minds, and if you can teach a child during the process, it’s even more beneficial. 

Some books should be just for fun as well, so a few silly or fun reads are included. This will help make reading fun for both you and your children. You’ll also find some forgotten childhood books you may have enjoyed as a kid too!

Lastly, the reviews of others who have read the books were heavily considered. This ensures parents and children have a wonderful experience reading them. Now that you understand the process that was put into this list, please enjoy these fantastic books about trees for children. 

  1. Tall Tall Tree: A Nature Book for Kids About Forest Habitats
    • 32 pages.
    • Customers recommend this book for children ages 2 through 5.
    • A dedication to the last remaining old-growth redwood forests along California's northern coast.
    Check Amazon
  2. The Hugging Tree: A Story About Resilience
    • 32 pages.
    • Recommended for children ages 4 through 8.
    • A finalist in the Green Earth Book Awards.
    Check Amazon
  3. Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for children
    • 32 pages.
    • A relatively new book, published in late 2021.
    • Teaches children why trees are important, what can be done to protect them, and how to recognize some of the more common trees.
    Check Amazon
  4. When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree
    • 32 pages.
    • Customers recommend this book for children ages 2 through 7.
    • Lemonade recipe included.
    Check Amazon
  5. Seeds and Trees: A children’s book about the power of words
    • 36 pages.
    • Customers recommend this book for children ages 4 through 8.
    • A book about the power of words to heal or harm.
    Check Amazon
  6. The Giving Tree
    • 57 pages.
    • Customers recommend this book for children ages 2 through 8.
    • A classic children's book.
    Check Amazon
  7. I Can Name 50 Trees Today! All About Trees (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library)
    • 48 pages.
    • Recommended for children ages 4 through 8.
    • Preschool through 3rd-grade reading level.
    Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Children’s Books That Make Trees Magical Today

1. Tall Tall Tree by Anthony D. Fredericks (Author) and Chad Wallace (Illustrator)

Tall Tall Tree pays homage to the remaining old-growth redwood forests along California’s northern coast. This is the ideal forest book for children, as it not only entertains but also offers precise scientific facts about redwood trees and their habitat. 

The story is told through rhyme and counting, making it fun to read. Tony Frederick’s lively poetry makes this a book that young children will have fun with and will want to listen to and read over and over again. With Chad Wallace’s rich illustrations, each page turn provides a new viewpoint on the redwood’s numerous moods. The end of the book also includes enriching STEAM activities and additional resources that enhance learning. This makes it a great read for readers of many different ages. Readers will find this book both engaging and informative, making it a vital addition to both home and classroom libraries.

Parents loved how Tall Tall Tree captivates the interests of all ages. Several parents adored how much their kids learned and how much they learned too. If a child’s book can teach parents, you can be assured that it will teach children too!

Pros and Cons of Tall Tall Tree by Anthony D. Fredericks (Author) and Chad Wallace (Illustrator)

ProsCons
This book provides a new view into the old-growth redwood forests along California’s northern coast.
It is a counting book and is told through playful rhymes that make it fun to read.
The illustrations are rich and colorful.
It also includes STEAM activities and additional resources for parents, teachers, or children who wish to learn more.
This book is great for many different age groups.
It not only teaches kids, but teaches parents too!
Tall Tall Tree: A Nature Book for Kids About Forest Habitats
  • 32 pages.
  • Customers recommend this book for children ages 2 through 5.
  • A dedication to the last remaining old-growth redwood forests along California's northern coast.
Check Amazon

2. The Hugging Tree: A Story About Resilience by Jill Neimark (Author) and Nicole Wong (Illustrator)

While childhood can be magical and carefree, children must also face many challenges as they grow. Children are continually faced with challenges that are both large and small, from losing a soccer game or arguing with a sibling, to more life-changing challenges like the death of a parent.

In The Hugging Tree, a tiny tree grows all alone on a tall cliff that overlooks the ocean. She finds nurturing support from the ocean, moon, sun, and a family of loons. However, the tree also must face bitter winter stores and hold her ground as she continues to grow and help shelter others.

Despite her difficulties, the tree remains steadfast. She continues to grow and expand as she is sustained by the natural world and the generosity and compassion of one little boy. Eventually, the tree grows large enough that she can hold and shelter others under her massive green canopy. People of different ages come to rest and sit under the tree daily.

The perseverance of this little tree reminds readers of their potential to thrive even in the face of adversity and difficulties. This book is used by educators, parents, religious leaders, and even psychologists due to its amazing ability to ignite inspiration and teach valuable life lessons like resilience — the ability to face tough situations with grace and adapt like a champ. As the moon says to the little tree in the story, “Sometimes we lose our way. / But with some help, we start again.”

While most customers loved The Hugging Tree, there were a few that felt the story was not super compelling and wished it promoted resilience more directly.

