Award-winning children's environmental education advocate, former CBC journalist, ChariTree Foundation founder, and Canadian author Andrea Koehle Jones has announced the release of her new picture book, Don't Let Ned Plant a Tree THERE!, on International Children's Day. This humorous and interactive story follows a puppy with grand tree-planting dreams who discovers that helping the planet is a team effort.
A Puppy with Big Dreams
The story centers on Ned, a wildly enthusiastic puppy who lacks an understanding of proper tree placement. Known around Summerhill Tree Farm for digging holes wherever he pleases, Ned has been told he is not allowed to plant trees. However, when the lead planters leave to pick up supplies, Ned turns to young readers for advice. This leads to a whirlwind of tree-planting chaos, muddy mishaps, and laughter before Ned learns that helping the planet requires teamwork.
Interactive Learning and Environmental Stewardship
Designed for children ages 5 to 9, the book combines interactive storytelling, hands-on learning, and vibrant illustrations by Canadian children's book illustrator Erin Mercer. Readers can discover hidden seedlings throughout the story, learn about different tree species, and explore practical tree-planting tips beyond the final page. The book explores themes of tree planting, nature and environmental awareness, STEM learning, community engagement, and teamwork and friendship.
Inspiring Hope and Positive Change
Koehle Jones, known for her internationally shared tree quotes and environmental education work, brings her love of nature to readers through laugh-out-loud storytelling and real-world action. At a time when environmental challenges can feel overwhelming, her stories help children grow hope. Through humour, tree planting, and outdoor learning, the book reminds children that positive change begins with a single act of caring.
As part of the book's mission to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, 100% of Andrea Koehle Jones's book profits from Don't Let Ned Plant a Tree THERE! will be donated to environmental education programs for children.
Book Features
- A unique picture book/graphic novel format
- Hidden seedlings to find throughout the story
- Tree-planting tips and instructions
- Labelled tree species for real-world recognition
- Humorous, interactive storytelling that encourages environmental stewardship
Perfect for families, educators, librarians, homeschoolers, and young nature enthusiasts, Don't Let Ned Plant a Tree THERE! encourages children to laugh, learn, and discover that helping the planet begins with curiosity, compassion, and hope.
