Who Makes a Forest?

The opening spread of this information book begins with the title question ‘Who makes a forest?’ The following pages explore the origins of a forest, the time it takes to develop and how fertile ground is created with the help of lichen and small insects. The interconnectedness of living things, plants, birds and animal life is suggested, including the role of death in the cycle of life.

The text is written in a lyrical style with rhetorical questions to prompt dialogue or reflection. We see the forest through the eyes of two children on a forest walk with their grandfather, discovering the wonder of the life they find there. The colourful illustrations emphasise the beauty of a forest environment and wonder of the natural world. We are able to peek under the ground to see what is living there.

This book would be a useful introduction to a school project about forests and is likely to stimulate further enquiry. The back of book contains factual information about different types of forest throughout the world. Their locations, climate and the types of trees and wildlife to be found in them. The book ends with a strong environmental message about the importance of forests to our world and the threat of deforestation as well as a call to action with an indication of the small changes to our daily lives which can help protect forests.