A Partridge in the We Tree
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
From author-illustrator Ashley Belote comes a hilarious and holiday-themed companion to The Me Tree, featuring Bear as he navigates the challenges of hosting Christmas visitors in his home, 'The We Tree'. Filled with lively illustrations and humorous moments, this story is designed to engage early readers by combining simple text with laugh-out-loud humor and charming characters. The tale encourages young readers to find joy in reading through an easy vocabulary that helps bridge the gap between beginner and fluent reading levels. Bear’s patience and hospitality are put to the test by guests like four flocking birds, three French squirrels, two spruced-up cats, and a partridge in the We Tree. With full-color illustrations on every page, this humorous story is perfect for kids just beginning to read on their own. The early vocabulary and amusing illustrations make reading easy and fun, providing the stepping stone a young reader needs to bridge the gap between being a beginner and being fluent.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the partridge felt when it was in the we tree?
How do you think the tree is important to the story?
Why do you think the author chose to write about a partridge?
What have you learned from the story that you can apply to your own life?
If you were another creature in the story, who would you be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the setting by asking them to describe what the we tree might look like.
Relate the emotions of the partridge to situations your child might face, like feeling alone or needing help.
Discuss the choices made by the characters and ask your child what they might have done differently in their place.
After reading, use the themes of the book to encourage your child to think about the importance of nature and animals in our world.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book, which can help them recall details and discuss the story more deeply.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In the story, characters learn the value of sharing resources. When they share, they realize it brings happiness and strengthens community bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by sharing toys, snacks, or time with friends and siblings, fostering cooperation and empathy in social settings.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The characters in the book embark on adventures that highlight the beauty and significance of the natural world, teaching them to appreciate and care for it.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in outdoor activities, recycling, and conservation efforts at home and school, promoting environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together to solve challenges, demonstrating that teamwork often leads to success where going it alone might falter.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school or in sports, where collaborating effectively with others is key to achieving common goals.