7 Tu B’Shevat Stories For Children Under Five

Two kids and a paper tree

Did you know trees have a birthday? In Judaism, they do, and it's on Tu B'Shevat (which in Hebrew simply means the fifteenth day of the month of Shevat in the Jewish calendar). This time honors the special relationship human beings have with trees - and with the environment at large. Introduce preschool aged friends and toddlers to Tu B'Shevat traditions with these adorable picture and board books.


A girl and a bird

The Abba Tree
by Devora Busheri

Recommended for ages 4 to 5

The story, inspired by Jewish sources, invites parents to share their heritage with their children and discuss the significance of one generation's actions for the future. This book was created in a collaboration between Sifriyat Pijama and Mizrahi Media.


Kids watering a tree

Happy Birthday, Trees!
by Karen Rostoker-Gruber

Recommended for ages 2 to 3

Why should humans be the only ones who get birthday celebrations? In Judaism, trees get their day, too: Tu B'Shevat. In this story, kids come up with a great way to celebrate all the wonderful things trees do for us and for the entire planet.


Acorns in a tree

I'm a Little Acorn
by Amy Schimler-Safford

Recommended for ages 6 months to 2 years

It's hard to believe that a tiny acorn can become a huge oak tree, but with a little help from the sun, the rain, and the earth, that's exactly what happens. Tu B'Shevat, the birthday of the trees, is a great time to learn a bit about how trees become to be.


A boy in a tree

Leo's Tree
by Debora Pearson

Recommended for ages 6 months to 2 years

When baby Leo is born, his parents plant a tree - and as Leo grows, the tree grows, too. Just in time for Tu B'Shevat, this gentle story shows how trees enrich our lives - and how we can help take care of them, too.


A girl planting a tree with a dog

One, Two, Three, Tu B'Shevat!
by Naomi Shulman

Recommended for ages 6 months to 2 years

As the little girl in this book discovers, celebrating the birthday of the trees is as easy as one, two, three!


A tree with kids around it

Only a Tree Knows How to Be a Tree
by Mary Murphy

Recommended for ages 3 to 4

Tu B'Shevat, the birthday of the trees, is a perfect time to appreciate our environment. Trees do very important jobs in our world - and only trees can do those jobs, so it's our job to make sure the planet is healthy for them (and for every other living being, for that matter!).


Two kids planting a tree

Tu B'Shevat Is Coming!
by Tracy Newman

Recommended for ages 6 months to 2 years

It's still chilly outside, and furry animals hide, but Tu B'Shevat -- the birthday of the trees! -- is coming. The whole family celebrates by planting a tree, eating fruits and nuts, and appreciating the many gifts the earth offers.

More

9 Ways to Celebrate Tu B'Shevat With Children
A Tu B'Shevat Seder For Kids
Tu B'Shevat Books For Children Ages 5 and Up