Written by Sarah Woods
The Man wants to tear down the trees, but the woodland inhabitants are in his way. He demands to know, “WHAT DO YOU DO?” Can they make him see everyone has a part to play in the woodland ecosystem before it’s too late?- Children will enjoy discovering the lesser-known animals and insects that live in a woodland.- This book encourages us all to look more closely at nature and appreciate our woodlands’ diversity. THIS LAND celebrates inclusivity and the importance of the natural world. With its delightful illustrations and charming story, children aged 1-6 will enjoy discovering the different creatures and the heartwarming message that EVERYONE COUNTS.
Review by Love Reading 4 Kids
A beautifully illustrated book that highlights the importance of all the animals found in a woodland ecosystem.
When a man in the bulldozer arrives to tear down trees declaring that “this land is too full” he finds the animals of the woodland in his way. He takes the time to ask each one what they do and realises they’re important to maintaining the woodland.
This is a gentle way to introduce young children to the role each child has in an ecosystem, from the typically less likeable creatures like wasps and rats to more cuddly characters like the deer and squirrels. I think that this book is pitched well for young children, with gentle lyrical language and simple wording that would allow them to follow the story easily. The setup of this story allows for curiosity and exploration as you travel with the man to discover the role each part of the woodland plays. The illustrations are beautiful and detailed with the muted earthy colouring bringing the woodland and the animals within it to life.
This is a great book for introducing young children to a range of different animals that they are likely to come across in the UK, as well as highlighting how important all of those animals are to their surroundings.
