According to Jewish tradition, all trees share the same birthday on Tu B’Shevat. Although it’s a lesser known holiday, observance of Tu B’Shevat is growing due to the rising importance of Earth stewardship. Her are some suggestions of some great books to share with your family.
Dear Tree Doba
By Rivka Weber
Recommended for ages 2 to 3 years
Synopsis— On the Jewish New Year of the Trees (Tu B’Shevat), a little boy shares his hopes and wishes for trees—and especially for the one under which he plays.
It’s Tu B’Shevat
By Edie Stoltz Zolkower
Recommended for ages 6 months to 2 years
Synopsis— With rhyme and colorful illustrations, this book tells the story of a boy and his family who plant a tree in honor of the Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish holiday known as The Birthday of the Trees.
Netta and Her Plant
By Ellie Gelman
Recommended for ages 4 to 5 years
Synopsis—The plant that Netta received on Tu B’Shevat is growing—and so is Netta. In fact, soon it will be time for the plant—and Netta—to do new things. Growing bigger is intimidating, but it’s also wonderful.
Just a Dream
By Chris Van Allsburg
Recommended for ages 8+ years
Synopsis—What would happen if we never stopped to care for our planet? Walter has a dream—or maybe it’s a nightmare!—that imagines such a world, just in time for Tu B’Shevat.
Solomon and the Trees
By Matt Biers-Ariel
Recommended for ages 8+ years.
Synopsis— According to this midrash, when Solomon was young he used to spend his days in the forest with his dear animal friends. Once he became king, however, he forgot how important it was to take care of the earth. In this story, he is reminded to take care of the world around him.
