Great Arbor Day Children's Tree Books

Ok, I admit it - I love trees. I am a huge tree hugger from way back when and ask my kids I am a firm believer in physically hugging trees... Seriously kids started fighting and I would send them to the yard to hug trees. Seems I read someplace that trees gave off positive energy. And, it worked when the kids finished laughing at crazy Mom they forgot what they were fighting about.

Naturally Arbor Day is a big day for me. I would love to see all the encouragement to plant and care for trees every day of the year but it is nice having a special day for trees. In light of that I have put together a list of my three favorite 'Tree' books I recommend for children and families.

Arbor Day is April 30, 2010 - plant a tree, read a book, or hug a tree! You will feel better!

#1 Tree Book - The Sibley Guide to Trees by David Allen Sibley In the introduction section of The Sibley Guide to Trees you will get a beginners lesson on basic tree identification: leaves, buds, flowers, bark and more. Sibley's artwork in the book is unsurpassed making it easy for children and parents to identify trees. The book is laid out so related species are grouped together; over 600 trees are depicted and the over 4,000 illustrations in The Sibley Guide to Trees offer hours of fun and learning combined for all ages. While not a children's book it is a terrific book for a family to share and spend time learning different trees.
For more information visit Sibley Guides

#2 Tree Book - Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola Recommended for ages 4-9 I love this book. The story starts with Wangari as a child in Kenya enjoying the natural beauty of her home land. She goes to America for college but when returning home to Kenya finds the land changed. The country has been destroyed by commercial farming. Broken hearted she does not accept defeat and Wangari sets about teaching people of her native country about planting trees.
2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement

#3 Tree Book - This Tree Counts! by Alison Formento (illustrated by Sarah Snow) is recommended for ages 4-8. A counting book for younger children, perfect for young readers, and a wonderful way to introduce older children to our environment and the many benefits trees provide. Mr. Tate's class is getting ready to plant trees when he tells the class to listen to the oak tree behind the school. The children gather around the tree and learn several important messages such as the life the tree supports and how the tree contributes to our lives daily.

Added Note: The author Alison Formento is donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of "This Tree Counts!" to American Forests (America's oldest non-profit conservation group). Alison Formento's web site!

Don't forget to celebrate Arbor Day on April 30, 2010 Plant a Tree! You may also enjoy visiting the Official Arbor Day web site - they have some great ideas for ways to celebrate Arbor Day, tree information, and much more.

More detailed reviews of these books and more published here Lansing Children's Books Examiner. Yes, I am now writing for Examiner.com and love it; I love reading, love children's books, and love writing so have all three wrapped into one job. I am developing a system, each week I pick a 'theme' last week was Arbor Day, week before Earth Day, this week is Horses (Kentucky Derby this coming weekend).