Forests

by Nell Cross Beckerman, Kalen Chock (illustrator)

The team behind the acclaimed Caves returns with an enchanting exploration of one of Earth's most familiar ecosystems—forests!

So much to see, to smell, to hear, to taste, to feel. So much to find… in the forest.

Using evocative storytelling, Nell Cross Beckerman leads readers on an exciting adventure through the magic of forests! From kelp forests on the ocean floor to the wonders of the Amazon, Beckerman guides readers through these tree-filled ecosystems using dramatic, poetic language. Nonfiction text on every page allows for deeper understanding of the topic.

Illustrator Kalen Chock's stunning illustrations have been praised as "atmospheric" and "striking." Readers will be delighted as each spread brings a surprise.

Extensive backmatter includes author's and illustrator's notes, additional information on planting trees, and fun facts about forests!

The first book in this series, Caves, received three starred reviews, was an NCTE Orbis Pictus Recommended Title, was on the Texas Bluebonnet Master List and the Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List, and was a Kirkus Best Book of the Year.

An ideal choice for nature lovers, future explorers, and fans of Jason Chin and Kate Messner.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Nature, Science

40 pages, Hardcover

First published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Ashley Urquhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are BEAUTIFUL. So gorgeous. And I liked the sections that had information about different forests. I did feel like the end got a little preachy. I think there could have been a less over the top way to get the same point across.

Note: Thanks to Scholastic for sending me an early finished copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Deke Moulton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure to think about this one.

It just felt very jarring in many places. About the first five pages are about exploring one particular forest, with small children tottering around different things you can find in a typical American forest and then the forest literally catches on fire and we never revisit it. Then the book turns into visiting forests all around the world, and the next 7 pages are of different forests around the world. Then it turns to environmental activism (although it focuses on a single white person who camped on top of a redwood tree, missing the point that there are many groups around the world who protest to protect forests, especially in the Amazon rainforest and indigenous groups that quite literally are killed to protect their forests ) and the very last page is of the people protesting with signs (or shovels?) inside of a forest.

I didn’t particularly like the way that the book shifted and tried to be multiple different books all in one. And I think a lot of kids would be very terrified of the sequences of the wildfire and the fact that there’s a full page spread of the deer leaping through flames… and there is absolutely no place in the picture that shows that there is a way for them to survive. And we never figure out what happens. There’s no rebirth or no information on how forests repair after a fire. It just literally very next page turns to kelp forests in the Pacific Ocean.

I think this book would’ve shown a lot brighter if it had picked one plot and stuck with it. There is a full story to be told about exploring a forest near where you lived, a wildfire, destroying it, and how. And how the forest rec grows.

There is a separate book about forests all around the world.

And there is yet another book about how people work to protect forests.

Smashing all three together was a jarring reading experience. However, the art in this book was absolutely incredible, except for the scene with the deer burning alive. That was a little terrifying.

[Olivia]

See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/forests/

FORESTS is a beautifully illustrated picture book that teaches children about some basic facts and problems facing forests. The book begins with an introduction to forests before teaching about wildfires and logging but also about monarch butterflies, bamboo forests, kelp forests, and more. It finishes with a call to action, asking the reader to help protect these natural wonders.

What I loved: This is a really thorough and educational read with many interesting stories and facts. The book is written lyrically, with a poem running throughout. On select pages, there is an additional long paragraph to give additional information or context to different concepts. These were very informative, but also allows the book to be read on a lighter or deeper level, depending on the reader.

The breadth of topics is great, especially for older readers, and there was plenty new to learn. For instance, the story of the Crooked Forest was new to me and seemed really fascinating. Additionally, there is an empowering story of an activist for the California redwoods that was really intriguing. I found the paragraphs to be well-written and convey a good amount of information to present the key elements of each topic. Backmatter includes places children can go if they want to learn more.

The most stunning part of the book is certainly the illustrations. They are sweeping, gorgeous, and unbelievably detailed and colored. Each is a work of art. The glossy pages add to the effect. If you love books with gorgeous artwork, you definitely need to add this to your list!

Final verdict: FORESTS features an engaging poem, beautiful illustrations, and interesting facts that will help teach children about the natural magic of trees.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I liked a great deal about this book [3.5 for me!], including the topic, the poetic language, the activism, and the variety of forests around the world that are highlighted, its organization felt rather confusing. Readers are first taken through a campfire and gentle exploration of the terrain to a wildfire with animals fleeing, and from there, to kelp forests where seals sleep, before shifting yet again to the Mexican reserve that is home to migrating Monarch butterflies, finally calling for activism to preserve the forests that still exist. There's a dreamy, respectful quality to all this, and the language used is exquisite: "the temple of trees" (unpaged), tree roots described as "tangled timber telephone lines" (unpaged), and "air sounding like cards shuffling" (unpaged). Still, the whole effort seemed jarring at various points, possibly saved by the use of larger typeface at certain points, but it might have been stronger with headings or some transition. The digital artwork is mind-blowingly stunning, and readers won't be blamed for lingering on each double-page spread, soaking in the colors and vicariously enjoying this whirlwind visit to the planet's forests. It truly does feel like an adventure through nature.

[Karen Jameson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may think you know what a forest is, but think again! FORESTS, poetically penned by Nell Cross Beckerman and brilliantly illustrated by Kalen Chock, is a spellbinding exploration of the world’s most mysterious and surprising forest biomes. Speaking directly to the reader in second person POV, Beckerman masterfully leads youngsters on a multi-sensory tour of these amazing sites. Among the treasures you’ll find - Poland’s Crooked Forest, Japan’s Sagana Bamboo Forest, California’s Redwood Forests, the Amazon Rainforest, the ocean’s Kelp Forests and more. Nonfiction sidebars on each spread are captivating. Chock’s mesmerizing art will draw you in, transporting you to each luminous forest locale. Back matter enriches the experience with author and illustrator notes, kid-friendly tips on how-to-plant-a-tree, resources to more fascinating forests, conservation notes, and a call to action. Perfect for nature and animal loving youngsters ages 4-8, parents, librarians and educators. Highly recommend!

[Heather Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

With absolutely stunning art and evocative poetry, this book will captivate and enlighten readers about the magical and surprising qualities of different forests around the world. From Poland’s crooked forests to underwater kelp forests to the Amazon rainforest, readers will be amazed how each one offers a dramatically different sensory experience. Fascinating sidebars accompany most spreads, so readers can dig in deeper and learn more. Toward the end of the book, we learn that forests are in trouble and they are “Silently shouting, SAVE US.” After experiencing the beauty and value of forests from this book, kids will certainly be inspired to answer in the affirmative to the book’s last question: “Will you answer their call?”

[Kris Coronado · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. After following Nell Cross Beckerman’s fantastic nonfiction picture books celebrating the natural world like CAVES, I had high expectations for her latest iteration of natural wonder. This book did not disappoint! In fact, I would say it may be one of my favorites by her. I was quickly pulled in and intrigued more and more as the book continued. The illustrations by Kalen Chock also made the book feel ALIVE. Magic. And the call to the action in the book’s conclusion will make readers – young and old alike – feel motivated and empowered to protect these natural treasures. Highly recommend!

[Leslie Barnard Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

With captivating art and text that sings, this book is a gorgeous ode to the forests that keep our world breathing. Highlighting their role as habitats for wildlife, FORESTS shows that these living landscapes are essential to life on Earth. Breathtaking spreads also underscore the inherent magic of forests - when we set foot inside them we can't help but feel that they are enchanted. Their magic, this book shows, arises from the interconnected web of life they support. A powerful plea on behalf of the world's forests, this book is a much-needed call to action. Beautiful, educational, and inspiring. Highly recommend!

[Carol Foote · Rating 5 out of 5]

With lyrical language and stunning illustrations, FORESTS takes readers to different forests around the world — kelp forests, rain forests, bamboo forests, redwood forests, and others. Sidebars provide detailed, interesting information: I was surprised to learn that when trees sense smoke or fire, they close openings in their leaves to protect themselves. The story emphasizes the essential role of forests on earth and ends with a call to help save them. Back matter describes other special forests around the world and tells of ways to help protect trees and forests.

[Megan Clendenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning book! I was hooked from the first page with evocative text that immerses readers in the sensory world of forests. Readers have the chance to visit underwater kelp forests, bamboo forests in Japan, the Amazon, and so many more. Second person text ‘leads’ readers on the journey. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and make you feel like you’re there. Back matter is kid-friendly and useful, with lots of great tips and resources. With an important call to action at the end, this book is highly recommended for schools, libraries, and home.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let this beautifully written and illustrated book lead you and your family on a learning adventure. I appreciate how we discover information that may be different than what's seen in comparable books. For example, I was excited to find out about the mysterious Crooked Forest and about bamboo. Kids will love this book for its sense of exploration and, along the way, uncover many facts. An ideal gift for your elementary school teacher.

[Lisa Varchol Varchol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow--another stunning book by this creative team! FORESTS is a truly immersive experience, inviting the reader to explore different fascinating forests across the globe. (I especially loved the inclusion of a kelp forest!) Sidebars and back matter offer more intriguing facts for curious kids. I highly recommend for every home, school, and library!

[Carla Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The author takes readers on a wonderful tour of fascinating forests around the world. Beautiful illustrations complement the lyrical text, adding to an overall sense of mystery and awe as you explore each page and forest. Curious readers will appreciate the additional information included about each type of forest. Highly recommend!

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the poetic text with paragraphs of further information interspersed. The illustration style was interesting but not my favorite poetic forest picture book of the year (A Forest Song)

[Darcy Pattison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third collaboration between Nell Corss Beckerman and Kalen Chock and it's gorgeous. The writing AND the art are stunning, a distillaton of what a forest means to conservation and the Earth. Highly recommended for kids of all ages.

[Chelsea Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nell's evocative writing paired with the immersive illustrations, transported me into each of these unique forest worlds!! It is a true adventure into nature with a lyrical guide along the way. This is a must-have for any home or classroom!!!

[Gela Kalaitzidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Forest feels like taking a field trip without leaving the classroom, my elementary school students would love this book.
Nell Cross Beckerman’s poetic text and Kalen Chock’s stunning art invite kids to slow down, look closely, and listen to the world around them.

[Bryttneigh King · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in here are breathtaking! There is such great information in here for both children and adults. I especially love the information at the end about how forests help us breathe and how to plant a tree. Anything by Nell Cross Beckerman is an auto buy for me!

[Robert Ellington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book by Nell Cross Beckerman that I've read. I really enjoyed "Volcanoes", and this book was great, as well! The way she weaves verse with interesting facts makes reading her works delightful. Well done, Ms. Beckerman!

[Nell Cross Beckerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a trip around the world visiting fascinating forests, and learn what you can do to help this ecosystem!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explore the different kind of forests in this gorgeously illustrated book. We get to learn a little bit about each forest.
The ending is true and sad at the same time.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore this whole series. The author does it again with her poetic musical lyrics. The illustrations are stunning. I learn something new every time I read it and the backmatter. Lovely books!

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an extraordinary book! Excellent in every way.