I Hear You, Forest (Sounds of Nature)
Sounds of Nature Series
What’s inside...
This playful yet calming book about wonderful forest sounds is the perfect gift for introducing kids to loving-and respecting-the natural world around them. The forest has lots to say… if you listen. When a child steps into the forest, her ears are open and her heart is too. She listens carefully and hears marvelous things. She hears the rustling of leaves sharing their secrets. She hears a beetle balancing on a branch. And the more she listens, the more she learns. I Hear You, Forest is an excellent resource for outdoor education, classroom learning, and homeschooling, helping to teach: Empathy and connection with all living things, Mindfulness and appreciation of the world around us and that the forest is full of magical sounds—you just have to listen! Book #1 in the Sounds of Nature series! This picture book series about listening to nature explores different ecosystems, including forest, ocean, and mountain soundscapes. It encourages mindfulness, outdoor education, and social-emotional learning, as readers join the characters in using their imaginations to hear the many things nature has to say.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What sounds did you hear in the story and which one was your favorite? Why?
How do you think the animals feel in their forest home?
Can you imagine what the forest looks like just by hearing the sounds described?
Why is it important for us to listen to and take care of forests?
If you were in this forest, what sounds would you like to make?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to close their eyes and visualize the forest while you read aloud, making the experience more immersive.
After reading, spend some time outdoors and compare the sounds heard in the book with what you can hear in your own environment.
Use expressive sounds and voice modulations while reading to make the forest sounds come alive.
Link the story to the real-world importance of forests and nurture a conversation about environmental stewardship.
Ask your child to draw their version of a forest and include elements from the book, encouraging them to express their imagination and understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: The book 'I Hear You, Forest' showcases the various sounds in a forest, helping children to recognize and value the natural world around them.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to listen more attentively to the sounds of their own environment, fostering a deeper respect for nature and its preservation.
Example Lesson: Mindfulness and focus
Explanation: As children concentrate on identifying distinct sounds described in the book, they practice mindfulness and enhance their focusing abilities.
Real-World Application: These skills are transferable to classroom settings where attentive listening and concentration are required.
Example Lesson: Exploration and curiosity
Explanation: The variety of sounds covered in the book piques children's curiosity about the world, prompting them to ask questions and seek more information.
Real-World Application: This sense of exploration can lead to more interactive and engaged learning experiences, both academically and in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Understanding ecosystems
Explanation: By introducing different sounds from various creatures and elements in the forest, the book provides a foundational understanding of how ecosystems function.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children grasp the interdependence of organisms and the importance of ecological balance, promoting responsible environmental behavior.