Hello, Beech Tree!

by Rasha Hamid, Sofia Moore (Illustrator)

Based on real events, this charming story features a kindergarten class in Brooklyn who pays homage to their beloved lost beech tree and takes action to plant a new one. When a kindergarten class in Brooklyn discovers that their beloved beech has been cut down, they honor the tree by writing stories and poems, creating art, and placing a plaque at the former tree's site. But they still miss their tree and want to do more. With the support of their teachers and community, they plant a new tree to love. Rasha Hamid, author of How to Bird , returns with a new story that taps into the power of nature to connect and inspire children wherever they live. Incorporating creative expression, collaboration, and environmental conservation, Hello, Beech Tree! is a lyrical story that highlights student-directed community action. A section at the back of the book includes discussion questions, tips for taking action in readers' own communities, and information about environmental justice and conservation.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

36 pages, Hardcover

Published June 25, 2024

Reviews

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hello, Beech Tree" written by Rasha Hamid and illustrated by Sofia Moore, is a children's picture book about the true story of a kindergarten class in Brooklyn, New York. The class was called the Beech Class and named after a huge Beech tree in the path near the school. The kids loved the tree. One day, their Beech tree was missing. It had to be cut down because it was sick. They decide to raise money to get a new one planted. They succeed, and the new tree is planted the following fall.

The pictures by Sofia Moore are colorful and easy to understand.

This book supports the idea of environmental justice. The idea is that everyone deserves to live in a clean and safe space with green areas. This is a great book I highly recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley, Teacher Created Materials - Free Spirit Publishing, and author Rasha Hamid for providing this ARC e-book so I could give you my honest review.

[Noor Velliane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Environmental justice based on a true story, I absolutely love this book!

The writing is perfect, it’s probably one of the smoothest stories I’ve read, I can see kids up to. 12 years old reading this, and not getting bored at all. It directs kids from a young age to value nature around them and connect with it, offers them ways to overcome their sadness of losing a valuable tree, including uniting their efforts to collect money and plant a new tree to love. I definitely will be looking forward to more books by Rasha, her direction is inspiring.

Loved that the author invites people to visit the tree and say hello to it, beautiful and smart idea.

NetGalley review.

[Julia✨Book Reviews by Jules✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

This book was heartbreakingly beautiful. I don't really expect children's books to be sad, but this one kind of was. However, it also kind of needed to be in order for the lessons of this book to come out strong on the pages. Like leaves on trees, there are many seasons of life, and the children in this book experienced one of them. I definitely recommend this book!
–

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[Ankit Saxena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gentle, poetic celebration of nature, its observation and connection with it. Centered around a child’s seasonal encounters with a beloved beech tree, this beautifully illustrated picture book captures the quiet magic of the natural world through a lens of curiosity and care. Based on real story, it is an intriguing short-read picture book.

Rasha’s writing is lyrical yet accessible, inviting young readers to slow down and take notice of the changes that occur in both nature and themselves. The tree becomes more than a backdrop — it’s a character, a companion and a grounding presence. The soft, earthy artwork complements the reflective tone, creating a soothing visual experience that reinforces the book’s themes of mindfulness and belonging.

The only minor deduction comes from the pacing, which may feel a bit languid for readers seeking more nostalgic-driven narratives. However, for those who appreciate quiet wonder and emotional depth, this is a near-perfect read.
Wax Crayon like illustration by Sofia Moore were way too good for children's books.

Overall, it is a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of seasonal change and the relationships we form with nature in the world around us. It’s a lovely addition to any child’s library — especially for those who love trees, nature and quiet moments of awe.

My NetGalley review

[Anjali Bhandari · Rating 3 out of 5]

To what extent does the love of a class go for their favorite beech tree? The tree that gave them shade and brought them joy. When they found that the tree was gone, the class gave it their all to raise money and get a new tree in its place. It’s a simple story but has a very deep message hidden beneath it.

In these times and age, when thousands of trees get cut every year to make way for development of infrastructure, one ought to ask themselves, at what cost does it come to us? The parks and the trees, these places where some core memories are formed, of both children and elderly alike, what would happen if they disappear?