Pros and Cons of The Hugging Tree: A Story About Resilience by Jill Neimark (Author) and Nicole Wong (Illustrator)

ProsCons
The story focuses on a character who needs help from others and accepts their compassion and support.There were a few customers that felt the story was not super compelling and wished it promoted resilience more directly.
The tree remains steadfast even against storms and bitter cold, eventually growing into a large tree that can now help shelter others.
The perseverance of the tree reminds us of our potential to thrive even amid challenges.
This book is used by educators, parents, religious leaders, and even psychologists due to its amazing ability to ignite inspiration and teach valuable life lessons like resilience
The story gives children an example of how to face life’s challenges.
The Hugging Tree: A Story About Resilience
  • 32 pages.
  • Recommended for children ages 4 through 8.
  • A finalist in the Green Earth Book Awards.
Check Amazon

3. Tree Full Of Wonder by Anna Smithers (Author) and Martyna Nejman (Illustrator)

Tree Full of Wonder is a colorful and captivating picture book that is not just educational but also filled with lively rhymes that will leave your little ones spellbound.

With this book, children will fall in love with nature and become tree protectors. They will learn many things thanks to the detailed information, gorgeous images, and activities included at the end. Further, they will come to understand why trees are vital and valuable to us and how to conserve them. This book is excellent for teaching children about the unbreakable bond between humans and trees and encourages them to appreciate and love the natural world. 

Tree Full of Wonder is filled with a powerful rhyming story and stunning illustrations that will captivate readers and adults. The author includes interesting facts about the trees and uses common trees to help children identify the trees in their own environments. Along with identifying trees, they will learn how to take care of them and plant new ones! This book conveys a deep and meaningful story and teaches children why trees are so important and why they need our protection.

Tree Full of Wonder is available on Kindle, as well as in hardcover and paperback. The only problem customers have found with this book is that the paperback book is not super sturdy and did not hold up well with toddlers.

Pros and Cons of Tree Full Of Wonder by Anna Smithers (Author) and Martyna Nejman (Illustrator)

ProsCons
This book is available on Kindle and as a hardback and paperback.Paperback copies are not sturdy enough for many toddlers.
The illustrations are vivid and full of rich color.
There are educational activities included at the end.
The book teaches children why trees are important and why they need our protection.
It also teaches children about the unbreakable bond between humans and the natural world.
The book includes many interesting facts about trees.
The author chose some of the more common trees to help children learn to identify them in their own environment.
Children will learn how to care for trees and how to plant new ones.
Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for children
  • 32 pages.
  • A relatively new book, published in late 2021.
  • Teaches children why trees are important, what can be done to protect them, and how to recognize some of the more common trees.
Check Amazon

4. When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan (Author) and Lorraine Rocha (Illustrator)

It’s common these days for kids of all ages to love playing on phones and tablets. Often, a kid’s worst nightmare is no Wi-Fi. In When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree, a little girl has a list of electronics she requests for her birthday. Her grandmother, however, has something else in mind. 

On the little girl’s birthday, she is more than disappointed when her grandmother gives her a lemon tree. However, as the book goes on the little girl follows the narrator’s instructions (which are both funny and careful) and not only learns how to care for the tree, but discovers that it is something she wants after all.

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree is filled with colorful illustrations that portray inclusivity and diversity in the little girl’s neighborhood. Reading this book also helps teach children how to respond (and how not to respond) if they receive a gift that wasn’t on their wish list.

In addition, as kids witness how the little girl sees her hard work pay off, they learn about the joys of thriving without their phones. This is a silly and humorous book with a fun lemonade recipe that can pull kids away from technology for a bit and engage with one another and the natural world. Be like the grandmother; instead of buying an electronic gadget, get your kids this lemon book!

Pros and Cons of When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan (Author) and Lorraine Rocha (Illustrator)

ProsCons
This book teaches multiple lessons in an entertaining and engaging way.
It teaches children how to respond (and how not to respond) when they receive a gift that they aren’t too fond of.
The book also helps children see the joy of turning off electronics for a while.
The illustrations are colorful and engaging and portray inclusivity and diversity in the little girl’s neighborhood.
Children can see the fruits of hard work.
The book is funny and clever and includes a fun lemonade recipe.
It can help pull kids away from their technology for a bit and engage with one another and the natural world.
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree
  • 32 pages.
  • Customers recommend this book for children ages 2 through 7.
  • Lemonade recipe included.
Check Amazon

5. Seeds and Trees by Brandon Walden (Author) and Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell (Illustrators)

In Seeds and Trees, you’ll meet a young prince who collects green and dark seeds from everyone he meets. He plants and waters all those seeds daily but soon notices that the dark trees are hurting the green ones. 

