Andrea Koehle Jones's Blog, page 5

Hosting a TREEMENDOUS kids tree planting party in 5 easy steps

The true joy of a tree-planting party is the enthusiasm of children and young adults, who are having fun while helping our planet. As you stand among these young people, ready to get your hands dirty and join in on the action, you can't help but marvel at how their energy transforms the world around them. Every hole dug and tree seedling planted by these kids leaves a lasting impact, knowing that they were part of something much bigger than themselves. 

It’s no secret that kids who spend more time outdoors are healthier for it. By organising a tree-planting party for children, you’re not only teaching them how to love and respect nature but also providing them with important hands-on experience. 

5 STEPS FOR THE COOLEST PARTY! 

Talking to kids about climate change (by Andrea Koehle Jones)

Help your children be part of the solution 
By Climate Journalist ANDREA KOEHLE JONES (EcoParent Magazine)

When is the right time to talk to your kids about climate change? The answer is simple: the time is now. According to Tzeporah Berman, environmentalist, author, and the international program director of Stand.Earth, “Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity today and our kids will hear about it in school, on the news and from friends so I think it's critical that we talk to them about it.” While it may feel like something that you can push to the periphery or leave until your child is older, the reality is that they—like millions of other children and youth around the world—are directly impacted by climate change each day. Read more in EcoParent Magazine.



[caption id="attachment_1779" align="alignleft" width="224"] A children's tree planting activity featured in this EcoParent Magazine article. (Fall 2021)[/caption]

Plant a wish tree Planting a wish tree is a fun way for your budding climate activist to learn about trees. The idea, inspired by The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place , encourages kids to plant a local tree seedling and then make a wish for the world. Then, each time they return to visit and/or care for their tree they can make more wishes! Trees do so many tremendous things, and planting a tree provides an excellent opportunity to share their importance with your children. Whether or not you dress up the tree with handprinted wishes or speak to them with your mind, doing something hopeful like planting a tree, is a great way to encourage little ones to take pride in their contribution and take part in the world around them.

 

Bestselling Children’s Tree Planting Book Free for Kids Everywhere Now

"Planting a tree is an act of hope. And that is a message our children need to hear now more than ever." 
Author and children's environmental education advocate Andrea Koehle Jones donates 100% of book profits to climate education opportunities for children and youth. Millions of kids around the world are already directly impacted by climate change each day and climate anxiety is on the rise. She says one of the best ways to help is to educate them now so they will be better prepared to face their ever-changing world. That's why she is making the book free to children everywhere for a limited time.   Download the Kindle edition.

Best Sellers Rank: Feb 2024 - Amazon Kindle Store

#1 in Children's Forest & Tree Books (Free in Kindle Store)
#1 in Children's Environment & Ecology Books (Free in Kindle Store)

Best Sellers Rank: October 2021 - Amazon Kindle Store

#2 in Children's Forest & Tree Books (Paid in Kindle Store)

The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place

Created as part of a humanitarian tree project in Africa.
Beautiful text and illustrations pair to show the wonderful ways children around the world can connect with nature through a single wish tree.
The text is poetic and soothing, but simple enough for young listeners and young independent readers. A sweet environmental children’s book that introduces children to the wonder of trees and the joy of tree planting.
Written by award-winning children’s climate education advocate, climate journalist and United Nations Climate Observer Andrea Koehle Jones.
Illustrated by New York Times bestseller Alicia Padrón.
Non-fiction STEM back matter shows kids how to plant a tree and make a wish for the world.
A great gift for nature-loving kids and a wonderful addition to any classroom, library, or home.
100% of book profits donated to climate education opportunities for children and youth around the world.

Reviews of The Wish Trees
[caption id="attachment_2353" align="alignleft" width="217"] The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place[/caption]

Inspiring and uplifting, The Wish Trees is rooted in the idea that every child can help make the world a better place. This whimsical children’s book introduces young readers to the fun of tree planting as they meet kids around the globe planting Wish Trees and making wishes.

