Once Upon a Forest

by Pam Fong (Author)

Reading Level: K − 1st Grade

This gorgeous picture book follows a helpful marmot working to save a forest recovering after a wildfire. Perfect for teaching children to practice kindness while developing an appreciation for animals and the earth.

After a fire leaves the forest smoldering, a determined marmot and her resourceful bird friend set off on a rescue mission in this beautifully illustrated, wordless story.

They clear away fallen branches and scorched bushes. They rake and dig and plant new seedlings in the earth. With determination and ingenuity, as the seasons pass, they care for the little trees by making sure they have enough water, protect their branches from the wind and snow, and keep away hungry creatures, until the trees can thrive on their own.

With a little time, care, and hope we all can help the earth.

Select format:
Hardcover
$17.99

Booklist

Starred Review
A timely tale that quietly affirms the intrinsic value of nature.

Publishers Weekly

Upon spotting a wildfire, a bighearted marmot springs to action in this gentle wordless picture book. When the ground squirrel, busy watering tree seedlings, spies smoke in the distant forest, it loads up a wagon, heads to the burn, and sets about reforesting, erecting a tent for the long haul. Delicate grayscale scenes show the fuzzy creature and an avian companion laboring through the seasons--clearing the land, lugging water to the wilting saplings in summer, protecting them from autumn's blustery wind, and sheltering them from winter snow. Fong's digital illustrations, suggestive of pencil and charcoal sketches, are brightened with occasional pops of color that highlight woodland flora and emphasize the transformational impact of the marmot's efforts. Once the saplings have grown tall, the marmot heads home, its evident love for the forest giving the story a bright outlook that encourages stewardship. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes


Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780593380147
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Random House Studio
Publication date
February 20, 2022
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV002160 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Mammals
JUV001010 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure | Survival Stories
JUV029010 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Environment
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Forest fires
Forests and forestry
Marmots
Forest restoration
Forest management

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!