What Do You See When You Look at a Tree?

Have you ever climbed a tree trunk, your hands gripping the bark, or curled up beneath its leafy shade on a sunny afternoon? Can you imagine who else might have gazed at its branches long ago—or how many birthdays it has celebrated standing in that very spot? This sweet picture book invites children on a journey of discovery, uncovering their unique connection to the natural world and fostering a lifelong love for trees. 

What Do You See When You Look at a Tree invites readers to engage with the world around them, with trees taking center stage as the main characters. Through thoughtful questions and gentle commentary, the author encourages reflection and critical thinking, guiding readers toward a deeper appreciation of the environment and their place within it. 

A walk in nature is a perfect way to slow down and be mindful, and author Emma Carlisle invites young readers on a stroll through familiar places: around home, down a main street, into parks, and across the countryside of an English village. “Pause and notice the trees all around you. Look closer and you’ll see so much more. Trees are all different, special, unique . . . just like the trees long before.” Each page offers reminders that trees are living organisms, enduring through time, each with its own character—much like the reader. The story remains grounded in the present moment, encouraging awareness of thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.  

For parents, this story’s portrayal of the incredible lifespan of trees may spark quiet reflections on their place in time. To young readers, the reality of a tree’s age is both surprising and enchanting. Some trees can live for hundreds, even thousands of years! The shapes of their branches, the texture of their bark, and the way they live in harmony with sun, wind, and rain draw readers closer, helping them feel connected to these towering giants. Then comes the magic—hidden clues show that trees are busy homes, sheltering life above, within, and below the ground. “Let’s take a peek under the roots. Can you see babies curled up with their mothers?” 

With every page turn, the illustrations whisper little secrets about the weather—sunbeams dancing through leaves, a playful gust of wind, raindrops pattering softly to the ground. Seasons drift by in color and texture, from the golden crunch of autumn leaves to the quiet sparkle of a snowy winter’s day. Even the time of day is hinted at, with one especially magical scene showing a tree through a cozy window, where a child and caregiver glow in the soft, golden light. “Have you read till the moon and stars filled the sky, as you sat in a cosy old nook?” Pause for a moment, and the smallest details begin to shine, reminding us how the ordinary can feel extraordinary. 

What Do You See When You Look at a Tree features charming watercolor and hand-finished illustrations. Young readers will enjoy a journey through village streets and open countryside. With just one to four sentences per page, including engaging questions, the text is easy to follow and accessible for early readers. 

The book concludes with two double-page spreads of supplementary material, followed by a final page titled “A Note from Emma Carlisle.” A standout moment comes in the supplemental section, How to Be More Like a Tree, which offers original and insightful ideas such as, “Be authentic . . . Trees can teach us to be proud of our uniqueness and stand tall. Celebrate what makes you you.” The book gives adults an opportunity to spark meaningful conversations with children about mindfulness, empathy, and environmental awareness.  

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• None

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None 

Language  

• None 

Supernatural 

• None

Spiritual Content  

• None

by Maureen Lowe