Kids will discover the wonder of trees and enjoy searching for different animals and tree names with each new page. Thoughtful, empowering and beautifully written by journalist and children’s environmental education advocate Andrea Koehle Jones, The Wish Trees features illustrations by New York Times best-selling illustrator Alicia Padrón. The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place is inspiring little tree planters and wishers everywhere.

Learn how to plant a tree
Young children will fall in love with trees, learn how trees can help our planet and begin to understand that they are never too little to help the world. This July 4, 2021 edition of The Wish Trees includes a bonus: “How to Plant a Wish Tree.

"In today's tumultuous world, The Wish Trees, tells a gentle story filled with a love for trees and their meaning for the young among us — if they wish. Beautifully illustrated and scripted—it's a gift to be cherished, lifelong. I wish it had been available when my daughters were early in life so they could have planted a Wish Tree to help make the world a better place." — Mike Hoffmann, Professor Emeritus at Cornell University dedicated to confronting the climate change challenge we now face. October 7, 2021.

"When it comes to the environment, everyone focuses on how we ought to reduce our harm. It is so refreshing to have a book that shows our children instead of causing less damage, we should and can, do more good. Planting a tree is an act of hope. And that is a message our children need to hear now more than ever. This book, so beautifully illustrated and poignantly written, empowers our children to create a better world. A book that teaches us the importance of not merely sustaining, but of regenerating."— Jacob Rodenburg, an award-winning educator, author, executive director of Camp Kawartha, a summer camp and outdoor education center, and instructor in environmental education at Trent University. October 4, 2021.

"Thank you so much for your book THE WISH TREES. My young audience spontaneously started suggesting their own ideas for wish trees before we were even half way through, and the W-i-s-h-h-h parts were fun to read out loud!" — Natasha Zimmers, Outdoor Educator, September 8, 2022.

"Beautiful illustrations and text pair to show the wonderful ways children can connect with nature through a single wish tree. The text is poetic and soothing, but simple enough for young listeners and young independent readers. A great gift for nature-loving kids and a wonderful addition to any classroom, library, or home." — Kate Allen Fox, author, July 17, 2021 (Amazon + Goodreads)

"I love this book. I love the warmth of the illustrations, I love the language of the book and I love the feeling that I have when reading it. This is certainly a feel-good book that focuses on wishes we make throughout our life… simple, basic wishes… pure and genuine. We wish for shelter, friendship, memories, and yes, mountain bikes too!" - Heather  (continued on the right)

Great book for a wide range of ages
"This book provides beautiful illustrations and text in a simplistic yet educational format that teaches children the importance of nature and how each person can play a critical role in the future of our earth. Would highly recommend this book!" - Hilda (Amazon)

I LOVE The Wish Trees!
"A wonderful book with a beautiful and timely message! This book is absolutely on my go to gift list for kids and new parents. Highly recommend!" - Sue (Amazon)

"This is a wonderful book for all ages, with an inspiring and timely theme of caring for the world we live in. Young children especially will love the gentle story and enjoy the colourful illustrations. I highly recommend The Wish Trees!" - Deb (Goodreads)

"The Wish Tree is a wonderful book, inspiring children to think about how trees keep our planet healthy. The idea of a wish tree and the beautiful illustrations is inspirational in educating children. All proceeds go to environmental education. Well worth reading to your child and then planting a wish tree." - Helen (Goodreads)

"Everyone should plant a wish tree! What a beautiful book and a beautiful inspiration! My granddaughters and I will be planting wish trees. One for each of them so that as they grow up we can also be blessed with the beauty of their trees!" - Charla (Amazon + Goodreads)

Children’s tree planting book beautifully introduces children to the wonder of trees and the power of tree planting.

"This is a wonderful book that introduces children to the importance of trees to our planet and the idea that you are never too little to help the world.

My children LOVE this global tree planting book. The text is simple enough for the youngest listeners and early readers. I love that The Wish Trees is thoughtfully written by a children’s environmental education advocate and beautifully illustrated by a New York Times best-selling illustrator.

