Students at Forest Park Schools listen to author Carrie A. Pearson read from her book, “Stretch to the Sun: From a Tiny Sprout to the Tallest Tree on Earth” as part of an Arbor Day event sponsored by the Crystal Falls District Community Library.

CRYSTAL FALLS — To commemorate the day that promotes planting new trees, the Crystal Falls District Community Library set up a special Arbor Day with an Author event April 30 at Forest Park Schools.

The library arranged for Carrie A. Pearson, author of “Stretch to the Sun: From a Tiny Sprout to the Tallest Tree on Earth,” to read her book to Forest Park Elementary first- and second-grade classes and talk to them about California’s redwood trees. Each student received a copy of the book to keep for his or her home library. This project was funded by a grant from the John E. Force Forestry Education Fund.

Pearson is an award-winning author from Marquette. The concept of the book began when Pearson’s mother asked her, “Do you know what’s going on in the tops of redwood trees?” This question piqued her interest, and her research even led her to California to study the redwoods in person. She was awarded a grant from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators that covered her travel expenses to California from Marquette to work with James B. Wheeler, a park ranger at the Redwood National Park in California. Her story is beautifully illustrated by Susan Swan.

She was very enthusiastic about her visit. In an email to library director Evelyn Gathu, Pearson said, “I’m still on a bit of a high from being in an actual school with actual children and sharing the power of books together. My favorite line spoken by a student was, ‘You mean I get to keep this book forever?'”

Staff at the Crystal Falls District Community Library expressed appreciation to the John E. Force Forestry Education Fund for its generous help in sponsoring the author visit with Pearson and for the purchase of 90 picture books that were distributed to the students.

“It was a wonderful day to be able see all the children holding, reading and loving their new book. Thank you to the John E. Force Forestry Education Fund, along with Forest Park for our wonderful partnership working with students,” Gathu said.

More information about the John E. Force Forestry Education Fund, along with information on how to donate, can be found at www.sustainableinc.org.