The Girl Who Planted Trees

PreS-Gr 2–This story is about a girl, “a small girl, about your size, actually” who shows how one small person can inspire a community toward a more caring and connected relationship with the natural world. The girl lives in a very hot village at the foot of a gray mountain. She learns from her grandfather that the mountain was once green and lush. The image of a sprawling forest stays with her and she commits to reviving it by planting seeds on the mountain. Through her growing relationship with the land and her strong bond with her grandfather, the child learns about the patience, resilience, and care it takes to nurture seedlings and change. While her neighbors initially laugh at her efforts they can’t help but be inspired to action by witnessing her pursue her dream of restoring the earth they all call home. Hart’s writing is lyrical and affecting, especially when paired with Suvorova’s tender and painterly illustrations. The story unfolds to show the power of intergenerational partnership as a desolate gray landscape transforms into a colorful tapestry teeming with life. At a time when many of us may feel small in the face of environmental harm, this story serves as a reminder that small actions can have a big impact.