Listen to the Language of the Trees: A story of how forests communicate underground

This captivating book explores the real connection and communication that runs underground between trees in the forest. The well-researched details about trees’ own social network will help readers see that the natural world’s survival depends on staying connected and helping others - just like us!   

The fascinating mycorrhizal fungi network runs underground through the roots of trees in the forest allowing for connection and communication. Readers will discover that trees have their own social network to help each other survive and thrive.   

Listen to the Language of the Trees captures the magic of talking trees that take care of their neighbours (not to mention the mysterious fungi that help them do it).   

A lyrical read aloud, Listen to the Language of the Trees is the story of a seedling, newly sprouted at the base of a giant tree, as it stretches its roots into an underground web of fungi, through which the trees pass messages and share resources. It will take great luck for this tiny seedling to survive, but it will have help!

The Douglas Fir forest also harbours creatures like a zany Yellow Pine chipmunk gathering and forgetting seed cones, an owl nested in the giant tree, and chattering Steller’s jays. And, as we must never forget, no part of the forest is entirely free from danger!       

‘There’s a gold mine of information in the back matter: accessible explanations of the science, a list of what scientists know about tree communication and what still needs to be learned, and suggestions and activities that tie to social-emotional learning.’ - Booklist, STARRED review