Tree books are a timeless product that have been around for centuries, providing both entertainment and education. These books are made from paper, which is derived from trees, and they come in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and educational textbooks. Tree books have been a staple in many households and libraries, and they continue to be a popular choice for those who prefer the feel and smell of a physical book.
One of the critical things to consider when purchasing tree books is the quality of the paper. The type of paper used can affect the durability and readability of the book. For example, books printed on low-quality paper may yellow and become brittle over time, making them difficult to read. On the other hand, books printed on high-quality paper can withstand the test of time and remain in good condition for years to come.
Another important factor to consider when purchasing tree books is the genre and content. Different genres have different paper requirements, such as thicker paper for art books or glossy paper for photography books. It’s also essential to consider the content of the book and whether it aligns with your interests and preferences.
At our publication, we understand the importance of finding the right tree book for your needs. We spent hours researching and testing various tree books to identify the ones that provide the best reading experience. In the following sections, we will share our top picks for different genres and provide insights on what to look for when purchasing a tree book.
Top 3 Best Tree Books
2. The Tree Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Trees
3. National Geographic Pocket Guide to Trees
We love reading books about trees and their importance in our ecosystem. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best tree books that we think you’ll enjoy. From informative guides to beautiful photography books, these selections will inspire you to learn more about the fascinating world of trees. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best tree books on Amazon.
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World (The Mysteries of Nature, 1)
If you love nature and want to learn more about the life of trees, then The Hidden Life of Trees is a must-read book for you.
Pros
- Reveals fascinating discoveries about the lives of trees
- Written in an engaging and easy-to-understand style
- Contains beautiful illustrations and photographs
Cons
- Some readers may find the scientific explanations too detailed
- The book is relatively short at only 288 pages
- May not be suitable for those looking for a purely scientific or technical book
In The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben shares his knowledge and experience as a forester to reveal the hidden world of trees. The book is filled with fascinating discoveries about how trees communicate, feel, and interact with their environment.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is the way that Wohlleben writes. He uses clear and concise language that is easy to understand, even for those without a scientific background. Additionally, the book contains beautiful illustrations and photographs that help to bring the science to life.
While some readers may find the scientific explanations too detailed, most will appreciate the level of detail and research that has gone into the book. However, it’s worth noting that The Hidden Life of Trees is relatively short at only 288 pages, so readers looking for a more comprehensive book on the subject may need to look elsewhere.
Overall, we highly recommend The Hidden Life of Trees to anyone interested in learning more about the fascinating world of trees and nature.
The Tree Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Trees
If you’re a nature lover or simply want to learn more about trees, The Tree Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Trees is a must-have.
Pros
- The book includes beautiful illustrations and photographs of different trees from around the world.
- The Tree Book is well-researched and includes detailed information on the history and science of trees.
- The book is suitable as a gift for nature enthusiasts.
Cons
- The book is quite heavy, weighing over 4 pounds, which may make it difficult to carry around.
- Some readers have reported damage to the book during shipping.
- The Tree Book is a hardcover book, which may make it more expensive than paperback versions.
We were impressed by the depth of knowledge and research that went into creating The Tree Book. The book is divided into different sections, each exploring a different aspect of trees, such as their biology, ecology, and cultural significance. The illustrations and photographs are stunning, making it a great coffee table book or gift for nature enthusiasts.
One thing to keep in mind is that the book is quite heavy, weighing over 4 pounds. This may make it difficult to carry around, so it’s best suited for reading at home. Additionally, some readers have reported damage to the book during shipping, so it’s important to inspect the book upon arrival.
Overall, we highly recommend The Tree Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Trees for anyone interested in learning more about these fascinating organisms.
National Geographic Pocket Guide to Trees and Shrubs of North America
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to trees and shrubs in North America, the National Geographic Pocket Guide is a great choice.
Pros
- Beautiful illustrations and photographs of trees and shrubs
- Compact size makes it easy to carry on nature walks or camping trips
- Provides basic information about each species, including habitat and range
Cons
- Limited information about each species compared to other field guides
- Some reviewers found it difficult to find specific trees or shrubs in the guide
- Covers a large region, so not all species are included
We found the National Geographic Pocket Guide to be a useful resource for identifying trees and shrubs in North America. The illustrations and photographs are beautiful and make it easy to identify different species. The compact size is also a plus, as it makes it easy to carry with you on nature walks or camping trips.
