Books & Audiobooks
This year marks 10 years since the release of the English edition of The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. Earth Day is a great opportunity to (re)discover the international bestseller in one of the many formats that have been released in the past decade. Whether you are interested in a calming audiobook, visually breathtaking documentary, or beautifully illustrated graphic novel, The Hidden Life of Trees digs deep to unearth the secrets of the natural world.
As Wohlleben’s introduction to the book concludes, “I invite you to share with me the joy trees can bring us. And who knows, perhaps on your next walk in the forest, you will discover for yourself wonders great and small.”
Click on the images below to read a little bit about each iteration of the bestseller, and discover some more of my favourite reads for Earth Day in the list below.
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate. Discoveries From A Secret World (Original English Edition; 2016)
Are trees social beings? Wohlleben’s original English edition, published in partnership with the David Suzuki Institute, makes a compelling case. Scientific discoveries show ways trees behave like human families and exist within complex social networks. By supporting the growth of children, sharing nutrients with those who are sick, and warning each other about impending dangers, trees communicate in unexpected ways. Underlying everything is Wohlleben’s deep love of forests and reflections on what nature can teach us about life, death, and regeneration.
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The Hidden Life of Trees: An eAudiobook (2016)
Narrated by Mike Grady, this audiobook is a comforting adaptation perfecting for listening to while on a stroll through the woods. In this form, Wohlleben’s stories take the spotlight in the emotional aspects of the story. This version is available through Libby and a great example of how non-fiction audiobooks can enhance the experience of learning about something new.
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The Hidden Life of Trees: Illustrated Edition (2018)
Filled with stunning photographs of trees from around the world, the illustrated edition provides a visually impactful, abridged adaptation of the original book. The images complement Wohlleben’s words and convey the diverse, natural beauty of forests. While the original text offers more scientific details, the colourful, large-format pictures help connect the reader with the natural world and is an excellent jumping off point for learning more about trees in different ecosystems around the world.
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The Hidden Life of Trees: Documentary (2021)
Full of stunning views of the natural world, this documentary extends the bestseller into the real world. Traveling through Germany, Poland, Sweden, and Canada, Wohlleben guides viewers through his main ideas and understanding of how trees work. Forests come to life alongside the hidden scientific mechanisms at work in the world around us.
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The Hidden Life of Trees: A Graphic Adaptation (2024)
The graphic novel adaptation of Wohlleben’s book reimagines the original with vibrant illustrations. In this version, Wohlleben is presented as the main character telling his story of going from city boy to the world’s most famous forester. Moving through the seasons and his career, this adaptation takes a conversational tone, mixing scientific insights with wisdom gained through decades observing forests. I love graphic novels, and this version combines several elements of the other versions that I connected with: the conversational and emotional aspects of the audiobook, the images of natured captured in the illustrated edition, and the role Peter takes on as a character in the documentary. This is a great option for readers young and old looking to learn more about trees and forests.
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