We Live in Trees!: An Interview with Author Heather Alexander

Not just any animal can live in the treetops— it needs special adaptations to help it survive. We Live in Trees!: Amazing Animal Adaptions teaches readers about all sorts of cool critters that have developed their own unique skills and traits to help them survive in their environments.

Today, author Heather Alexander shares with us the inspiration behind We Live in Trees, the research journey she went on to create this entertaining nonfiction, and the importance of environmental education in literature.

What was your inspiration for the book?

In a tree in our backyard, we have the funniest squirrel. It seems its days running through the branches but is very curious about us–and has even run into our house on occasion!

What do you hope readers will learn or discover from reading your book?

Look up! There’s so much going on in trees–way more than just birds in nests or squirrels scampering from branch to branch. Trees are magical, multidimensional habitats where wondrous species mix and mingle, survive and thrive.

Why is this book so important now?

Trees and tree-dwellers are fighting for their survival like never before! This is one battle that young kids can actively engage in. The first step is getting to know the myriad of tree-riffic critters and the branches they call home. By leafing through this book, the urgency of tending for trees and protecting wildlife in their own backyards will take root.

What is the most surprising thing you discovered while researching or writing the book?

How incredibly cute and adorable arboreal animals are! I dare you not to say–“awww!”–when you see the pics.

Praise for We Live in Trees! Amazing Animal Adaptations

★ “Unique and beautiful animals are featured in this unicorn of an informational text that works for multiple reading levels.”—starred, School Library Journal

“Enticing fare for budding nature and animal lovers.” —Kirkus Reviews

Connect with the Author

Heather Alexander is the author of more than 70 books for children, both fiction and nonfiction, including Haunted USA (2025), What the Artist Saw: Henri Matisse (2025); 5-Minute Genius Stories: Jane Goodall (2026) and the upcoming The Flying Fire Fighters (2027) and Amazing Art Mysteries (2027). Her nonfiction has been recognized as Amazon Best Book, National Science Teachers Association Best STEM Book, Parent’s Choice Award selections and the winner of the June Franklin Naylor Award. She and her family live in Los Angeles with their beagle, Luna Petunia, and the funniest squirrel that scurries up and down their big tree.