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Best Books on Trees

20 Jun, 2023
Best Books on Trees

Have you been in a rut and unsure about what to read? iTrees.com has got you covered! Check out our specially curated list of the BEST books on trees — our list has books for young adult readers, books for us adults, and fun reads for you and your littles. 

Some of the books on this list will shift your perspective about trees. Step out of the box you have in your head about trees. Head to your local library or the internet and grab one of these books. 

You will not want to put these books down, but please feel free to dip in and out of them. These books are more than just a coffee table ornament. The books on this list will be something that you will want to return to again and again.


Our Best Books on Trees List 

Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li

A book on the Japanese art and science of how trees can improve our health and happiness. This is a must-read!

 

Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins

A book for both young and old. This colorful book gives a close-up look at North American tree leaves. Engaging and educational, detailing reasons why leaves change color in the fall.

Autumn Leaves


The Man Who Planted Trees: A Story of Lost Groves, the Science of Trees, and a Plan to Save the Planet by Jim Robbins

A story about David Milarchs journey to clone the BIGGEST trees on the earth. All in an attempt to save our forests.

 

The Whisper of a Million Leaves by Beatrice Haverich

Beatrice Haverich, a photographer, views trees as survivors. Her portraits of trees in this book observe their state among cityscapes, after storms, in abandonment, and she recognizes how they persist, even still. 

 

Tree Stories: A Collection of Extraordinary Encounters Edited by Warren David Jacobs and Karen I. Shragg

 

Meetings with Remarkable Trees by Thomas Pakenham

A wonderfully whimsical book of tree portraits compiled based on their "Tree Personalities," Natives, Travelers, Shrines, Fantasies, and Survivors.

Meetings with Remarkable Trees 


The Wild Muir: Twenty-Two of John Muir's Greatest Adventures by Lee Stetson

This book features some of John Muir's best writing.

"From the famous avalanche ride off the rim of Yosemite Valley to his night spent weathering a windstorm at the top of a tree to death-defying falls on Alaskan glaciers, the renowned outdoorsman’s exploits are related in passages that are by turns exhilarating, unnerving, dizzying, and outrageous."

 

The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America by Douglas Brinkley

This epic biography details the life and legacy of our 26th President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt. This great American leader championed conservation, working tirelessly and without apology to reclaim and protect our nation's land, natural resources, and wildlife. He is responsible for saving some of our country's most valued assets, including many National Parks. 

Wilderness Warriors


A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

A story taking place in the early 1900s. The idea behind this book is to live with tenacity, to have and show determination during even the most difficult circumstances. An analogy, if you will, of fighting for survival, fighting for basic necessities of life such as sun and air. This book is not directly about trees or nature but an interpretation of encouragement and growth. This book is listed as a PBS Great American Read Top 100 pick

 

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World by Peter Wohleben

This New York Times bestseller takes scientific evidence to show how trees are like humans. Trees take on the job of parenthood with their children and communicate and support one another. 

 

Thoreau and the Language of Trees by Richard Higgins

Thoreau and the Language of Trees explore Henry Thoreau's deep connection to trees. Thoreau credits his inspiration to his most creative muse, trees!

"When Thoreau wrote that the poet loves the pine tree as his own shadow in the air, he was speaking about himself. In short, he spoke their language." 

 

Tree Soldier: A Children's Book About the Value of Family by Sarah M. Flores, Illustrated by Maksym Stasiuk

An enchanting tale of Billy and a tree that changes his perspective on happiness.

 

Poetrees by Douglas Florian

Douglas Florian wrote and illustrated this whimsical book of tree poems that describe the "...incredible heights and shapes of the trees."

 

Bertolt by Jacques Goldstyn

A book about a boy and his best friend, an oak tree named Bertolt. This is a deeply felt book about "...loss, sorrow, and acceptance."

 

The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins, Illustrated by Jill McElmurry

This true story of a green activist named Kate Sessions is wonderfully illustrated and details just what it takes to use your talents and follow your dreams!

 

Maple by Lori Nichols

"Lori Nichols’ enchanting debut features an irresistible, free-spirited, nature-loving little girl who greets the changing seasons and a new sibling with arms wide open."

 

Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer, Adam Schaefer, Illustrated by Frann Preston -Gannon

"Because of an acorn, a tree grows, a bird nests, a seed becomes a flower. Enchanting die-cuts illustrate the vital connections between the layers of an ecosystem in this magical book. Wander down the forest path to learn how every tree, flower, plant, and animal connect to one another in spiraling circles of life. An acorn is just the beginning."

 

The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups by Gina Ingoglia

This guide will answer all of your children's questions (and even some of your own) about 33 different trees native to North America. 

 

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

A book for readers of all ages, Shel Silverstein's way with words and delicate illustrations teaches the simple lesson of giving without expecting anything in return. 

The Giving Tree


The Lorax by Dr. Suess

This book is a total classic! Fun and brightly illustrated, this book details the importance of appreciating our natural resources and highlights just how critical it is to replenish them. 

 

A Tree Is Nice by Janice May Udry, Illustrated by Marc Simont

This Caldecott Medal winner tells a "...classic tale about the beauty of the everyday world. Simont's watercolors perfectly complement the poetic simplicity of the text, allowing the reader room to engage in his, or her own imaginative embroiderings about trees." 


With help from the Tree Love" Amazon Book List, specially curated by @thelibrarymama, a fellow tree lover and librarian, and Amazon.com

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