The Forestry Bureau is committed to promoting domestic timber production and sustainable forestry management. To further integrate the diverse uses of domestic timber into wood-based education and lifestyles, the Hsinchu Forest District Office has published the first picture book with domestic timber as its theme: Grandpa's Little Wooden Cat. Through vibrant and engaging illustrations and concise yet lively storytelling, this book encourages parents and children to read together, sparking children’s imagination and awareness on the conservation and sustainable utilization of domestic timber resources. The book launch event took place at the Huashan Creative Park today (19th).
Yi-Kuang Liao, Deputy Director General of the Forestry Bureau, mentioned that since the official declaration of the “Year of Domestic Timber” in 2017, the Forestry Bureau has focused on sustainable forestry management as a policy priority. This involved ongoing activities such as selective cutting in state-owned plantations, assisting the forestry industry in enhancing technology and product manufacture, and implementing and promoting policies such as the “Taiwan Wood” label certification. These efforts align with the key concepts conveyed by Grandpa's Little Wooden Cat. The publication of this picture book aims to introduce more people to the importance and value of forest conservation, domestic timber, and forestry management.
The press event invited picture book consultant and best-selling author Higo Wu, who provided the story framework for the book. His unique storytelling charm, combined with captivating dynamic illustrations, guides readers into the world of Grandpa’s Little Wooden Cat. The story revolves around a search for domestic timber partners, with the protagonist being a wooden cat made by Grandpa. Through the cat named “Chubby” (the guide) and a series of dialogues, the story unfolds as they carry out their search. The story introduces ten common types of domestic timber, including the leopard cat puppet with a faint reddish pattern and a woody aroma, the peach pink kitty cup, and the cat-paw-shaped chair and stool with distinct wood grain. All these items are crafted from familiar domestic timber, featuring creative and ingenious woodworking designs. The book showcases the diverse applications of domestic timber and its practical value and advantages in everyday life. Through toys made from domestic timber, it appeals to children and helps them understand that the transformation of domestic timber into products is not a sad process. Instead, it marks a new chapter in our lives and a new belonging, conveying the meaning of sustainable forest management.
Director Jung-Sheng Hsia of the Hsinchu Forest District Office explained that “Grandpa’s Little Wooden Cat” conveys the benefits of domestic timber and inspires young children to understand the rich and diverse natural resources cultivated by artificial forests from a daily perspective. It encourages them to learn about the different appearances and applications of various needle-leaf and broadleaf domestic tree species. The story not only features an engaging plot, but is also highly educational. It is hoped that this picture book will help children develop an understanding of timber wood and local forests, allowing the values of domestic timber to be conveyed and the diverse services of forests to be explored through reading and dialogue, thus becoming a force for Taiwan’s sustainable natural culture.
During the event, besides the exchange and communication through the publication format, a woodworking DIY experience activity was arranged on-site to practice wood-based education. Starting from an introduction to domestic timber, participants were guided to experience hand-planing different logs of needle-leaf and broadleaf trees, observing wood grains, discerning scents, getting acquainted with commonly used hand tools in woodworking, and creating everyday objects. Through this delightful sensory experience, the diverse value of domestic timber was subtly ingrained in participants’ hearts. In addition, the Hsinchu Forest District Office will organize five picture book promotion events during the summer vacation period from July to September in New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Hsinchu. By combining picture book readings with interactive experiences and domestic timber DIY activities, people of all ages, especially children, will gain a better understanding of the benefits and significance of using domestic timber and develop a deeper understanding of the interaction between humans and forests. For more information about related activities, please stay tuned to the Forestry Bureau’s Facebook page “TW Forest.”
Grandpa’s Little Wooden Cat has now been published and released. Interested readers can purchase it through the Government Books Store and Wu Nan Books’ online bookstore. Everyone is welcome to follow the story of the little wooden cat into the world of the picture book, explore Taiwan’s top ten domestic timbers, and show empathy and support for the protection of sustainable forest resources and the diverse values of domestic timber.
Purchase links:
Government Books Store
Wu Nan Books