My Forest is Green

Illustrated by Ashley Barron

“My forest is so many things…”

My Forest Is Green is a short children’s picture book by Darren Lebeuf that follows a young boy as he explores the forest near his home. He discovers that the forest changes depending on the perspective from which he views it. The text repeats the phrase “My forest is…” to create a personal connection between the boy and the forest. For example, one page states “My forest is loud” while another states, “My forest is quiet.” In the first case, the boy reflects on how he hears birds squawking; in the second, he observes deer walking silently. Each page presents small, detailed observations, such as the color of the leaves, the characteristics of the animals that lived in the forest, and seasonal changes in the forest. As he explores the forest, he creates art based on what he observes, such as drawings of plants and animals, stone and snow sculptures, paintings on rocks and leaves, and cut paper in animal shapes.

My Forest Is Green encourages readers to look closely and recognize that nature is constantly changing, reminding them that observation and creativity allow us to see and appreciate the world around us. The story introduces important ideas like biodiversity, balanced ecosystems, and how humans depend on forests not only for resources but also for beauty and a place to relax. The boy’s journey in the forest shows how every plant, animal, and even non-living things, such as rocks and soil, play a role in keeping the forest alive. The book also introduces the concepts of deforestation and habitat loss, reminding readers that caring for nature helps keep forests full of life. The boy’s love of exploring and creating art in the forest shows how much we lose if these natural spaces disappear.

The illustrations by Ashley Barron show a variety of colors for the trees and bushes, which are in different shades of green and blue. These pictures suggest that if people observe nature closely, they will find surprises. Meanwhile, the text’s emphasis on opposites highlights how the environment can appear differently from different perspectives. These shifting observations show that the natural world is not fixed—its appearance changes based on how, where, and what we observe. Through these contrasts, the author and illustrator demonstrate the complexity and diversity of natural life, showing how art can deepen our understanding of the natural world by highlighting the many interconnected pieces of nature.

©2026 ClimateLit (Andrew Chou)

Publisher: , 2019

Audience: Ages 4-7

ISBN: 9781525309250

Pages: 29

Lexile Score: 320L

Format: Picturebooks

Topics: Biodiversity, Deforestation, Ecosystems, Ecosystems Health, Habitat Loss, Habitats, Interconnectedness, Nature's Cycles