The Emerald Forest: questions to ask and activities to try
Orangutan's family live happily in the emerald forest, until a machine tears their tree down. The Emerald Forest is a moving story about rainforests, homes and caring for the planet.
What age is it for? The Emerald Forest is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Orangutans, rainforests and losing a home.
The Emerald Forest (Catherine Ward and Karin Littlewood)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Orangutans, rainforests and losing a home
Read it gently, and talk about where orangutans live and why forests matter. End on something hopeful you can do together.
What it helps with
- Rainforests and the animals that live there
- Losing a home
- Caring for the planet
- Empathy for animals
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Where did Orangutan live?”
- “What did she teach her babies?”
- “What happened to her tree?”
- “Where did the family go?”
- “Why are forests important?”
- “What can we do to help?”
5-minute activities to try together
Rainforest picture
Draw a rainforest with all the animals that might live in it.
Help the forest
Find one small thing your family can do to help forests, like recycling paper.
Free printables: The Emerald Forest worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
The Last Tiger (Petr Horáček)
- Best for
- Freedom, animals and caring for wildlife
- Age
- 4-8
The Tree (Neal Layton)
- Best for
- Sharing the world with wildlife
- Age
- 3-7
Once Upon a Jungle (Laura Knowles and James Boast)
- Best for
- How the jungle food chain works
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.