Can You Hear the Trees Talking? Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest, by Peter Wohlleben. Greystone Kids. 2019. $24.95 ages 10 and up

"There are fierce struggles going on in the forest every day, and trees are busy sending out news bulletins to keep their friends up to date. In summer, if you're lucky, you might even be able to smell some of the messages they exchange. Others you'll never pick up on because they're passed along underground ... It's easiest to defend yourself when you know that someone is coming."

I didn't want to miss telling you about this. Can You Hear The Trees Talkiing? is a terrific information book for any middle grader with an interest in the natural world. The author has revised his adult book to make it more accessible for young people. He wants them to know that we are attached to the plant kingdom in more ways than we might have guessed.

He talks about many different types of trees, the animals that shelter there, and the ways in which humans make them a part of their life. There are 7 chapters and Peter Wohlleen uses them to provide as much information as possible. At the same time he makes sure that what he shares will bring enjoyment and understanding for all who read it. He asks short questions throughout that are meant to keep readers on task, and always learning. There are activities and reminders to look carefully at what is being learned.

In the Friends and Enemies in the Forest chapter, four questions are presented: Can Trees Talk?, Is There a Forest Internet?, Why Do Fungi Grow on Trees?, and What Makes Trees Sick? Interesting, indeed. Those eager to learn about something specific are quickly guided to a place where they will get answers to their questions. This is a great mentor text for helping writers learn the ropes when considering writing some nonfiction.

Full of data to marvel at and to appreciate, kids and their parents are going to find appealing information boxes, engaging statistics, and excellent photographs that add context to this treat of a book. Peter encourages kids to get outside and take a careful look at trees, the seasons, and even to do some research of their own. In the end, readers will realize just how important trees are to our well-being, and what we can do to keep them as healthy as is possible.

If you are watching the trees in your yard and in your neighborhood, you will notice that they are 'greening.' You can actually see the tree turning color and buds opening every day now. Capture a photo every day to see the progress of spring in the trees that surround you.