The Trees Talk

by Jennifer Scott, Carla Joseph (Illustrator)

When the mighty oak whispers, you will hear 

That our loved ones are still very near. 

A moving journey through loss and finding comfort by engaging with the world around us. 

The Trees Talk is a lyrical poem that teaches children about the wisdom of trees. When our loved ones pass on to the next world, author Jennifer Scott encourages us to sit with the trees. They carry messages from our ancestors for each of us, if we just take the time to listen. 

Sweeping and lush paintings by award-winning artist Carla Joseph move readers through a journey to learn about the relationship between our ancestors and the nature around us. 

Genres: Picture Books, Indigenous, Canada

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2026

Reviews

[Martha Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, Carla Joseph, illustrator, is a wonder! You might think that this is another book about the wood wide web and you'd be wrong. It is a celebration of the wisdom of trees and how they can speak to us especially in grief and loss, but also as warm messages from those who go before. I usually rebel at rhyming neatly, but somehow Jennifer Scott pulls it off. Both creators of the book are indigenous. Jennifer Scott is a member of the Yakima Band of Indians and Carla Joseph is Metis. Enjoy this one! Nature has benefits for our questing hearts as well as being a scientific marvel.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from the library, so I'm not sure why Goodreads things it isn't published yet.

I was excited to read this one when I picked it up because it has the most beautiful painted (acrylic?) illustrations I've seen in a while! Great messaging about nature connection and generational connections.

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trees Talk is a stunning, whimsical, powerful, lyrical, and grounding book! These illustrations are truly gorgeous and add to the magical feeling this book brings. I love the message that nature knows us and holds infinite wisdom.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Native American perspective the author shares how trees embody the spirits of people who have died. The trees have wisdom and understanding which they share if we listen and pay attention to them. This story brings peace from the natural world to our hearts. Its quite lovely.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awe-inspiring and meditative book with so much to look at in its immersive illustrations, with a beautiful message about connecting with the natural world around us.

[Sonora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was available at our library before publication it looks like. It was wonderful. My three year old said it made her feel peaceful and asked to buy a copy. I agree with her.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is gorgeous!

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful art