Maya and the Town that Loved a Tree
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
A small, idyllic town becomes a gray, sprawling city of concrete, but, thanks to a little girl, the citizens learn to appreciate the environment, in a story complemented by illustrations in the style of Latin American folk art. Caught up in their everyday routine, the citizens of a town that has grown into a big city don't realize that their parks and trees are dying.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the tree is important to Maya and her town?
How do the townspeople show their feelings for the tree?
What would you do if there was something special in our town that needed help?
How did Maya's actions make a difference in the story?
Can you think of a time when you cared about something as much as Maya cares about the tree?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing a personal story about a time you helped protect or save something important to you.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book to help visualize their thoughts and feelings.
Ask your child to consider how they felt during key moments in the story to deepen their connection to Maya’s experience.
Relate the story to local community efforts or initiatives, making the connection between the book’s themes and real-world applications.
Praise your child’s responses and insights to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of community involvement
Explanation: In the story, Maya inspires her town to come together to save a beloved tree, highlighting the power of collective effort.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to participate in and value community activities, understanding that their contributions, no matter how small, can make a difference.
Example Lesson: Respect and care for nature
Explanation: The book emphasizes the town's relationship with the tree and teaches the importance of respecting and nurturing the environment.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to engage in environmentally friendly practices like recycling, planting trees, and conserving water.
Example Lesson: Persistence in the face of adversity
Explanation: Maya shows determination and does not give up on her goal to save the tree, despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of persistence and resilience in achieving their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: The power of one individual to inspire change
Explanation: The story illustrates how Maya's love for the tree motivates an entire town to take action.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to take initiative and lead by example in their own lives, promoting positive changes in their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and emotional intelligence
Explanation: Through Maya's empathetic actions towards the tree and her community, the story teaches the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop strong interpersonal skills and become more attuned to the emotions of others in their family and peer groups.