The Last Tree

K-Gr 2-What would the world be like without trees? This environmentally conscious book explores the implications of deforestation through the eyes of a young boy, Goran, who notices on his way to school that there's no shade to protect him from the hot sun. All of the trees have uprooted themselves and moved on out of fear of being cut or burned down from environmental threats. As he continues walking through the neighborhood, he notices a thick cloud of smog distorting his view, making it difficult to breathe. When he arrives at school, he notices that his favorite tree is already pulling up its roots. Goran convinces the tree to stay. To protect itself, it takes a long nap. All winter long, Goran and his friends plant new trees and recycle bits of paper that have been left behind. In the springtime, Goran's tree wakes up to find a beautiful new forest planted around it, and the heavy air pollution has disappeared. The words, "No trees were harmed in the making of this story" appears on the last page, an intentional nod to the book's Stone Paper pages, which are produced without water, without trees, and without bleach. VERDICT Vibrant, nuanced pastel illustrations evoke strong emotional responses from readers, inspiring both empathy and action. An excellent addition to any library or classroom.-Natalie Romano, Denver Public Library