Gutchess Lumber Co., Inc. has been in the hardwood manufacturing and forestry fields for more than 120 years. Their new children’s book, The Hardwood Heroes, is looking to pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
The book is written for four to 11-year-olds and introduces readers to four unique tree characters looking to leave a positive impact on the world. Along the way, these characters —known as Oakley, Bass, Maple, and Ash— educate children on the role trees play in the world and the benefits of sustainable forestry on the environment. It helps simplify common forestry terminology for young audiences, such as carbon sequestration or the process in which trees absorb carbon dioxide and store in their wood.
“Hardwood has a story and it deserves to be told. We’re excited to educate a new generation of consumers with The Hardwood Heroes,” said Brian Conklin, vice president of Gutchess Lumber. “It’s important that people of all ages have a better understanding of the hardwood manufacturing industry, and this book is a great first step in making educated consumers for the future.”
The new book is written by Mikayla Catoe and illustrated by Krista Galvan-Esse. It can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books-A-Million.
The book is just one of the ways that Gutchess Lumber is educating the public on the role wood manufacturing companies play in the natural world. In 2024, the organization launched its Lumber Education Campaign. This campaign provided other wood manufacturing companies with social media content, graphics and press releases to help educate consumers on climate solutions, responsible forestry awareness, and the history of wood and manufacturing.
For more information or assistance with the educational campaign or the new book, contact Mikayla Catoe at mikayla@begoodagency.com.