The Last Tree explores our forests in general, our dwindling old growth forests in particular, as well as the flora and fauna of the South-east coast of Australia.

It is written in simple language for very young children, but the story and the sub-text also deal with the wider issue of deforestation, urban sprawl, coastal development and conservation, which should appeal to older readers as well. The story has a positive outcome as we learn the complex nature of survival in our forests.