However, if you’re looking for more in-depth information about each species, you may want to consider a different field guide. Some reviewers found it difficult to find specific trees or shrubs in the guide, and the coverage is limited compared to other guides. Additionally, because it covers such a large region, not all species are included.
Overall, we would recommend the National Geographic Pocket Guide to Trees and Shrubs of North America for those looking for a basic guide to identifying trees and shrubs in the region.
How to Read a Tree: Clues and Patterns from Bark to Leaves (Natural Navigation)
If you are a nature enthusiast, then How to Read a Tree: Clues and Patterns from Bark to Leaves (Natural Navigation) is a must-have book for your collection. This book is perfect for people who want to learn about trees and their surroundings.
Pros
- The book is well-written and easy to understand. It is perfect for beginners who want to learn about trees.
- The author provides detailed information about different tree species and their unique characteristics.
- The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and photographs that make it easy to identify different trees.
Cons
- The book may not be suitable for people who are already familiar with tree identification.
- Some readers may find the book a bit repetitive.
- The book is a bit expensive compared to other tree identification books.
How to Read a Tree: Clues and Patterns from Bark to Leaves (Natural Navigation) is an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn more about trees. The book is well-written and easy to understand, making it perfect for beginners. The author provides detailed information about different tree species and their unique characteristics. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and photographs that make it easy to identify different trees.
The only downside to this book is that it may not be suitable for people who are already familiar with tree identification. Additionally, some readers may find the book a bit repetitive. Lastly, the book is a bit expensive compared to other tree identification books.
Overall, if you are looking for a comprehensive guide to tree identification, How to Read a Tree: Clues and Patterns from Bark to Leaves (Natural Navigation) is definitely worth considering.
Trees: An Illustrated Celebration
If you’re a nature lover or just looking for a beautiful coffee table book, Trees: An Illustrated Celebration is a must-have.
Pros
- Gorgeous illustrations that truly capture the essence of each tree
- Concise and informative descriptions of each tree’s characteristics, including bark, roots, leaves, and more
- A great mix of common and lesser-known tree species
Cons
- Some readers may find the book lacking in depth for certain trees
- Limited information on the cultural and historical significance of each tree
- Not ideal for those looking for a comprehensive guide to tree identification
As soon as we opened Trees: An Illustrated Celebration, we were blown away by the stunning artwork. Each page is filled with intricate illustrations that showcase the unique characteristics of each tree. The book covers a wide variety of trees, from the common oak and maple to the more exotic baobab and dragon’s blood tree.
The descriptions of each tree are concise and to the point, making it easy to quickly learn about each species. We appreciated that the book includes information on the bark, roots, leaves, and other key features of each tree.
While the book is not an exhaustive guide to tree identification, it is a great starting point for those interested in learning more about trees. The mix of common and lesser-known species makes it a great resource for both beginners and seasoned tree enthusiasts.
Overall, we highly recommend Trees: An Illustrated Celebration for anyone who loves nature or is looking for a beautiful addition to their coffee table collection.
The Hidden Life of Trees: The Illustrated Edition
If you’re looking for a book that will give you a greater appreciation for nature and specifically trees, The Hidden Life of Trees: The Illustrated Edition is a great choice.
Pros
- Beautiful photography that complements the text
- Provides a new perspective on trees and their importance to the environment
- Easy to read and understand
Cons
- Some readers may find the abridged version lacking in detail
- Not as comprehensive as other books on the subject
- May be too basic for readers with an advanced knowledge of trees
We were impressed with the stunning photography in this book, which really brings the text to life. The author, Peter Wohlleben, does an excellent job of explaining complex scientific concepts in a way that is easy to understand, and we appreciated the new perspective on trees and their importance to the environment.
One downside to this book is that it is an abridged version of the original, so some readers may find it lacking in detail. Additionally, while the book is comprehensive, it may not be as in-depth as other books on the subject. Finally, readers with an advanced knowledge of trees may find the information too basic.
Despite these minor drawbacks, we would recommend The Hidden Life of Trees: The Illustrated Edition to anyone who wants to learn more about trees and their role in the environment.
The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups
If you’re looking for a beautifully illustrated book to introduce children to the world of trees, The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups is a great option.
Pros
- The illustrations are stunning and engaging for both children and adults.
- The book is informative and teaches about different types of trees in a way that is easy for children to understand.
- It’s a great addition to any nature-loving family’s library.
