The Mother Tree

In this picture book celebrating the power that even the smallest of us have to protect the natural world, a kid saves the most important tree in the forest from being chopped down.

"The mother tree feeds the younger trees through their roots," Momma explains to Sadie on their morning walk. They've arrived at Sadie's favorite tree: a mother tree, an ancient beech, with a trunk as thick as an elephant's leg. Sadie is amazed by all the work it does in the hidden world beneath the soil.

But days later, Sadie sees an orange circle spray-painted on the beech. When Momma tells her this means loggers are going to chop it down, Sadie is distraught. Is there anything she can do to save her beloved mother tree?

Filled with lush artwork, this picture book is a moving reminder that, though healing our Earth will take time, standing up for one majestic tree is a great way to start.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Anne Schwartz Books
Published: 03/17/2026
ISBN: 9780593705681
Pages: 40
Weight: 1.25lbs

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 01/12/2026
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2025
School Library Journal 01/01/2026 pg. 41