The Saturday Book Shop – Trees, Glorious Trees
Welcome back to The Saturday Book Shop (which originally started here.).
The ongoing and everyday marvel of trees is on my mind this week. Books and trees. Trees and books. They are intertwined and connected at their very essence. We leaf through stories, ideas, adventures, wisdom, poetry, insights, and shared written human experiences thanks to pages made (mostly) from trees.
I have long been enchanted by trees. And books. So many. Highly recommend these books for fellow tree lovers:
This beautiful coffee table book, Wise Trees by Diane Cook and Len Jenshel, with gorgeous photography and writing, tells tales of 50 of the most historic and inspiring trees around the world. Wonderful to learn there is a tree that still stands on the site where the Magna Carta was signed, as well as learning where the phrase “knock on wood” originally came from. So many moving, uplifting, and poignant stories told here through the living spirits of wise old trees.
Another favorite story, beautifully written and illustrated is about Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees …
Wangari Maathai’s story is an amazing portrait in courage, dedication, and commitment, where the simple act of planting trees sparked resistance and equal determination to reclaim the environment of her beloved Kenya. Her determination led to a movement of peace, reconciliation, and healing that lights the way for all of us going forward into this time of looking for common ground and changing the world one loving, earth-friendly tree-loving act at a time. This inspiring book soars with light and life and spectacular illustrations.
AND HOORAY for the new books soon available by Amanda Gorman, the young poet and self-described bookworm that wow-ed everyone at the Inauguration. Such heart and talent. Brava for her work and books that will be available in 2021 …
“… there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it; if only we’re brave enough to be it.” – Amanda Gorman
Happy Reading and have an especially lovely tree-appreciating week ahead! Please feel free to share any special favorite book titles about trees in the comments!
Tags: amanda gorman, Books, change sings, kenya, planting trees, poetry, the hill we climb, The Saturday Book Shop, the woman who planted millions of trees, tree lovers, trees, wangari maathai, wise trees
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Paula's Paradise 
January 24, 2021 at 4:16 pm
I haven’t read books about trees recently, Paula; but sadly, I need to do some reading on that subject because I have a row of willows in my backyard that have been dying back for several years because of climate change. They just can’t tolerate the abrupt shifts from cool, wet spring days to being suddenly dried out by broiling hot summers. Last year I cut them back to small bush size, but I need to figure out what more to do to get them back healthy and growing. I’ve been using a soaker hose during the summer when the weather gets into a hot and dry pattern, but I probably need to use it more often. Any suggestions?
January 25, 2021 at 5:04 pm
Thanks so much for your note. Not too many willows nearby here in Florida (or in The Bahamas, where we’re blessed with lots of beautiful trees, but not many willows — which are gorgeous!). Hope you can find some dry-summer drought relief for what sounds like a wonderful row of pre-climate change willows. Sorry to hear it’s been difficult to keep them watered in recent scorching summers. Hope that soaker hose will help them spring back with maybe a bit more rain in the weather mix in the months ahead!
January 26, 2021 at 3:44 pm
So many good & wonderful things mentioned in your post. I was particularly drawn to “Wise trees” and went and ordered it straight away! I have Amanda Gorman’s book on a wish list . . . . Thanks so much for writing about all of these books!
January 26, 2021 at 4:58 pm
Oh, so happy to hear this—it’s a wonderful book & I hope you enjoy the stories and great tree pics!! Thanks so much for your note. I have Amanda’s book on my wish list too when it’s released later this spring! Book hugs 💗