Amisha lived with her Mum, in a tree. They swung on branches, wild and free. And all was good – until, one day . . . Amisha was taken, far away.
When orangutan Amisha arrives in the city, she quickly finds a new routine climbing and swinging on ropes and wires. But when she meets a new friend – a bird, called Blue – he helps her to remember her rainforest home and her love for trees. Surely one little orangutan can’t change the world – can they?
A Tree To Call Home is written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Erica Salcedo. It was published in the UK on 5th March 2026.
How to order your copy of the book:
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Reviews:
“A beautiful, thoughtful and important story… A Tree To Call Home is a moving picture book about belonging, but it’s also a wonderful one for teaching children about the importance of protecting the natural world and the homes animals depend on. Amisha’s journey really stayed with me”
– Little Story Haus Picture Book Reviews
“A fantastic book to read this Earth Day and beyond. Readers will resonate with Amisha and delight that she finds her way home. There’s an important message here about conservation and how our actions can make a difference. Teachers and parents will appreciate the interesting back matter about orangutans that can lead to further learning”
– Andrea, book reviewer and primary tutor @educa8wirral
“We loved reading this gorgeous book about such an adventurous and courageous character. There are many themes we picked up on to talk about throughout the story – the need for green places, that some animals shouldn’t be pets (even if you care for them really well), and of course conservation. Told in rhyming text, perfect for reading aloud, and with sweet illustrations, this book has been a big hit at bedtime. We also loved learning more facts about orangutans on the back page”
– Alison, children’s book reviewer @milo_and_gigis_bookshelf
“We’ve really enjoyed reading this lovely, heartwarming story about the importance of home. It’s a brilliant one for the classroom if you’ve got a rainforest or tree topic and is a great one to encourage littles to remember that no matter how small they are, they can make a difference”
– Sophie, children’s book reviewer and primary teacher @mrs_w_loves_reading
“Amisha is such an adorable character! A Tree To Call Home tackles deforestation, habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade, but in an age-appropriate and sensitive way. Written in gentle rhyming prose, the story never feels overwhelming, and the illustrations are lovely. A great text to use in an EYFS or KS1 classroom topic about rainforests, or even pets, it’s a great starting point for discussion”
– Rowena, children’s book reviewer @books_for_little_bookworms
“Adorable”
– Anna Ryder Richardson, TV presenter and owner of Manor House Wildlife Park
“This book brings joy to me”
– Ayla, age 6
“I liked the story because it was about nature and helping the environment”
– Camilla, age 6
“When people lose their homes in the real world, it gives them an idea of what to do”
