Read stories about trees, tree climbing, and Nature:

Inspiring.    Provocative.    Entertaining.    Enlightening.    Engaging.
Tree-Readers enjoy stories about trees, the environment, and the quest to understand our relationship to the natural world. Grab a book and enjoy an afternoon of reading in the trees!

Even when we cannot find time to read aloft, we enjoy the opportunity to cozy in the shade of a tree and let our minds and imaginations escape to the branches.

​Here is a collection of books I have enjoyed reading in the branches and beneath my favorite trees.  I'd love to hear about one of your favorite books!    Send me your recommendation

Books I'm Reading:

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Book by Michael Elsohn Ross
A World of Her Own: 24 Amazing Women Explorers and Adventurers

"An inspiration for any young person who loves the outdoors, wildlife, or science, A World of Her Own tells the stories of 24 brave women who rose to meet the physical and mental challenges of exploring the natural world and left their mark in the name of discovery. Includes stories on explorers who walked and skied the Magnetic North Pole accompanied by only her dog, sailed nonstop around the world completely unassisted, and set the record for the highest climb in the Western Hemisphere. Their stories stress how childhood passions and interests, perseverance, and courage led these women to overcome challenges and break barriers to achieve great success in their adventurous pursuits and careers."  Where to buy 

BOOKS I'VE ENJOYED:

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Book by Harley Rustad
Big Lonely Doug: the Story of One of Canada's Last Great Trees

"On a cool morning in the winter of 2011, a logger named Dennis Cronin made his way through a stand of old-growth forest surveying the land and flagging the boundaries for clear-cutting. As he came across this particular Douglas-fir, he reached into his vest pocket for a flagging he rarely used and wrapped it around the base of the trunk. On the ribbon were the words “Leave Tree."  Big Lonely Doug weaves together the ecological, industrial, and cultural aspects of old-growth forests and this one tree saved from harvest.  Where to buy 
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Book by M. Amos Clifford
Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing Power of Nature

Forest bathing helps you connect with Nature by allowing yourself to experience it with your senses and be present in the moment. In doing so, you will expose yourself to the mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. Thankfully, Nature awaits just outside your door: a forest or woodland, public park, or your own backyard. From the specific activities discussed, you can begin your personal journey exploring the natural world in a way you may have never thought possible.  Where to buy 
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Book by Peter Wohlleben
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate

An enjoyable story of the secrets trees tell below ground and beneath their bark. Scientific research has revealed more insight into how trees work and communicate with each other in their community.   Where to buy 
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Book by R. Bruce Allison
If Trees Could Talk

Learn about interesting trees across Wisconsin, some alive and others since gone. Each tree has a story to tell; like the General MacArthur White Pine that was the tallest white pine in the world until it burned is 2003.    Where to buy 
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Book by Dr. Qing Li
Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness

"Once you've discovered the healing power of trees, you can lose yourself in the beauty of your surroundings, leave everyday stress behind, and reach a place of greater calm and wellness."   Where to buy 
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Book by Connie Barlow
The Ghosts of Evolution

Have you ever seen a honeylocust with its threatening yet impressive thorns? Thorns are a defense mechanism, so how large was the animal these thorns once detered from chewing on its bark?

Barlow gives us an interesting look into some of the current day organisms that seem out of place without their "missing partners".  ​ Where to buy 
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Book by David Sobel
Beyond Ecophobia: Reclaiming the Heart in Nature Education

"If love comes first, knowledge is sure to follow."

Rethink the way we introduce our children to Nature. As parents and educators, we strive to foster an appreciation for the environment in today's youth. Take a closer look at the formative years and consider what activities may be more effective at building the bond with the Earth.     Read More    Where to buy (latest edition)
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Book by Julia Butterfly Hill
The Legacy of Luna: The Story of a Tree, A Woman, and the Struggle to Save the Redwoods

"I closed my eyes, put my forehead, my hands, and my feet against Luna.  I imagined my energy flowing down the trunk, through her roots, into the ground.  That helped me feel grounded.  I felt the massiveness of her trunk and this deep, connected energy."

Julia lived in the top of a 1,000 year old redwood, Luna, for 738 days.  Believing she could make a difference, she spent over 2 years in the canopy of this 200 foot tall ancient redwood. Where to buy
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Book by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Luna & Me: The True Story of a Girl Who Lived in a Tree to Save the Forest

Luna had been growing for 1,000 years.  Butterfly had only been living for 23 years, but she knew what she had to do to save Luna.  Climbing to the top, Butterfly lived 2 years of her life in Luna's canopy amongst ferns, huckleberry, and furry green moss.  Her vantage point gave clear views of the distant rivers, clear-cut terrain and mudslides that had destroyed a town.   

​A story to introduce young readers to the bond between Luna and Butterfly, with beautiful and imaginative illustrations. Where to buy
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Book by Roald Dahl
The Minpins

"If you never go looking for magic, you'll never find any." 

Billy heads into the forest only to be chased high into the branches of an ancient tree where he meets the Minpins. Exploring their cities in the branches and facing the terrifying creatures in the magical world his mother had warned him about, his adventure calls upon him for a plan to save the Minpins and allow him to find his way back home before his mother finds out he had left his bedroom.  Where to buy
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Book by Richard Preston
The Wild Trees

Talk about a testimonial, this is the book that inspired Tory on her journey into the trees! 

Preston is a master at weaving a novelistic story from science and real-life experiences of its characters.  The Wild Trees is an exciting and adventurous quest to find the tallest tree on the planet and the journey high into the canopies of giants.  Where to buy
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Book by Dr. Seuss
The Lorax

As pertinent today as when it was first published in 1971.  Reportedly Dr. Seuss' personal favorite of all his books as he addressed the importance of trees and maintaining an environment suitable to sustain human life.

​"​It's a Truffula Seed.  It's the last one of all!  You're in charge of the last of the Truffula Seeds.  And Truffula Trees are what everyone needs.  Plant a new Truffula.  Treat it with care.  Give it clean water.  And feed it fresh air."  Where to buy
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Book by Jean Giono
The Man Who Planted Trees

A fictional tale often mistaken for a true story or autobiography given it's touching and likeable narrator and main character.  The story was written in French, first published in English, and translated into many languages.  A relatable story to all cultures, it chronicles the narrator's relationship with a shepherd who's life quest is to re-forest a decimated valley with a dried up well and crumbling buildings.  Where to buy
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Book by Jim Robbins
The Man Who Planted Trees: A Story of Lost Groves, The Science of Trees, And a Plan to Save the Planet 

Adventures in search of champion trees and propagating them for use in reforestation efforts. Explore the science of trees and their inherent beauty through a nurseryman's quest inspired by his near-death experience.  Where to buy
 
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Book by Richard Louv
Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder 

This book might change the way you think about your future, and the future of your children!   read more here.
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Book by Jack Cooke
The Tree Climber's Guide

Follow the author's journey across the city from the treetops.  Interesting encounters and unique insights as he details his experiences with individual trees. 

​I must mention that I do not condone his climbing style as he does not use safety gear like rope and saddle.  Many of his climbs involved risks in trees which I refuse to take these days given the ability of rope and saddle to virtually eliminate the risk of injury and actually expand the realm of exploration.  ​That said, I enjoyed his insight and sharing of his personal connection and experience with trees.   Where to buy