However, with the assistance of a compassionate friend, the prince discovers that he can cut down, uproot, and replace those dark trees with green seedlings, resulting in a magnificent and colorful garden. The prince learns that whatever he plants will grow — whether they are good seeds or bad ones — but he can also choose what he plants and cultivate a beautiful garden.  

In addition, with the book’s unique and supportive approach, readers can learn how to deal with bullying in a confident and positive way. With this approach, kids can develop a positive mindset and combat difficult situations with self-assurance. The illustrations are also colorful and whimsical, keeping readers engaged throughout the story.

The author was inspired by the teachings of two renowned doctors: Dr. Brené Brown (author of The Gifts of Imperfection and Braving the Wilderness) and Dr. Caroline Leaf (author of Switch on Your Brain). These doctors’ work focuses on the power of words in our daily lives — and Seeds and Trees is a testament to the importance of fostering positivity in children at an early age.

However, some customers did not like the rhyming or pacing of this book and felt that it was odd and awkward. A few said that their children struggled to understand the meaning of the story.

Pros and Cons of Seeds and Trees by Brandon Walden (Author) and Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell (Illustrators)

ProsCons
Children will learn through the prince’s example that whatever seeds they plant (good or bad) will grow, but that they also can make changes for the better.Some customers did not like the rhyming or pacing of this book and felt that it was odd and awkward.
The book helps readers to deal with bullying in a confident and positive way.A few customers said that their children struggled to understand the meaning of the story.
The story’s approach helps children to develop a positive mindset and combat difficult situations with self-assurance.
The illustrations are beautiful, colorful, and whimsical.
The author hoped to foster positivity in children at a young age and was inspired by Dr. Brené Brown and Dr. Caroline Leaf.
Seeds and Trees: A children’s book about the power of words
  • 36 pages.
  • Customers recommend this book for children ages 4 through 8.
  • A book about the power of words to heal or harm.
Check Amazon

6. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Author and Illustrator)

The Giving Tree tells the story of a young boy and his relationship with a tree. Every day, the little boy would spend hours playing on the tree and eating her apples. The tree was so happy every time the boy visited. But as the boy grew older, his needs changed. He wanted more from the tree, and she was more than happy to give it to him. The tree just wanted to make the boy happy. 

This is a story about love, friendship, and sacrifice. It’s a touching tale filled with bittersweet moments that will make you both smile and shed a tear. The story illustrates a difference between “givers” and “takers”, reminding us that we play both roles at different times in our lives. However, it also reminds us that if all we do is take, we leave others — and the environment — alone and empty.

Silverstein’s book also offers a portrayal of a parent’s unwavering love for their child. For parents, it can be a story about finding comfort and peace amidst life’s changes. The illustrations are simple but compelling, highlighting the “thinking” aspect of Silverstein’s stories.

However, it also serves as a parable that exposes the inhumane treatment often inflicted upon others who try to give too much. This book can be a great discussion piece for any age, opening a conversation about what it means to give and what it means to take. Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree is a beloved classic for many, but also a dark and tragic tale for others. In general, this book is best served with follow-up from parents and teachers, helping children understand the beauty of love and giving, but also gratitude and boundaries. As is the case of Silverstein’s books, The Giving Tree is meant to make you think.

Pros and Cons of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

ProsCons
This is a classic story for all ages that will make you feel and make you think.Some people do not like the story and see it as too dark and depressing.
It portrays the importance of both giving and receiving.This is not really a story that should be read without guidance or follow-up.
The story reminds us that if all we do is take, we leave others — and the environment — alone and empty.
This book can be a great discussion piece for young and old alike, opening a conversation about what it means to give and what it means to take.
The illustrations are poignant and simple.
There are many interpretations and messages that can come from this book.
It offers a poignant and sentimental portrayal of a parent’s unwavering love for their child. For parents, it can be a story about finding comfort and peace amidst life’s changes.
The story is about love, friendship, and sacrifice, especially that of a parent or guardian.
It can make you smile and shed a tear.
The Giving Tree
  • 57 pages.
  • Customers recommend this book for children ages 2 through 8.
  • A classic children's book.
Check Amazon

7. I Can Name 50 Trees Today! by Bonnie Worth (Author), Aristides Ruiz (Illustrator), and Joe Mathieu (Illustrator)

I Can Name 50 Trees Today! comes from The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library and is perfect for introducing basic concepts to young readers ages 5 to 8. This delightful non-fiction book includes some of the beloved characters from Dr. Seuss’s books as they set out on a captivating adventure and explore some of the world’s most extraordinary trees.

This book is both fun and educational, teaching young readers how to recognize different trees based on things like the trees’ seeds, leaves, bark, lobes, crowns, and fruit. It also sheds light on various trees found in North America. This is a great book if you’re looking for a fun, creative way to get kids excited about trees.

I Can Name 50 Trees Today! has fun illustrations and a well-designed layout. There is a lot of information on each page, but the design isn’t overwhelming. The information is given using different fonts and identifying scientific tree names in English.