I highly recommend The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place to babies, young children, parents, teachers, everyone.... And I love that the author gives away so many copies to children and supports children’s environmental education projects around the world. Inspiring!" - David (Goodreads)

"Wonderful environmental theme in a book kids enjoy. Postive and uplifting theme. Beautifully illustrated. Printed on recycled paper. Be sure to check out the Love Trees website where, for a small donation, a tree will be planted for your special child, teacher, etc. and that person will receive a “tree certificate” with their name on it." - Cirroc (Goodreads)

"A lovely book which will make you do something good after reading it. A book with message for all. Its quite amusing and the illustrations are fantastic." - Famma (Goodreads)

"This reminds me…I want to plant a tree in our garden. Such simple but environmental and inspirational book." - Vim

"I was looking for a book for my niece , so that she can improve her English reading skill. I think the book is amazing with its simple sentences , and beautiful drawings. Thank you." - Halal (Goodreads)

"Fantastic book! I purchased this book as a sample to view before purchasing a larger quantity as part of a holiday gift. The graphics are great and the unique stories/characters on each page were heartwarming. I recommend this book for all children!" - Melanie (Goodreads)

"This is a very cute book about trees and the wishes we make when planting them. It's also a book that invites readers to plant a tree and is therefor a very educational book because it shows children the importance trees have in our life." - Catarina (Goodreads)

"I loved it… I have a two year old girl and read a small paragraph before she goes to sleep. I finished and and we enjoyed every second of it. It has so much imagination and very simple. I want a tree. ♥" - Rosario (Goodreads)



 

Climate Anxiety and Kids (by Andrea Koehle Jones)

5 Tips to support children and youth with their ‘Eco-Anxiety’

By Climate Journalist ANDREA KOEHLE JONES The climate crisis is causing an increase in psychological distress in children and teens around the world. One of the most devastating impacts of unchecked climate change is climate anxiety: a chronic fear of environmental doom. Kids everywhere are reporting emotions ranging from sadness and anxiousness, to anger and powerlessness. Many report that their daily lives and functioning are affected by climate anxiety.“This is not surprising because climate change is the biggest threat humanity is facing.”— Professor Mala Rao, Senior Clinical Fellow at the Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College, London.Here are some tips to help your child survive and thrive in their ever-changing world.  READ THE ECO PARENT MAGAZINE ARTICLE HERE.

Andrea Koehle Jones is a children’s book author, a climate journalist and environmentalist, and the founder of Canada’s ChariTree Foundation, the children’s climate education and United Nations Climate Observer organization. She is an award-winning documentary producer and has worked for CBC news, CBC Newsworld International, cbc4kids and as a Greenpeace Canada communications strategist during the campaign to ‘Save The Great Bear Rainforest.’ She has just returned from meetings at the UNICEF Supply Division (the world’s largest humanitarian warehouse) in Copenhagen and she is a climate observer participating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (#COP27). Next she will be at the UN Biodiversity Conference (#COP15).

Climate Anxiety and Kids by Andrea Koehle Jones

5 Tips to support children and youth with their ‘Eco-Anxiety’

By Climate Journalist ANDREA KOEHLE JONES

The climate crisis is causing an increase in psychological distress in children and teens around the world. One of the most devastating impacts of unchecked climate change is climate anxiety: a chronic fear of environmental doom. Kids everywhere are reporting emotions ranging from sadness and anxiousness, to anger and powerlessness. Many report that their daily lives and functioning are affected by climate anxiety.“This is not surprising because climate change is the biggest threat humanity is facing.”— Professor Mala Rao, Senior Clinical Fellow at the Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College, London.Here are some tips to help your child survive and thrive in their ever-changing world.  READ THE ECO PARENT MAGAZINE ARTICLE HERE.

