Together, a Forest - by Roz MacLean (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Joy and her peers are eager to visit a nearby forest for a class trip. But Joy's excitement quickly turns into anxiety when she is asked to choose one thing in the area for a school assignment. Seeing her classmates connecting with the natural environment, Joy discovers how each of their choices reflect the ways they relate to and interact with the world. Together, a Forest begins as an exciting journey into nature and blossoms into a meditation on how our unique personalities and ways of being help create a more vibrant and beautiful world. The forest reveals that everyone-including those of us with disabilities and neurodivergence-belong to nature. There is no one right way for a mind, body, or person to be"--

Book Synopsis

"An affirming and introspective look at how differences are natural and vital in creating a thriving community." --Booklist, starred review

Start back-to-school season by exploring a forest with a curious classroom in this breathtaking picture book by the author of the beloved More Than Words, and experience the essential beauty of diversity in humanity and nature.

Joy and her peers are eager to visit a nearby forest for a class trip. But Joy's excitement quickly turns into anxiety when she is asked to choose one thing in the area for a school assignment.

Seeing her classmates connecting with the natural environment, Joy discovers how each of their choices reflect the ways they relate to and interact with the world.

Together, a Forest begins as an exciting journey into nature and blossoms into a meditation on how our unique personalities and ways of being help create a more vibrant and beautiful world. The forest reveals that everyone--including those of us with disabilities and neurodivergence--belong to nature. There is no one right way for a mind, body, or person to be.

Perfect for classrooms and home libraries with accessible social-emotional and STEM themes, this picture book highlights the importance of interdependence, inclusion and celebrating diversity in our communities.

Review Quotes

A Science Writers and Communicators of Canada Book Award Finalist

"Accompanied by visually enticing, evocative mixed-media illustrations, the narrative weaves between concrete observations and abstract concepts, offering numerous entry points for young readers to consider how differences strengthen both natural and human communities . . . Enlightening backmatter includes explanations about neurodiversity and the author's personal connection to disability advocacy. A thoughtful reflection on belonging that celebrates diverse minds and bodies in our interconnected world." --Kirkus Reviews

"The representation in this book was so casual and yet so meaningful. From the neurodiverse representation to a nonbinary character and even characters that use mobility aids. None of it was a big deal. They were just kids being kids and seeing how they can relate to the world around them. This type of representation is so important, especially in children's books, because it serves as a reminder to all of us that there is a wider world than we may remember at times. An interesting trip through a forest, this kid's picture book can encourage young minds to look at the world around them and find the beautiful diversity that brims everywhere. Readers may find themselves relating to nature after reading this book or even just looking more closely at the diversity that makes humans so wonderful." --YA (and Kids) Book Central

Praise for More Than Words

"MacLean's gouache, pencil crayon, acrylic ink, and digital illustrations depict a class diverse in skin tone, ethnicity, religion, and ability. We see children who use wheelchairs, a child with a hearing impairment, a service dog, and a student who uses oxygen tubing . . . A warmly inclusive look at the many ways we communicate with one another." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"With affirming and informative language, this book has a place in every collection supporting and celebrating the many methods of communication children and adults are using today. Highly recommended." --School Library Journal

"[H]eartwarming and insightful . . . More Than Words has the potential to spark meaningful conversations among parents, teachers, and caregivers, helping children develop a broader perspective on communication. It has the potential to inspire meaningful discussions about acceptance, understanding, and the beauty of expressing oneself in various ways." --Waterloo Region Record

About the Author

Roz MacLean is an award-winning Canadian illustrator and children's writer. She especially loves making art about themes that are important to her, like exploring emotions and diverse ways of being in the world. She is passionate about education, inclusion and the arts.
rozmaclean.com