The Glorious Forest that Fire Built

Fire is often seen as a terribly destructive force, but in The Glorious Forest that Fire Built, author and illustrator Ginny Neil offers another perspective. She helps young readers see it from an ecological standpoint, as a necessity for the growth and regrowth of the forest. She creatively allows nature to tell the story of its own succession. The seeds begin to sprout where the ground has healed, they develop into towering pines. Even the nuts grow into sturdy hardwoods. The environment becomes lush and attracts an array of wildlife, and soon, the cycle will soon begin anew.

This is a compelling book told from a unique point of view—from that of the fire, forest, and its many inhabitants. The lyrical text is enhanced with onomatopoeia and rhyme. Younger children will be drawn to these features, although the target audience is broader—ages five to nine. This nonfiction pick will make a great addition to elementary school classrooms, especially science ones. It’s informative but not dense and is full of vibrant, realistic illustrations. Additionally, there’s a timeline of the fascinating process of forest succession at the end.