Cons
- The book primarily focuses on trees found in North America, which may not be relevant for readers in other parts of the world.
- Some readers may find the book to be too short at only 96 pages.
- The book is geared towards younger children, so older children or adults may not find it as informative.
This book is a great choice for parents who want to introduce their children to the world of trees in a fun and engaging way. The illustrations are beautiful and the information is presented in a way that is easy for children to understand.
The book covers different types of trees and provides interesting facts about each one. The illustrations are detailed and engaging, making it a great book for children to look through on their own or with an adult.
One thing to note is that the book primarily focuses on trees found in North America, so readers in other parts of the world may not find it as relevant. Additionally, the book is geared towards younger children, so older children or adults may not find it as informative.
Overall, if you’re looking for a beautifully illustrated book to teach your children about trees, The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups is a great choice.
Wise Trees
If you’re a nature lover and enjoy photography books, we highly recommend Wise Trees.
Pros
- Stunning photography of trees from around the world
- Compelling short stories and histories about the trees
- Excellent coffee table book and gift for tree lovers
Cons
- Larger than expected size may not fit on smaller bookshelves
- Some readers may prefer more detailed or technical information about the trees
- Hardcover may be heavier and less portable than paperback versions
The photographs in this book are breathtaking and the accompanying stories about the trees are fascinating. It’s a great addition to any coffee table or bookshelf and makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves trees and nature.
The book contains 192 pages of high-quality photographs and stories, featuring trees from around the world. The dimensions of the book are 12 x 1.1 x 11 inches and it weighs 3.79 pounds. The hardcover edition was published on October 17, 2017, by Abrams and has an ISBN-13 of 978-1419727009.
Whether you’re a professional photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful and informative coffee table book, Wise Trees is definitely worth checking out.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying tree books, there are certain features you should consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Content
The first thing to consider when choosing a tree book is the content. What type of information are you looking for? Do you want a book that covers a specific type of tree or one that provides a broad overview of different species? Are you interested in the history and cultural significance of trees, or are you more focused on their ecological impact? Make sure to choose a book that aligns with your interests and needs.
Format
Tree books come in a variety of formats, from field guides to coffee table books. Consider what type of format will work best for you. Do you want a book that you can take with you on hikes and outdoor excursions, or one that you can display on your bookshelf? Do you prefer a book with lots of photographs, or one that is more text-heavy? Think about your preferences and choose a format that suits them.
Author
The author of a tree book can have a big impact on its quality and accuracy. Look for books written by experts in the field, such as botanists, foresters, or ecologists. Check the author’s credentials and make sure they have a solid reputation in the industry.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the book. Tree books can range in price from under $10 to over $100, depending on the format, content, and author. Decide how much you are willing to spend and look for books that fit within your budget.
By considering these factors, you can choose a tree book that meets your needs and provides you with accurate, informative, and engaging content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top non-fiction books that explore the life and ecology of trees?
If you’re interested in learning more about the life and ecology of trees, we recommend checking out “The Forest Unseen” by David George Haskell, “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben, and “The Overstory” by Richard Powers. All three books offer unique perspectives on the complex world of trees and their importance to the environment.
Can you recommend a comprehensive tree identification guide for beginners?
For beginners looking to learn more about tree identification, we suggest “Tree Finder” by May Theilgaard Watts. This pocket-sized guidebook features easy-to-use keys and illustrations to help you identify trees by their leaves, bark, and other characteristics.
Which children’s book addresses the issue of deforestation?
“The Great Kapok Tree” by Lynne Cherry is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that explores the impact of deforestation on the Amazon rainforest. It’s a great way to introduce children to the importance of preserving our natural resources.
What are some bestsellers that delve into the stories of forests and their significance?
If you’re interested in reading about the stories of forests and their significance, we recommend “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben, “The Overstory” by Richard Powers, and “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. These books offer thought-provoking insights into the role of forests in our lives.
How does “The Hidden Life of Trees” change our perception of the arboreal world?
“The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben challenges our perception of trees as static, solitary beings and reveals the complex network of communication and cooperation that exists between them. It’s a fascinating read that will change the way you look at trees forever.
What is an authoritative tree encyclopedia for in-depth botanical information?
For in-depth botanical information, we recommend “The Tree Book” by Michael A. Dirr and Keith S. Warren. This comprehensive encyclopedia covers over 2,000 species of trees and includes detailed information on their characteristics, growth habits, and uses.