Andrea Koehle Jones is a children’s book author, a climate journalist and environmentalist, and the founder of Canada’s ChariTree Foundation, the children’s climate education and United Nations Climate Observer organization. She is an award-winning documentary producer and has worked for CBC news, CBC Newsworld International, cbc4kids and as a Greenpeace Canada communications strategist during the campaign to ‘Save The Great Bear Rainforest.’ She has just returned from meetings at the UNICEF Supply Division (the world’s largest humanitarian warehouse) in Copenhagen and she is a climate observer participating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (#COP27). Next she will be at the UN Biodiversity Conference (#COP15).

Irish Children’s Book Challenge: The Wish Trees is inspiring little tree planters around the world

Let's celebrate Irish children’s books
There are so many brilliant Irish children’s books highlighted in The Irish Children’s Book Challenge. Every day during October, Discover Irish Children’s Books will be suggesting fun activities to help people discover the best Irish literature for kids.

There are more than 350 published Irish children’s authors and illustrators, including those living and working in Ireland. That’s a lot of children’s authors and illustrators!

One of those books is The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place. 

“Planting a tree is an act of hope and that is a message our children need to hear now more than ever.” — Andrea Koehle Jones, Canadian and Irish author 

The Wish Trees was written by award-winning children's environmental education advocate and Canadian and Irish author Andrea Koehle Jones to create a humanitarian children's book that would aid in African environmental education projects. This book quickly became well-known across the globe, and a new edition of it was released in 2021, with 100% of the book's profits going towards similar environmental education initiatives for children across the world.

[caption id="attachment_2991" align="alignright" width="680"] 100% of profits from this book will be donated to The ChariTree Foundation and other children's environmental education and tree planting projects.[/caption]

Inspiring and uplifting, The Wish Trees is rooted in the idea that every child can help make the world a better place. This whimsical children's book introduces young readers to the fun of tree planting as they meet kids around the globe planting Wish Trees and making wishes.

Kids will discover the wonder of trees and enjoy searching for different animals and tree names with each new page. Thoughtful, empowering and beautifully written The Wish Trees features illustrations by New York Times best-selling illustrator Alicia Padrón. The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place is inspiring little tree planters and wishers around the world.

Discover how to plant a tree
Young children will fall in love with trees, learn how trees can help our planet and begin to understand that they are never too little to help the world. This September 15, 2021 edition of The Wish Trees includes a bonus: “How to Plant a Wish Tree.

 

Inspirational Quotes About Trees and Letting Go…

Whether you are letting go of a child who has grown-up and left home, grieving a loved one who has died or a remarkable time in your life, these transitions can be heartbreaking but also empowering. Here are a few inspiring quotes about letting go to help you on your healing journey.

"There are two things we should give our children: one is roots and the other is wings."
— Author Unknown




"Trees teach us the generosity, bravery and beauty of letting go."
— Andrea Koehle Jones






"The trees are about to show you just how beautiful letting go can be."
— Author Unknown



"Holding on is believing that there’s only a past; letting go is knowing that there’s a future.”
— Daphne Rose Kingma




“Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.”
— Eckhart Tolle




"Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go."
— Hermann Hesse

Tree Quote: Letting go

"Trees teach us the generosity, bravery and beauty of letting go." — Canadian author: Andrea Koehle Jones

The Wish Trees: New learning resource for teachers

A new teaching resource for The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place includes discussion prompts and student activities for K-Grade 2.

If your students want to learn about trees, there's no better way than planting Wish Trees. The idea, inspired by the children's book The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place, encourages kids to plant a local tree seedling and then make a wish for the world. Then, each time they return to visit and/or care for their tree they can make more wishes! Trees do so many tree-mendous things and planting a tree provides an excellent opportunity to share their importance with your children. Whether or not you dress up the tree with handprinted wishes or just speak them with your mind, doing something hopeful, like planting a tree, is a great way to encourage little ones to take pride in their contribution and take part in the world around them.

