Hello, Beech Tree!

“Hello, Beech Tree! is the heartwarming story of how a community’s love for their beech tree brings them together in collective activism. Come along with the Beech Class to witness the magic of what happens when young people unite in a fight to keep their community spaces beautiful, green, and joyful!”—Sagda Khalil, cofounder of indigenius teaching and learning 

“Hello, Beech Tree! is a big-hearted inspiration. A gentle, richly illustrated story that expresses to kids how the bonds we form with the natural world can deepen our notion of community and empower us to change things for the better. Any classroom or library will benefit from having a copy on their shelves.”—Brian Muldoon, Brooklyn Public Library Children’s Librarian  

“Hello, Beech Tree! is an inspiring story about a group of schoolchildren who cope with the death of a loved one, in this case a cherished ancient beech tree in their city park. Author Rasha Hamid skillfully illuminates the benefits of trees as habitats for animals and providers of beauty, wonder, fresh air, cool shade, and imaginative play. She also helps readers grasp the tree’s life cycle through the seasons and the reality that trees, like all living things, age and die. Faced with a profound loss, the children turn to ‘the helpers’ for guidance. The park ranger, city officials, and their classroom teachers all offer information and helping hands. Thus empowered, the children find personal and civic ways to honor their friend, process their grief, and take action for good. The illustrations by Sofia Moore are lively and colorful, capturing the narrative arc, the natural setting, and emotional expressions of the characters beautifully. Back matter helpfully expands on the issue of lack of green space in urban areas and ways readers can make a difference. Masterful!”—Lizzy Rockwell, author and illustrator of Plants Feed Me, The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness, and It Is Time: The Life of a Caterpillar