Together, a Forest: Drawing Connections Between Nature's Diversity and Our Own

TOGETHER, A FOREST is a kid’s picture book about nature and the diversity that brims within it…and within us. This story follows a class as they are given an activity while hiking through a forest: choose one thing they feel drawn to for their art assignment. Joy’s class is quick to find things in nature that they are drawn too, but Joy becomes anxious when she can’t seem to pick anything for herself.

What I Loved:
The illustrations in this book were stunning! Clean cut lines and vivid colors helped bring the forest to life. Each plant and creature were illustrated with such care, but not in a boring technical way. The vibrant colors are sure to grab the attention of the reader.

The connections that the author drew between the forest and the children were astounding. From a character noticing lichen that remind her of the electricity that powers similar to that that powers her wheelchair to another child finding kinship with a bee because they also never want to stop moving. The author clearly thought these connections through and made sure to find organisms that would be present in a forest. Children are the creative sorts so it makes sense that some of the connections they make in this book may be connections that adults may not see right away.

The representation in this book was so casual and yet so meaningful. From the neurodiverse representation to a nonbinary character and even characters that use mobility aids. None of it was a big deal. They were just kids being kids and seeing how they can relate to the world around them. This type of representation is so important, especially in children’s books, because it serves as a reminder to all of us that there is a wider world than we may remember at times.

Final Verdict:
An interesting trip through a forest, this kid’s picture book can encourage young minds to look at the world around them and find the beautiful diversity that brims everywhere. Readers may find themselves relating to nature after reading this book or even just looking more closely at the diversity that makes humans so wonderful.

Full of gorgeous illustrations, TOGETHER A FOREST is a beautifully written story about the diversity in humans and nature.