Tree Beings

We depend on trees for our survival, yet few of us understand just how fascinating these beings really are. With a foreword by the world-renowned anthropologist Jane Goodall, Tree Beings is an adventure through the secret world of trees. Challenging the perception that trees are just ‘silent statues’, it focuses on four big ideas:

• Trees give life to the planet
• Trees can help save us from climate change
• Trees are like beings
• Trees need our help and protection

Along the way, you’ll meet some of the scientists and explorers who helped uncover the mysteries of the world’s oldest living things. You’ll encounter the eccentric British professor who travelled the world for seventy years telling people how trees can save us, and you’ll learn about the nine-year-old-boy who has a plan to plant a trillion trees to save the planet!

You’ll also learn the science behind trees, including discoveries about how they ‘talk’ and why they are our best allies in the fight to slow down climate change. Explore tree wisdom from many different cultures and some famous and fascinating tree species, brought to life in a vibrant combination of illustrations and text.

Trees are essential to our world. Tree Beings is your guide to appreciating trees through the stories of people who love them. So strap on your hiking boots, and enjoy this informative adventure through the wonderful world of Tree Beings!

About the creators:

Raymond Huber is a children’s author, teacher, and editor, and was the Creative NZ-Otago University Writer in Residence in 2018. His work includes acclaimed picture books such as Flight of the Honey Bee (2013) and Gecko (2017), junior sci-fi novels Sting (2009) and Wings (2011), and the young adult novel Peace Warriors (2018). Raymond has also written many educational books. Raymond is donating half of his royalties of Tree Beings to the Goodall Institute, for their kid’s programme Roots and Shoots.

Sandra Severgnini owned an art gallery and retail store before finally deciding it was well and truly time to nurture her lifetime passion and focus on children’s picture books. Her fascination with the magical natural world around her inspires her words and brings sensitivity and humor to her illustrations.

Doctor Jane Goodall (foreword) is one of the world’s foremost primatologists and anthropologists. Through nearly sixty years of groundbreaking work, Jane has highlighted the urgent need to protect chimpanzees from extinction, and has redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environment.