Although this book is part of The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library and mimics Dr. Seuss’ famous rhyming, customers said that they do not have the same sound or feel as his original books. In addition, customers reported that there are a few incorrect facts, but overall the book is very informative.

Pros and Cons of I Can Name 50 Trees Today! by Bonnie Worth (Author), Aristides Ruiz (Illustrator), and Joe Mathieu (Illustrator)

ProsCons
I Can Name 50 Trees Today! comes from The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library and is written in rhyme.Although it mimics the rhyming patterns of Dr. Seuss, customers said that it doesn’t have the same sound or feel as his original books.
This book is designed for readers ages 5 to 8.A few customers reported that there are a few incorrect facts in the book.
It is a fun book that features some of the characters from Dr. Seuss’s books.
This is a non-fiction picture book that is both fun and educational.
It teaches young readers how to recognize different trees in North America based on things like the trees’ seeds, leaves, bark, lobes, crowns, and fruit.
The book has fun illustrations and a well-designed layout.
There is a lot of information on each page, but the design isn’t overwhelming.
The information is given using different fonts and identifying scientific tree names in English.
I Can Name 50 Trees Today! All About Trees (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library)
  • 48 pages.
  • Recommended for children ages 4 through 8.
  • Preschool through 3rd-grade reading level.
Check Amazon

Criteria: How to Choose the Best Children’s Books That Make Trees Magical

Although there are tons of children’s books out there, not all of them are great. Picking a good children’s book can be tough, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. Here are some important aspects to consider when choosing the best books that make trees magical:

  • Quality information
  • Interest
  • Reading level
  • Illustrations

Quality Information

When it comes to nonfiction books about trees for children, it’s important to ensure that the information provided is of high quality. This means that the facts presented should be accurate and up-to-date, with no misconceptions or outdated information.

Any sources used to gather information should be reputable and included in the book, allowing readers to verify the information for themselves if they choose to do so. By providing quality information in children’s nonfiction books about trees, we can help to foster a love for nature and encourage future generations to take an active interest in our environment.

Interest

Find books about things your child loves. If your child doesn’t have a huge interest in trees yet, it might be better to start off with a funny and engaging story first, or one with engaging activities and illustrations.

Your child can learn and read in interactive ways too. Activity books with instructions give them the chance to learn while also providing fun, hands-on activities that they enjoy doing.

Reading Level

Think about the child’s age and reading level. You don’t want to choose a book that is far too difficult for them — that will discourage them from reading it! However, if it is far too easy, that can be a problem too, unless the material and illustrations are engaging. The book should be written in a way that is engaging and understandable for children, using language and sentence structures appropriate for their reading level.

However, even young children and babies who cannot read yet love to listen to their parents reading to them! Reading to young children is proven to increase their vocabulary and understanding of the world, and babies love hearing your voice and connecting with you.

Illustrations

Illustrations are an essential component of children’s nonfiction books about trees since they help to bring the information to life in visually stimulating ways. High-quality illustrations can capture the attention of young readers, sparking their curiosity and imagination, and making the content more engaging and memorable. The illustrations should also serve to clarify the content being discussed, making abstract concepts easier to understand.

About the Author

Creepy-crawly creatures enthrall Marisa. Aside from raising caterpillars, she has a collection of spiders as pets. The brown recluse is her favorite spider of all time. They're just misunderstood. You don't have to worry about squishing the creatures as her catching, and relocating abilities can safely move stray centipedes or snakes to a new location that's not your living room.

The 7 Best Children’s Books That Make Trees Magical FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Why are trees important?

Trees do so many important things in our world! One of the most important things is that they help keep the air we breathe clean and healthy. They do this by taking in a gas called carbon dioxide (which is bad for us to inhale) and releasing oxygen (which is good for us to inhale). This helps make sure the climate stays how it should be.

Trees are also homes for lots and lots of animals — 80% of animals in the wild call forests home!

Wood from trees is really important for making fires to keep us warm and cook our food. Tree roots also help prevent the ground from getting washed away when it rains a lot. This is because their roots soak up the water and keep it from flowing toward your house or causing any damage to pipes.

Why should you teach your child about trees?

Humans need trees to survive! But we need to make sure we take care of them. It’s important to teach children about trees so that they understand this and how to protect them. As more and more people live in the world, they cut down trees (deforestation) more often. Kids can make a difference by learning how important trees are and how to protect them.

How do you teach children about nature?

Observation is a powerful tool for children’s learning. To teach children about nature, it’s important to participate in activities that are outside in the natural world. You can read nature-focused books to them, and have them help take care of a garden or even a potted plant in the kitchen.

In addition, if you want to help teach children how to be environmentally conscious, it’s important to make eco-friendly practices a regular part of your daily household routine.

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