human-plant relationships

"As Indigenous scientist and author of Braiding Sweetgrass Robin Wall Kimmerer harvests serviceberries alongside the birds, she considers the ethic of reciprocity that lies at the heart of the gift economy. How, she asks, can we learn from Indigenous wisdom and the plant world to reimagine what we value most? Our economy is rooted in scarcity, competition, and the hoarding of resources, and we have surrendered our values to a system that actively harms what we love. Meanwhile, the serviceberry's relationship with the natural world is an embodiment of reciprocity, interconnectedness, and gratitude. The tree distributes its wealth-its abundance of sweet, juicy berries-to meet the needs of its natural community. And this distribution insures its own survival. As Kimmerer explains, "Serviceberries show us another model, one based upon reciprocity, where wealth comes from the quality of your relationships, not from the illusion of self-sufficiency.""--Provided by publisher.

Will hugging a cactus help it grow? This story follows a little girl who only wants to find a way to hug her beloved cactus without getting hurt. She searches for a solution, but the ideas of her family members don't work. Then, she creates special cactus-hugging gear that solves her prickly problem; and creates a new one!.

"[The author] demonstrates how people and domesticated plants have formed a reciprocal relationship. He links four fundamental human desires--sweetness, beauty, energy, and control--with the plants that satisfy them: the apple, the tulip, coffee, and the potato. In telling the stories of four familiar species, Pollan illustrates how the plants have evolved to satisfy humankind's most basic yearnings. And just as we've benefited from these plants, we have also helped them to thrive"--OCLC.

". . . highlights how acknowledging and celebrating our reciprocal relationship with the earth results in a wider, more complete understanding of our place and purpose"--Book flap.

Every day, no matter how hot, Lala carries a pot of water around the corner to a patch of dirt and concrete, waters the tiny weeds sprouting there, and whispers words of encouragement to her plant friends; then, on the hottest day of all, her mother insists she stay home, but Lala worries about her friends, and whispers words of love--with a magical result.

"Part scientific explanation, part biography, this nonfiction picture book explores the life of the fabled apple tree that inspired Newton's theory of Gravity-from a minor seed to a monumental icon that has inspired the world's greatest minds for over three and a half centuries"--.

"Journeys through time and across cultures, using up-to-date plant science to demonstrate how trees play a role in every part of human life"--Provided by publisher.

Explores how people have interacted with plants throughout history.

Presents a narrative nonfiction that examines the human impact upon the earth and how it would respond without the pressure of human presence.

Presents information about how humans and animals use plants for housing, food, clothing, and other necessities.