The Wisdom of Trees

Book excerpt: With lush illustrations, poems, and accessible scientific information, The Wisdom of Trees by Lita Judge is a fascinating exploration of the hidden communities trees create to strengthen themselves and others. We clean the air and seed the clouds, we drench the thirsty land with rain. We are like wizards. The story of a tree is a story of community, communication, and cooperation. Although trees may seem like silent, independent organisms, they form a network buzzing with life: they talk, share food, raise their young, and offer protection. Trees thrive on diversity, learn from their ancestors, and give back to their communities. Trees not only sustain life on our planet—they can also teach us important lessons about patience, survival, and teamwork. A New York Public Library Best Book of 2021 A New York Public Library Top Ten Book for Kids Green Earth Book Award Longlist An ALA SustainRT Top 10 Sustainability-Themed Children’s Books 2022