The Hidden Life of Trees: A Graphic Adaptation - by Peter Wohlleben & Fred Bernard (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This vibrantly illustrated graphic novel follows Peter as its loveable main character, revealing the secret network of the forest and sharing struggles and triumphs from his career protecting trees. Told in Peter's warm, conversational voice, not unlike that of a beloved grandfather chatting fireside, this visually stunning book offers scientific insights and pearls of wisdom gained from Peter's decades of observing forests, including how trees impact weather and climate, how they communicate with each other, and how they interact with fungal networks deep within the ground. It also offers poignant memories from Peter's personal life"--

Book Synopsis

A STUNNING NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL, BRILLIANTLY ADAPTED FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES, WASHINGTON POST, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER

A Top Ten Graphic Novel of 2024--American Library Association

From "veritable tree whisperer" (WSJ) and internationally celebrated author Peter Wohlleben comes the long-awaited graphic novel adaptation of one of the most beloved books of our time. "Wohlleben has listened to trees and decoded their language. Now he speaks for them." (NYRB)

Filled with breathtaking illustrations and scientific facts about the forest and the flora and fauna who call it home--this eye-opening book will delight readers young and old.

Are trees social beings? For forester Peter Wohlleben, the answer has always been yes, the forest is a social network. Trees live like human families: tree parents live together with their children, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick and struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers.

This vibrantly illustrated graphic novel follows Peter as its loveable main character, revealing the secret network of the forest and sharing struggles and triumphs from his career protecting trees. Told in Peter's warm, conversational voice, not unlike that of a beloved grandfather chatting fireside, this visually stunning book offers scientific insights and pearls of wisdom gained from Peter's decades of observing forests, including how trees impact weather and climate, how they communicate with each other, and how they interact with fungal networks deep within the ground. It also offers poignant memories from Peter's personal life.

Featuring 240 pages of full-color illustrations and text covering the entirety of The Hidden Life of Trees, this adaptation honors the spirit of the original book by seeking to change the way the world looks at trees, and will inspire generations of readers to celebrate the natural world and protect our last remaining forests before it's too late.

Review Quotes

"In this observation of nature's ordinary miracles, Wohlleben, aided by graphic adaptors Bernard and Flao, pleads his conservation case convincingly, pointing to the wonder that already exists and is well worth safeguarding from further harm....a memorable and skillful graphic adaptation."
--Library Journal, STARRED review

"Wohlleben, who worked as a forester, narrates, sharing fascinating stories about the events that sparked his interest in trees as a child and covering his reexamination of trees' lives as an adult...full of interesting facts...Combining science, a plea for better environmental stewardship, and a sense of wonderment, The Hidden Life of Trees is a standout graphic novel examination of trees and their important role in the world."
--Foreword, STARRED review

"[T]ells the story of Peter's journey in a fresh, vibrant, and imaginative way."
--Shelf Awareness

"An absolutely stunning version of an already wonderful book!"
--Becky Doherty, Northshire Bookstore

"One of my favorite nature books has been given a whole new life with the graphic adaptation! The Hidden Life of Trees is filled with stunning drawings and all of the fascinating information from the original, opening up this title to an entirely new group of readers (and a fresh view for those of us who already love it)!"
--Mary OMalley, Skylark Bookshop

"This is a fabulous graphic adaptation of Wohlleben's best-selling book. Beautiful, descriptive illustrations bring his words to life. In fact, the illustrations and words are so tightly linked that even Wohlleben's most challenging ideas are easy to digest."
--Kay Wosewick, Boswell Book Company

"Tree aficionado Peter Wohlleben's graphic novel adaptation of his bestselling book about trees, The Hidden Life of Trees, is meant for tree lovers of all ages."
--Vicki Honeyman, Literati Bookstore

"The Hidden Life of Trees is already an instant classic in the world of nature writing. Here, in this amazingly illustrated graphic edition, Wohlleben's personal relationship to trees is informed in a new way."
--Erin Chervenok, Village Books

"Just when I thought I could not love Wohllenben's work on trees more, I was given this gorgeously illustrated graphic novel version of The Hidden Life of Trees. Part memoir and part science lesson, his work and story are brought to life with the enchanting watercolor illustrations."
--Cori Cusker, Bright Side Bookshop

Praise for The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben:

A NEW YORK TIMES, WASHINGTON POST, and WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BRAINPICKINGS - HONORABLE MENTION: SEJ Rachel Carson Environment Book Award - Shortlisted: Audible International Book of the Year Award - Books For a Better Life Award - Indie Choice Award-Nonfiction Book of the Year

"Breaks entirely new ground ... [Peter Wohlleben] has listened to trees and decoded their language. Now he speaks for them."
--The New York Review of Books

"A declaration of love and an engrossing primer on trees, brimming with facts and an unashamed awe for nature."
--Washington Post

"The matter-of-fact Mr. Wohlleben has delighted readers and talk-show audiences alike with the news--long known to biologists--that trees in the forest are social beings."
--Sally McGrane, The New York Times

"This fascinating book will intrigue readers who love a walk through the woods."
--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Peter Wohlleben is a world-renowned forester and author of many bestselling books about the natural world, including The Hidden Life of Trees, The Inner Life of Animals, The Secret Network of Nature, and The Power of Trees. His books have been translated into dozens of languages and have been adapted for the screen. When he is not writing and researching, Wohlleben manages a sustainable forest academy in Germany's Eifel Mountains.

Benjamin Flao is a graphic novelist, comic book writer, illustrator, and colorist based in France. Of his many books, he is best known for Kililana Song, winner of the prestigious Prix Ouest-France Quai des Bulles.

Fred Bernard is an author of multiple books, script writer, and illustrator. Since he was very young, he has been passionate about nature. He is based in France.