Celebrate Arbor Day: Our 5 favorite children’s books about trees

Today is Nebraska’s favorite holiday! The first Arbor Day was celebrate on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska City when J. Sterling Morgan oversaw the planting of nearly 1 million trees in Nebraska.

Share the green and growing spirit of Arbor Day with the kids in your life with some of our favorite children’s books about trees.

A House Held Up By Trees by Ted Kooser

Written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning Nebraska poet, this book tells the story of one house. While there are no trees near it when it’s new, as time passes and the house experiences many losses and changes, the trees encroach, gradually lifting the house to a happier place.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

A classic that’s as relevant now as it was 50 years ago when it was first published, The Giving Tree chronicles the relationship between a tree and the child that she loves. The tree gladly gives everything she has to the child, who never gives back. It’s a touching look at the nature of selfless love.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Long before the mainstream concern about conservation and going green, The Lorax warned children about the dangers of being careless with our trees. Perfect for preschoolers, this story is fun enough to hold their attention with a lesson that children will carry for a lifetime.

Curious George Plants a Tree by H. A. Rey

Everyone’s favorite monkey goes on an ecological adventure. The book teaches the concepts of conservation, recycling and the importance of trees to the health of our planet and atmosphere.

A Grand Old Tree by Mary Newell Depalma

This poignant story about a tree’s cycle of life and renewal teaches children about the power of nature to come back, year after year and endure . . . particularly when we help it along.

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