The US Forest Service just released a beautifully-illustrated, non-fiction children’s picture book that discusses why trees are sometimes cut down.
Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down? is a 41-page color picture book featuring 28 four-color illustrations.
It was written by Roberta Burzynski and illustrated by Juliette Watts, two long-time Forest Service employees who work out of Pennsylvania. This is Burzynski’s second published book; her first was Woodsy Owl’s ABCs. Watts has been illustrating professionally for more than 30 years.
Some children are unaware that in order to reduce tree hazards, protect other trees, or to get wood, it is necessary to cut trees. The book is intended to raise awareness of the issue, and it even features tips for planting a new tree.
The primary target audience for the book is 1st to 3rd graders, as well as parents and educators.
“While trees are valuable in many ways, there are valid reasons why trees are sometimes cut down,” said US Forest Service Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry Director Tony Ferguson. “Trees are living things that grow old and die,” he added. “Cutting down sick, damaged or dangerous trees can actually be good for the environment and public safety, and it can benefit remaining trees.”
The book is available for sale through the Government Printing Office. A free digital PDF version of the book is also available online at the Forest Service Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry Web site: http://na.fs.fed.us/whycutatree/