get your copy
Teachers
FOR TEACHERS

Bringing the

Hidden Oak Valley

Into Your Classroom

A curriculum-connected children’s book for grades K-5
By Franco Tompeterini | Curious Readers LLC.

Why Teachers Love This Book

Standards-aligned, discussion-rich, and beautifully illustrated in watercolor

A fun crew of forest animals and pals waiting to take you on an adventure

Science Meets Story

Six native trees — Oak, Maple, Birch, Pine, Elm, and Willow — explored through real facts woven into an engaging adventure. Perfect for life science units.

Diverse Characters

Hickory and friends represent the full spectrum of your classroom. Every student sees themselves in the story — sparking deeper engagement and discussion.

Vocabulary Rich

Naturally introduces science vocabulary. observation skills, and critical thinking — all wrapped in an adventure story students want to finish.

✔ Ready-Made Classroom Connections

SCIENCE

Tree Science Unit

Use each chapter’s tree facts as a springboard for deeper science exploration.

• Bark rubbings and leaf prints
• Nature walk identification
• Seasons observation journal
• Tree parts labeling activity

LITERACY

Reading and Writing

Build literacy skills through creative exercises connected to the story.
• Write your own mystery chapter
• Character trait charts
• Retell the story in sequence
• Vocabulary word wall
COMMUNITY

SEL and Community

Spark meaningful discussions about teamwork, diversity, and caring for nature.
• Teamwork reflection circles
• Interview a community helper
• Celebrate what makes us different
• Plant a class tree or garden

Cross-Curricular Connections

One book, every subject area covered
SCIENCE
• Tree identification
• Ecosystems and habitats
• Plant life cycles
• Seasonal changes
• Animal adaptations
ELA

• Story sequencing
• Character analysis
• Descriptive writing
• Science vocabulary
• Author’s purpose

SOCIAL STUDIES

• Community helpers
• Diverse cultures
• Environmental stewardship
• Local ecosystems 
• Collaboration

MATH / ART

• Measurement of trees
• Leaf graphing activities
• Watercolor painting
• Nature journaling
• Pattern recognition

Engaging Classroom Activities

Mystery Investigation

Students become "tree detectives" using clues from the story to identify local trees on a school nature walk.

Nature Journals

Students sketch and describe one tree near their home or school â€TM just like Hickory observes Hidden Oak Valley.

Author Visit

Invite Franco Tompeterini for a live author visit â€" available in-person in Rogers, AR or via video call nationwide.

Book Report Projects

Creative report formats: diorama of Hidden Valley, tree field guide, or a "character friendship map" of the story.

Bring Hidden Oak Valley to Your Students!

Franco Tompeterini is a US Air Force veteran, outdoor enthusiast, and passionate literacy advocate. He brings the story of Hickory and friends to life with warmth, humor, and a genuine love for helping children discover the natural world.
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Google Books
+ More Platforms