A wildly enthusiastic puppy with big tree-planting dreams learns that helping the planet requires the right spot, a good plan, and a little help from his friends.
In Don’t Let Ned Plant a Tree There!, readers meet Ned, an energetic dog whose love for digging inspires him to become a tree-planting superhero. Driven by “tree planting zoomies” and an eagerness to help the world, Ned sets off across the tree farm ready to diggity-dig holes everywhere. However, his overzealous digging leads to hilarious misadventures as he tries planting seedlings in the most absurd locations—including mailboxes, on top of a bear, in the middle of a bike path, and even inside a race car. With a friendly guide and readers cheering him on, Ned must figure out how to direct his boundless energy toward a spot where a tree can truly thrive.
Author Andrea Koehle Jones delivers a vibrant, fast-paced narrative filled with playful sound effects, rhythmic chants, and interactive fourth-wall breaks. Making it an absolute joy for read-aloud sessions is her slapstick humour balanced with a gentle lesson on teamwork, patience, and environmental care. And the practical back matter—such as a real-world tree-planting checklist, safety tips, and a certificate—adds meaningful educational value.
Colorful, expressive illustrations by Erin Mercer match the story’s chaotic, high-energy spirit—each page is packed with comedic details that capture Ned’s hilarious expressions and the exaggerated reactions of the surrounding wildlife. There’s also a delightful hidden-seedling search that runs throughout the book, offering a rich visual scavenger hunt that rewards repeated readings.
A heartwarming, laugh-out-loud picture book that seamlessly weaves environmental stewardship into a playful adventure, Don’t Let Ned Plant a Tree There! is a great choice for kids who love interactive stories (and parents or educators looking for a fun way to introduce kids to nature and teamwork).
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