Discussion Prompt #1: Have you ever wondered how to plant a Wish Tree?
Discussion Prompt #2: If you planted a Wish Tree, what would you wish for the world be? For example: “I wish I had super powers to save the earth and save people.” — Aiden

[caption id="attachment_2921" align="alignright" width="300"] “I wish for a happy and healthy planet, so it can be there for generations to enjoy.” — Kiana[/caption]
Discussion Prompt #3: Which tree is your favorite tree in the book? Why did you pick it?
Discussion Prompt #4: Why is it important to plant trees? 
Activity #1: Use your imagination and draw any type of tree you would like to plant.
Activity #2: Plant a Wish Tree with your teacher and make a Wish for The World.
Activity #3: Post your students' wishes for the world on a giant poster of a tree with wishes blowing away from it out to the world or write the words on 100% recycled paper and place on a tree. You can also post their wishes at WishForTheWorld.
Activity #4: Have a class fundraiser to raise funds for a children's environmental education or tree planting charity like The ChariTree Foundation.

Here is some more information from the amazon listing about this outstanding book. 

Planting a tree is an act of hope. And that is a message our children need to hear now more than ever.

Inspiring and uplifting, The Wish Trees is rooted in the idea that every child can help make the world a better place. This whimsical children's book introduces young readers to the fun of tree planting as they meet kids around the globe planting Wish Trees and making wishes.

Kids will discover the wonder of trees and enjoy searching for different animals and tree names with each new page. Thoughtful, empowering and beautifully written by journalist and children's environmental education advocate Andrea Koehle Jones, The Wish Trees features illustrations by New York Times best-selling illustrator Alicia Padrón. The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place is inspiring little tree planters and wishers everywhere.

Discover how to plant a tree

Young children will fall in love with trees, learn how trees can help our planet and begin to understand that they are never too little to help the world. This September 15, 2021 edition of The Wish Trees includes a bonus: “How to Plant a Wish Tree.

100% of profits from this book will be donated to The ChariTree Foundation and other children's environmental education and tree planting projects.

Beautiful text and illustrations pair to show the wonderful ways children around the world can connect with nature through a single wish tree.
The text is poetic and soothing, but simple enough for young listeners and young independent readers. A sweet environmental children’s book that introduces children to the wonder of trees and the joy of tree planting.
Written by award-winning children’s climate education advocate, climate journalist and United Nations Climate Observer Andrea Koehle Jones.
Illustrated by New York Times bestseller Alicia Padrón.
Non-fiction STEM back matter shows kids how to plant a tree and make a wish for the world.
An outstanding book for nature-loving kids and a wonderful addition to any classroom, library, or home.

The Hummingbird Trees is the #1 Family Television screenplay (One-hour) in the past month!

The trees are calling...


The groundbreaking tv screenplay by Canadian screenwriter Andrea Koehle Jones — The Hummingbird Trees (Diary of a Tree Girl) — advanced again. 4 accolades. The Red List. #1 Family Television (One-hour) in the past month. Thank you Coverfly!


AUGUST UPDATE:
#1 Family Television screenplay (One-hour) in the past month (Coverfly, August 2023)
Semifinalist in the ScreenCraft Film Fund (Fall 2023)
Second Rounder in the ScreenCraft Film Fund (Fall 2023)
Quarterfinalist, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards (2023)
Quarterfinalist, Big Apple Film Festival Screenplay Competition (2023)
Quarterfinalist, Filmmatic Drama Screenplay Awards Season 8 (2023)The Red List (Coverfly 2023)




Thank you @Screenplay_LA, @FilmmaticNews, @screencrafting, @BigAppleFilm & @Coverfly!



Andrea Koehle Jones is an environmental journalist, screenwriter/producer, author | Kid's environmental education advocate, United Nations Climate Observer | Founder of The ChariTree Foundation. She has been working on a children's middle grade novel about The Hummingbird Trees for ten years!

LEARN MORE about this screenplay.

#screenwriting #5amwritersclub #NeverGiveUp #iSupportWGA#iSupportSAGAFTRA