Tuesday, 8 April 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT

Online, Zoom

‘The Hidden Life of Trees,’ published in 2015, has become one of the most famous books on trees. It ponders upon the presence of trees as social beings, with an inner life. For Germany forester Peter Wohlleben the forest is a community. Trees live like human families: tree parents live together with their children, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick and struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers.

Recently a vibrantly illustrated graphic version of ‘The Hidden Life of Trees’ was published. Through rich imagery it follows the story of Peter from a young man discovering and revealing the secret network of the forest, as well as sharing in his struggles and triumphs devoting his life to protecting trees.

This visually rich adaptation in the style of nature drawings honors the spirit of the original book by imaginatively seeking to change the way we look at trees in particularly, as well as more broadly upon our obvious and hidden ecological relationships all around us… relationships mutually enriching and sustaining, as well as endangered.

The second Reading Forum of our scheduled series is a further opportunity to read and more imaginatively reflect upon a social issue of our time, this time upon the ecological richness all around us, but one that is in continual danger of being disrupted. This graphic adaptation especially highlights the fragility of the trees all around us we hold dear, as well as their imaginative wonder and splendour in all its illustration

Simon Appolloni, from the School of Environment at the University of Toronto, will join us to lead us into a deeper appreciation of this graphic adaptation of ‘The Hidden Life of Trees.’ Simon brings an appreciation of the importance of a hope that builds resilience toward sustainability through his own articles and publications, such as ‘How to Stay Hopeful In a World Seemingly Beyond Saving’; ‘Living Out an Ecological Spirituality’; and ‘’6 Ways to Build Resilience and Hope Into Young People’s Learning About Climate Change’

Review Link: https://natureartbookclub.substack.com/p/february-book-review-the-hidden-life

Read the book before joining! Buy it Here