The Wonder of Trees: Nature Activities for Children

by Andrea Frommherz, Edith Biedermann, Bernadette Duncan (Translator)

Overview

Trees are impressive beings. Their secrets, magic and wisdom have always fascinated people. This colorful book tells us many of the mysteries of trees, such as which tree gives us strength; which leaves and blossoms can be made into soothing ointments and delicious teas; and which tree can be entrusted with our secrets.

Children are encouraged to use all their senses in getting to know thirteen common trees. Activities include stories, songs, games and craft ideas, as well as traditional rituals associated with trees; simple recipes for food and the medicine cabinet; and fun skills to learn from different trees.

This richly illustrated, practical book is perfect for use in school and at home, with activities for all the family to enjoy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780863158667
Publisher:	Floris Books
Publication date:	05/15/2012
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	6 - 12 Years

About the Author

Andrea Frommherz is a teacher and environmental consultant, who has trained with tree specialists and herb gardeners. She gives courses on environmental subjects for children and adults, as well as teacher training. Edith Biedermann is an arts and crafts teacher, who specialises in book design and illustration. She lives with her daughter in Bern, Switzerland.

Table of Contents

Introduction 7

Basic recipes for preparing tree products 11

1 Apple - Tree of Self-Knowledge 15

Spring: Key skill: self-knowledge and self-acceptance 16

Summer: Home remedies 20

Autumn: Harvest festival; Apple recipes from picnic to pudding 23

Winter: The symbolic apple 25

2 Birch - Tree of Flexibility 27

Spring: Folklore 30

Summer: Home remedies 32

Autumn: Hair care 34

Winter: Key skill: agility, flexibility and lightness 35

3 Beech - Tree of Signs and Symbols 37

Spring: Ancient food 39

Summer: Key skill: expressing yourself 40

Autumn: Throwing games 42

Winter: Beech wood 44

4 Oak - Sacred Tree 47

Spring: Tree saplings 48

Summer: Key skill: resilience, perseverance and assertiveness 50

Autumn: Food for man and beast 52

Winter: Sacred tree 54

5 Ash - Tree of Life 57

Spring: Games using ash wood 58

Summer: Health products and home remedies 60

Autumn: Key skill: creativity and problem-solving 62

Winter: The tree as a symbol of life and the origin of man 64

6 Spruce - Tree of Light 67

Spring: Health products 68

Summer: Key skill: relaxation, motivation and balance; Calming treats 70

Autumn: Making incense 73

Winter: The tree of returning light 76

7 Hazel - Magic Tree 79

Spring: Magic powers 80

Summer: Crafts and games; 82

Luck and protection 83

Autumn: The nut kitchen 84

Winter: Key skill: reflection 86

8 Hedge Rose - Tree of Scents 89

Spring: Art in nature 90

Summer: Key skill: well-being; Home remedies 92

Autumn: Rose hips - natural remedy and sweet delight 95

Winter: Magic apples (fairy tale); 97

Pot pourri 98

9 - Elder - Tree of Good Luck 99

Spring: Elderflower recipes 101

Summer: Key skill: reliability and connection with the earth 103

Autumn: Elderberry recipes 105

Winter: Elder music 106

10 Chestnut - Sociable Tree 109

Spring: Tree song 110

Summer: Key skill: team work 112

Autumn: Medicinal, tasty and cleansing fruits 115

Winter: Tree games 116

11 Lime (Linden) - Tree of Communication 119

Spring: The tree of the people; Key skill: communication and resolving conflicts 121

Summer: Home remedies, food and cosmetics 123

Autumn: The story tree 125

Winter: Lime-tree wood 127

12 Walnut - Tree of Sustainability 229

Spring: Sustainable development, gifts and stories 130

Summer: Health and beauty products 133

Autumn: Tasty walnut treats; Family and place names 135

Winter: Key skill: concentration and memory; Memory games 136

13 Willow-Tree of Nature Spirits 139

Spring: Key skill: vitality, renewal and confidence 141

Summer: Crafts from willow rods 142

Autumn: Mystical willow 144

Winter: The healing tree (fairy tale); 147

Home remedies 148

References and Further Reading 149

Editorial Reviews

'This is a fascinating book with beautiful illustrations as well as photographs. Althought the activities are designed for children, I think The Wonder of Trees can be an inspiration for everyone to reconnect with the deeper magic of trees.'
– Juno Magazine

From the Publisher

Gr 4–6—This lavishly illustrated, poetically written book provides information and activities involving 13 commonly found trees. The text contains many Briticisms. Intending to pass on their love and reverence for trees and nature, the creators of this volume encourage children to use the bark, leaves, shoots, sap, etc., of the trees discussed. However, they also encourage children to drink the potions made from these elements, to use the concoctions for medicinal purposes, and to partake of meals found in the wild. Readers are told to use knives, drills, and other tools (without adult supervision). The background material offered, including folklore and fairy tales, is interesting and the specific facts about the trees are valuable, but some of the games and group activities suggested, such as talking to a favorite tree or dressing up as an elf or gnome, may not find favor with some older children like those shown in the photos. In addition, some old wives' tales are passed on as fact: do not eat raw apples if you are ill; certain lotions made from trees will prevent hair loss.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

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