You would not want that. And when humanity realizes this mistake of theirs, it would cost them a great deal to undo the damage. This simple children’s story makes one ponder, about our actions and it’s effect on environment and how it affects our children.

I think there’s a great deal to learn from this book, by means of the initiatives the beech class takes to bring a new beech tree in the old ones place.

Rating- 3.4/5

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful beech tree stands tall and proud in a park in Brooklyn. A school is close by with a special class called the Beech Class. The tree is treasured and loved by everyone, especially the children of the Beech Class.

When one winter day the children of the Beech Class visited the park they were shocked and saddened to find their beloved tree was cut down. Seeming answers they asked the park ranger. Sadly their beech tree had been sick and needed to be cut down for safety reasons.

A new plan arouse amongst the class, they would raise the money to plant a new beech tree. With creativity and hard work, the children raised the funds and the next fall a new beech tree was planted.

This is such a charming true story! I love how the class works together to turn a negative into a positive.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello Beech Tree! is a 36 page children's book based on true story about a tree in Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, New York.

I love how the children came together with a goal and took action.

I love trees and beech trees are incredibly beautiful. I was a little disappointed that the story didn't point out some attributes of beech trees, such as the bark of the tree being incredibly smooth and grey or that they hold their leaves through the winter and don't release them until new leaves are ready to emerge.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Teacher Created Materials for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Hello Beech Tree! in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is June 25, 2024.

[Kirin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book about kids connecting with a tree, missing a tree, and problem solving to plant a new tree. I wish there was a little more why that particular tree was so important or what makes a beech tree unique compared to other types of tree, but it doesn't add those additional layers and just keeps the story on the surface. Nothing wrong with that, just pointing it out. I will probably check out a physical copy of the book from the library, an electronic copy doesn't quite do it justice. It very well could be a classroom favorite for younger kids, depending on size and binding. Especially if you can get them outside and under a tree when reading it.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Free Spirit Publishing through Edelweiss+.
Based on a real tree and real interactions with a class. The students in the Beech Class loved spending time near the beech tree in the park. They celebrated all sorts of times beside it until one day it had been cut down. When they learned it had to be, they learned how to plant a new one and raised the funding for it. The illustrations capture the various emotions and the love for nature and this tree in particular. Hamid offers informative text to share more about actions they can take along with a letter from her.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a great story and it was lovely to find that it was based on a true story.

The story was well written and it was really easy to follow too.

I liked this one and it was similar to what happened at my daughter's school as the huge tree they had was chopped down - it was a tree that they played under, read under, studied under and it had been there for many, many years. I liked the ending and the positive nature of the book too - it was really well done.

The illustrations in the book were great and they really brought the book to life.

It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

[Cheryl Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hello, beech tree! You look beautiful today!," sing the children of the Beech Tree class in Brooklyn, NY. They play, eat and observe critters under the canopy of the beech tree. Until one day, they arrive to find just a stump where their beloved tree once stood. A charming story of love and loss of a favorite thing - and what even a child can do to honor it and bring it back. Beautiful illustrations that draw you into the story. I loved this book - and love that it is based on a true story and ends with discussion questions and ideas that children can use to make a difference of their own.

[Chrissy Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the true story of a Kindergarten class named the Beech Class, after the Beech tree that lived in the park near their school. They would visit each day to say hello and enjoy it. One day, they came out to find the Beech tree had been cut down due to illness. They decided to raise money to plant a new tree. They raised enough money to plant a new Beech tree the following year.

Great, true story with beautiful illustrations. I loved the letter from the author, the questions to think about and the how to take action section too. This would be a great read aloud for Arbor Day!

[Susan Dusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book recounts the true story of a class that regularly visits a beech tree in their town, until one day it is cut down. They are told the tree was sick and that replacing it will cost $600. The children raise the money to have the new tree planted, which happens after they have moved on to the next grade. It is a lovely story about caring for the earth and taking initiative to make a positive impact on the environment. The illustrations are also beautiful and add depth to the story.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is:
A true story
A nature story
A story that teaches science
A very sweet picture book with gorgeous pictures about young children

In the US, most people live in cities, and we don't spend enough time appreciating nature. These children loved a special tree and, when it got sick and had to be cut down, they worked together to get a new tree while still honoring the original. Fantastic book.

Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a kindergarten class in Brooklyn who loved a beech tree in a park near its school. The tree was cut down by the park ranger. Find the reason why and how the class was able to solve this problem. This is a heartwarming story of the children’s love over a tree. In the end, they found ways to bring back their tree by being creative and taking action. I wish we got to see the gradual growth of the tree from a sapling to the full-grown tree.

[Kim Stuckmeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this heartwarmIng story a kindergarten class discovers that their favorite tree has been cut down and must figure out a way to work together to honor their beloved tree while taking action to help their community. I really enjoyed this story of community, activism, and creating beautiful, green spaces for all to enjoy. For an added bonus, there’s great discussion questions and action steps at the end too.

[Amanda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story, a kindergarten class bonds over the love and loss of a tree in the local park. Readers follow the class’ activities around the tree and then the realization that it is gone. I thought this book truly captured the range of emotions the children would feel. It then took it one step further and demonstrated how to champion for something you love. In the back of the book, there is even a list of ways to encourage children to speak up for what they believe in.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for providing me with an e copy of this book for an honest review. Hello, Beech Tree is a sad yet very heartwarming true story about some children who fell in love with a tree and having to learn about the facts of nature. I really enjoyed the illustrations and the changing of the seasons. I especially liked at the end the author included "some questions to think about" and info about New York as well.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I read a digital copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley.
The students at a school in Brooklyn like to spend time in the park near their school and are particularly fond of a mature Beech tree, greeting it throughout the seasons. One day the tree is gone and only a stump remains. The children go to the park ranger to find out what has happened to their tree and what they can do to plant a new tree. They enterprisingly raise the needed $600 and plant a new beech tree in their park. A delightful introduction to environmental justice.

[Mindy Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read Hello, Beech Tree! by Rasha Hamid. #HelloBeechTree #NetGalley thanks to NetGalley!

This was a great story that will be perfect for my class! I loved the colorful illustrations, and multi-cultural names / characters. The students enjoying nature and working hard to make their park beautiful is something that we can all do!

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story of love and achieving something you want. The Beech tree in Brooklyn where children played is suddenly cut down. The children then go on to raise the money to plant a new tree. The illustrations are very well done and go with the story. This is a true story and the book includes info on New York as well.

[Kami Mauldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

A very sweet story of kids living their tree. A class of children in New York City loves their beech tree well through all seasons. It’s very engaging for little one and bigger ones too!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, Beech Tree!
by Rasha Hamid
The book shows the young children's connection to nature near their school. When their beloved tree is taken down for safety they get together to solve the problem. The children fundraise... they work to get a new tree planted although they still have a connection to the old tree.
Showing how children can find ways to help their environment and social change.

[Nicole Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to read this book early through an ARC. As an elementary school teacher, I loved it. It was a quick read with a good lesson. The illustrations are beautiful. It would be an amazing resource to use for Earth Day in schools.

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely inspiring picture book about a kindergarten class who adore Beech Tree! I love the way they problem solve when Beech Tree has, well, a problem. Creativity, community, kinder kids, nature, a park, getting outside-all the things I enjoy in a picture book. Great read!

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes about a kindergarten class in Brooklyn, look forward to visiting a beech tree near their school. When it is removed, they write poems and make art in order to pay homage to said tree. They also take the initiative to get a new tree planted.

Excellent story!

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book about nature, group, learning, and growing.

Very cute story with great illustrations.

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a beautiful true story. I loved the illustrations and the text flowed well. I liked the action points at the end.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the park tree they love is cut down, a classroom full of children brainstorm ideas to raise money to plant a new beech tree. Vibrant illustrations and a big heart.

[Madeleine Lough-Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book, I loved the message and themes of rebirth. I was surprised how emotional I was when the tree was cut down, I really felt for the children who lost their safe place and cheered for them as they worked to re-create a new space for everyone. The artwork also flowed really nicely with the story, I felt the colors used really embraced the emotional aspect of the storyline.

Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley!