My Forest is Green
Grades PreK-2
Written by: Darren Lebeuf
Illustrated by: Ashley Barron
Published by: Kids Can Press
ISBN: 978-1-77138-930-3
Recommended Reading
Join a curious young boy who explores the urban forest near his home and describes the shapes, textures, and colors of the plants and animals that live there. After walking through the woods, the boy uses different artistic mediums to recreate his own forest at home. This book encourages young children to observe and appreciate the nature around us, even in urban environments.
Share My Forest is Green with a special young child in your life to:
Explore Your Urban Forest
Take children on walks around the different green spaces in their neighborhood (local park, backyard, trees on sidewalks, play yard, etc.)
Did you know? Urban and community forests not only add natural beauty to cities but can provide many social, environmental, and economic benefits including, improved health and well-being, social cohesion and accessibility, outdoor learning environments, climate change solutions, and reduced air pollution.
Explore Nature through the Senses
Encourage young children to investigate their natural environment using their senses of touch, smell, and sight. (Remember, not everything is safe to touch! It’s important to keep a close eye on children and to teach them what to avoid.) Then invite them to verbally describe the plants and animals that live there or represent them using music, movement, and art.
Although not necessary, having some tools like magnifying glasses, binoculars, child-size garden tools, and flashlights might enhance children’s explorations.
Explore The Importance of Trees and Animals
Talk with children about the importance of trees to our lives and the lives of animals living in forests and trees. Trees are an important source of clean air, shade, food, and animal habitat.
Take action in your community
Model respect for all living things and outdoor spaces. Talk with children about putting things back as they found them when you’re out exploring. Create your own urban green spaces by planting trees and plants in your neighborhood.
Remember to check which trees are the best to plant in your area and avoid planting invasive species.
Check out more ideas for creating urban green spaces.
Connections to PLT Activities
Consider using this book with the following PLT activities to explore your community and the trees and animals around you:
PLT’s Sensational Trees: Grades K-2 Activities
- The Closer You Look
- Peppermint Beetle
- Adopt a Tree
Use this book with the following activities from PLT’s NEW Trees & Me: Activities for Exploring Nature with Young Children
- The Shape of Things
- Sounds Around
- Tree Textures
- Evergreen in Winter
- Home Tweet Home
- Community Explorers
Did you enjoy this recommended reading? Check out our list of recommended readings for forest lovers. Our list includes picture and chapter books for kids, teens, and adults so that everyone in the family can connect with forests and trees!
Ana Leirner
Ana Leirner
