What Do You See When You Look at a Tree?: questions to ask and activities to try
Leaves and twigs, or a living thing that breathes and dances? What Do You See When You Look at a Tree? is a gentle picture book about connecting with nature.
What age is it for? What Do You See When You Look at a Tree? is best for ages 4–7. Good for: Looking at trees as living things.
What Do You See When You Look at a Tree? (Emma Carlisle)
- Age
- 4-7
- Best for
- Looking at trees as living things
Read it, then go and look at a real tree together. Take turns saying what you see.
What it helps with
- Mindful noticing
- Trees as living things
- Connection with nature
- Calm reading
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.
- “What do you see in a tree?”
- “Is a tree alive?”
- “How does a tree move?”
- “Who lives in trees?”
- “How do trees help us?”
- “Which is your favourite tree?”
5-minute activities to try together
Tree look
Sit by a tree for three minutes and say everything you notice.
Bark rubbing
Rub crayon over paper on tree bark.
Free printables: What Do You See When You Look at a Tree? 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.
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If your child liked this, try
Trees (Lemniscates)
- Best for
- Noticing trees through the seasons
- Age
- 3-7
The Tree (Neal Layton)
- Best for
- Sharing the world with wildlife
- Age
- 3-7
Outside In (Deborah Underwood and Cindy Derby)
- Best for
- Noticing nature even when you're indoors
- Age
- 4-7
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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.