From the Editor: Shining a Light on Great Books – Ary’s Trees

Ary’s Trees (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2024) is a fanciful picture book that could spark discussion in an ecology class at any grade level. Author Deborah Kerbel and illustrator Sophia Choi have created a modern parable that champions the preservation of trees and decries humankind’s propensity to cut them down. In this story, Ary arrives by boat on a new island covered by lush vegetation. The island promises to be a wonderful new home for her people. “Once ashore, there was work to be done,” and, led by Ary’s father, the people immediately begin to cut down trees to make new houses and boats. Ary beseeches her father, “Please don’t cut too many this time,” hinting at past experiences on other islands. She basks in the air that smells green and rests in the cool shade of the palm trees. Soon, however, Ary’s heart aches as more and more trees are felled to make space to grow food for the growing population. And she becomes angry when the people begin to burn down the trees.

But after the people had taken what they needed, they still wanted more. Bigger houses, better boats, extra land.

Eventually, all the trees are gone, and the people are unhappy because the soil no longer supports their crops. Ary’s father announces that it is time to search for a new island, saying, “This one’s not good anymore.” The people prepare to move again, but when the day comes to leave the island, Ary and her young friends plant their feet firmly in the sand and refuse to board the boats. They had decided that this island was home, “And there was work to be done.” The young people immediately begin to plant tree seeds to re-establish an ecological balance on the island.

An author’s note at the end of the book speaks of the importance of trees to the future of the world and offers suggestions for taking care of our island—Planet Earth.

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Diana Mumford
Diana is the Editor of Canadian Teacher Magazine.

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This article is featured in Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Spring 2024 issue.