Spending time outside is always first prize, but when it comes to reconnecting with the natural world, there are alternative means of doing so. Sometimes, the next best thing is exploring nature through the immersive pages of a good old book. 

If you’re passionate about the great outdoors, fascinated by the environment, or enthralled by the abundant natural beauty that surrounds us, there’s no doubt you spend a great deal of time in nature, whether it be with your feet in the sand or taking walks through the forest. However, indulging in the nourishing properties of our environment is not always possible. Gloomy weather, pressing work deadlines, extensive study sessions, and other daily stressors can frequently get in the way of our daily or weekly fix. We’ve compiled a list of books for tree lovers, so you can dive into the beauty of nature wherever you are. 

Blending Leisure, Entertainment and Education 

At Greenpop, we strongly believe that education is the first step in inspiring individuals to get more active and less anxious about environmental degradation. Furthermore, we believe that enjoying the process is a key component in maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. Reading has the potential to fuse these two elements by providing entertainment while simultaneously informing, educating and raising awareness. We’ve compiled a list of book recommendations that includes our top picks for tree lovers, including stories, guides, and scientific discoveries that illuminate the wonder of trees and deepen our connection to the natural world around us. Whether you’re looking to learn, dream, or gain inspiration, there’s something here for you. 

Non-Fiction

The Hidden Life of Trees 

by Peter Wohlleben

Are trees social beings? How do trees live? Do they feel pain or have awareness of their surroundings? This profoundly informative novel reveals the depth of the remarkable world of trees by elaborating on ecological intricacies that most of us would have never before been aware of. Based on both scientific research and Wohlleben’s own experience as a forester, The Hidden Life of Trees uncovers how trees communicate, support each other, and form complex social networks, much like we do! 

The Tree Atlas

by Lonely Planet

This beautifully illustrated atlas takes readers on a tour of some of the most unique and fascinating trees across the globe—from ancient giants and rare species to iconic forests rich in culture and history. Each page is packed with interesting facts, photographs, and a touch of mythology, providing a fresh perspective on trees from every corner of the planet.

Tree Encounters: Portraits and Stories from South Africa

Compiled by Ruth Parker

This captivating collection was compiled in our very own home, South Africa, bringing together inspiring personal stories and stunning images of our most iconic tree species. Featuring a diverse range of voices, from writers and historians to conservationists and everyday tree lovers, you’ll find all sorts of unique stories about the trees that have shaped the country’s landscapes and culture. Check out page 26 for a special excerpt from Greenpop’s very own co-founder Misha Teasdale!

The Nature Fix

By Florence Williams

This insightful read explores the powerful impact that spending time in nature has on our mental and physical well-being. Drawing on research from all around the globe, Williams reveals how nature exposure boosts one’s mood, reduces stress, enhances creativity, and even improves physical health. This book reflects on real-world examples and makes a compelling case for the importance in reconnecting with nature, indicating how being present in green spaces is essential in maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.

Fiction

The Island of Missing Trees 

by Elif Shafak

A tale that explores love, loss, and the bonds between humans and nature. The Island of Missing Trees follows two young lovers from opposite sides of a bitter conflict,  through the eyes of an unexpected narrator—a fig tree that witnesses the entire story unfold. Through themes of family, resilience, and the natural world, this story brings to life a narrative that reminds readers of the healing power of connection, even in times of the most isolating division.

The Overstory 

by Richard Powers

An extraordinary tale of the lives of trees and the people who love them, this book weaves together nine characters who cross paths in unexpected ways, driven by their shared passion for protecting forest ecosystems. The novel spans decades, a journey through personal struggles to larger scale environmental movements, and is a heartfelt testament to the many ways in which trees shape our world—both literally and figuratively. 

Children’s Books

The Lorax

By Dr Seuss

A timeless story about environmental responsibility, The Lorax delivers a powerful message about the impact of human behaviour on the environment. Following a creature who ‘speaks for the trees’, children learn about how greed can destroy our forests, and the need to take action to protect our planet. 

The Great Kapok Tree

by Lynne Cherry 

Follow the voices of the animals of the Amazon, as they try and dissuade a man from destroying their great kapok tree. These animals share how the tree is essential to their livelihoods and survival, providing an eye-opening perspective for children to identify how interconnected all fauna and flora really are. 

The Magic and Mystery of Trees

By the Royal Horticulture Society

A wonderfully illustrated nature and science children’s novel that allows young treevolutionaries to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of trees. Delve into incredible facts, meet unique trees from across the world, and learn all about how trees are crucial to human life as we know it. This wonderful book even includes instructions for children on how to plant their own saplings and do their part in protecting the planet. 

These books offer a wonderful variety of sources of inspiration and education for those of all ages and tastes, providing the means to reconnect with the earth even when we can’t quite manage to do so physically. Whether you’re looking to explore the science behind trees, become enthralled in immersive narratives, or discover ways to protect our forests, there’s something here for you. We hope these reads spark some curiosity and inspire action in the preservation of our planet. So, pick up a book, dive into the wonders of the natural world, and remember, every tree counts!