Published in partnership with the David Suzuki Institute, this is an excellent hands-on nature activity guide. The text opens with a discussion of the equipment needs, such as a notebook and pencil, specimen containers, magnifying glass, binoculars, and a camera. Students, along with the assistance of adults, can work through the fifty-two opportunities for observing, exploring, and recording nature in their neighbourhood. With clear directions for a variety of STE(A)M projects, children can complete activities any time of year, although some are best suited for summer months, as the author notes. Colour photographs aid in distinguishing the characteristics between deciduous and coniferous trees, butterflies and moths, and a variety of forest floor bugs.

This resource is a perfect addition to your land-based education collection, as the activities are practical and easily adapted to your locality and specific grade level needs. Peter Wohlleben is a bestselling author of many environmental books including The Hidden Life of Trees.

Other End Matter: None
Images: Colour photographs, colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: Lisa S., High School Librarian, BC Books for Schools

Peter Wohlleben is the author of several books about the natural world, including The Hidden Life of Trees, The Inner Life of Animals, and The Heartbeat of Trees. His books for children include Can You Hear the Trees Talking?, Do You Know Where the Animals Live?, and Peter and the Tree Children. A longtime former forester, Wohlleben runs a forest academy in Germany that supports sustainable forest management and teaches adults and children about the many wonders of the forest.

Peter Wohlleben's profile page

Belle Wuthrich is an illustrator and designer specializing in books for young readers. Based in Vancouver, Belle has contributed to more than a dozen books for kids, a number of which have won awards or been republished internationally, including the Montaigne Medal Award–winning Eyes and Spies: How You’re Tracked and Why You Should Know and the Silver Birch Award nominee Eat Up: An Infographic Exploration of Food.

Belle Wuthrich's profile page

Jane Billinghurst holds an M.A. in German and Philosophy from Oxford University and is the author of numerous nonfiction books, including Temptress: From the Original Bad Girls to Women on Top. She is also an editor and has been the director of Simon Fraser University's Summer Book Editing Workshop. She lives in Anacortes, Washington, where she can often be found tending her foxgloves and forget-me-nots or relaxing in a garden chair.

Jane Billinghurst's profile page

Praise for Can You Hear the Trees Talking? by Peter Wohlleben

WINNER OF THE AAAS/SUBARU PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE BOOKS

"A fascinating and detailed guide . . . [Wohlleben] has done a remarkable job ensuring that each page tells a complete story, answering questions ranging from how trees know when it is spring to why trees are important in the city."
—Science Magazine

"A forest's worth of appealing sidebars, pop-up quizzes with fascinating statistics, and colorful photographs add to a strong subtext: Forest preservation is not just important, but imperative. A tree-treatise treat."
—Kirkus (Starred Review)

"[Can You Hear the Trees Talking?] is an outstanding introduction into the world of trees. Highly recommended for students of science, environment, and ecology."
—School Library Journal (Starred Review)

"As fascinating and relaxing as a stroll through the woods."
—Booklist

"[Can You Hear the Trees Talking] presents a beautifully laid-out walk through the forest with a kindly guide, who points out fascinating sights and intriguing phenomena. Captivating, close-up photos illuminate the engaging text, making this both a superb classroom resource and a strong choice for young browsers."
—Publishers Weekly