The perfect read for exploring nature with children, this beautiful nonfiction picture book offers an awe-inspiring look at the forest's life cycle.

A tree suns and sways in the forest. She is a place to grow, to rest, and to shelter. But what happens when a tree falls? The answer will make your heart soar.
In this lyrical picture book, explore how the extraordinary nurse log provides a nutrient-rich space for new seedlings, shelters small animals, hosts different plant species, and, most profoundly, nurtures a new tree in the process, renewing the cycle of life. Young readers will be amazed by the nurse log's resilience and its powerful connection to the forest's past, present, and future.

BOOK ABOUT TREES & MUCH MORE: Every organism in the forest ecosystem is connected. This fascinating picture book powerfully illustrates how the end of one life in the forest can be the beginning of another.

FOR LOVERS OF NATURE: When a Tree Falls is a reminder of the wondrous ecosystems in our own backyards and the wild forest beauty we may discover by looking closely. It is ideal for families who enjoy being in nature.

LUSH ILLUSTRATIONS: The forest life is rendered with such richness and detail that it invites readers to immerse themselves in the endlessly inspiring natural world.

GORGEOUS GIFT: An excellent choice for a classroom book or as a gift for kids who love trees, spending time outdoors, and are mindful of environmental issues.

Perfect for:

• Kids who are interested in trees and forests
• Parents and grandparents of children who want to learn more about trees and forests
• Teachers, educators, and librarians seeking beautiful nonfiction books with STEM content
• Gift-givers looking for a distinctive present for an animal- or nature-loving child
• Anyone seeking a picture book that promotes environmental awareness
• Readers of Because of an Acorn, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Wake Up, Woodlands

Author: Kirsten Pendreigh
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Published: 03/18/2025
Pages: 44
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 11.10h x 8.30w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781797218670


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2025
Publishers Weekly 02/24/2025
Booklist 03/01/2025 pg. 94
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2025 pg. 116
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2025 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Kirsten Pendreigh is the author of Luna's Green Pet and Maybe a Whale. She lives in British Columbia, Canada. Learn more at kirstenpendreigh.com.

Elke Boschinger is an illustrator living in the United Kingdom.