Gus is a Tree
What’s inside...
Another charmer in the Gus series with stunning illustrations collaged with photo elements of the forest. Gus dozes off on the playground and dreams that he is a tree in the forest. Includes glossary of terms related to trees and forests.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Gus
Discussion points
How do you think Gus felt when he turned into a tree?
What would you do if you could transform into anything for a day?
Why do you think the birds and squirrels came to Gus when he was a tree?
How do you think being a tree changed Gus’s view of the world?
What did Gus learn from his experience as a tree?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the transformation of Gus. Ask them to imagine themselves in Gus's place, fostering empathy and creativity. Highlight the connection between Gus and nature, discussing the importance of trees and animals in our environment. Relate the story to your child's experiences with nature, such as visits to parks or encounters with wildlife. Use expressive reading to convey the emotions and excitement of the story, making the reading experience vibrant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Imagination
Explanation: In 'Gus is a Tree', Gus creatively imagines himself as a tree, demonstrating the power of imaginative play.
Real-World Application: Children can use their imagination to explore different roles and scenarios, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: Through Gus's transformation into a tree, the book highlights the beauty and significance of nature.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to observe and value their natural surroundings, promoting outdoor activities and environmental awareness.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Managing Emotions
Explanation: Gus experiences various weather conditions as a tree, which metaphorically represents different emotions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and articulate their feelings, helping them navigate their emotional landscape in social interactions and personal reflection.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: As a tree, Gus withstands different weather changes, teaching resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to remain resilient and adapt to changes or challenges they face in everyday life.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Shared Experiences
Explanation: The story concludes with other children joining Gus, turning into a forest, which illustrates the joy of shared experiences and community.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of teamwork and collaboration, valuable skills during group activities at school or play.