Published by Anne Schwartz Books on March 17, 2026
Pages: 40
Genres: Informational, Nature, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction, Picture Book Nonfiction

This seems like a children’s version of The Secret Life of Trees. I am unsure whether I will put this in the fiction or non-fiction section as it is very realistic and informational. Sadie and her mother enjoy walks through the forest. One of their favorite trees is a “two-hundred-year-old beech with a trunk like an elephant’s leg.” This beech, called a mother tree, helps feed others by cooperating with fungi to bring nutrients to new saplings through its root system. When spray-painted orange circles appear on some of the trees, Sadie discovers that loggers will be cutting them down to make paper. Devastated to learn that the mother tree is slated to be cut down, Sadie vows never to use paper again. Momma explains that it’s okay to use the resources that trees give to us as long as they aren’t wasted. Carpenter captures the emotional aspects of the trees being harvested and the horrible noise that the machines make. The subdued pastel colored illustrations add to the mournfulness of the text. There is hopefulness at the end because Sadie does save the mother tree from being cut down. Great book for discussions. Amazon lists this for preschool level but I think it would be more appropriate for 7-10 year olds.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library