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Children’s Book Blog: November 2025

Trees!

Typing this on November 1, 2025: the trees in our community are at peak fall color and the ground is blanketed with an assorted of warm colors. It is absolutely gorgeous…and fun! Leaf piles transformed our backyard into a stunt course for my 7 and 5 year old.  Cushioned by the colorful piles, they  jumped, dove and hid all weekend.  

 It is through this lens that I am so thankful for the changing of seasons in Wisconsin.  And so, November’s children’s book blog is about trees and all they share with us! 

– Michelle 

Pro parenting tip: skip the manual labor and use a leaf blower to make your leaf piles! 😉 

Otto and the Story Tree by Vivien Mildenberger

Otto and the Story Tree is about growth, connection and the magic of storytelling.  

The kids and I stumbled upon this darling book while gift shopping at our local bookstore.  I knew immediately that, not only did I need it on my shelf but, the Library needed it on theirs.  At my recommendation, our children’s department added it right away. 

Milderberger’s illustrations are absolutely stunning – adding so much depth to the charming story of an old bird who tells stories to a seed. 

 

Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter & Daniel Miyares

Nell Plants a Tree was published in 2023; I’m disappointed it took us 2 years to discover this gem! 

Told in lyrical verse, this beautiful story weaves together generations. It shows how one small act—planting a tree—grows into a family legacy. It’s a heartfelt reminder that the seeds we plant today nurture the future.

It’s also an ode to trees. The wonder they bring, the play they inspire, and the gifts they share. 

This one has secured a spot in my all time favorite picture books. 

The Busy Tree by Jennifer Ward & Lisa Falkenstern

For good reason, The Busy Tree is a staple in many classroom. 

This rhyming picture book introduces the many creatures that call a tree home. Perfect for read-alouds, it encourages curiosity about nature’s interconnectedness. 

It’s a good reminder to everyone how crucial trees are to our world.  They sustain, provide and nourish so many creatures – including us! 

Little Tree by Loren Long

Cue the tears! 

Little Tree tells the story of a tree who clings tightly to his leaves while the forest around him moves on. It’s a tender tale about embracing change and letting go.

This book is applicable to so many seasons of life. It reminded me of a video clip I saw recently: 
Interviewer: “What’s the best part of being a parent?”
Interviewee: “Watching them grow up.”
Interviewer: ” And the worst part?”
Interviewee: “Watching them grow up.”

When Tree Became a Tree by Rob Hodgson

Shouting it from the tallest tree: Nonfiction children’s books can be fun, too (even for little ones)! In fact, research shows that young readers enjoy nonfiction books just as much as, if not more than, fiction books. 

Kids love stories, but they are also incredibly curious about their world. 

So, here’s a great example of a fun nonfiction read! When Tree Became a Tree follows an apple tree’s life cycle, using humor and whimsical art to explore scientific concepts in an approachable way.

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office & Marketing Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two young children – Joanna (7) and Connor (5).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations.