Nell Plants a Tree
What’s inside...
The heartwarming story follows young Nell as she embarks on a journey to plant a tree in her community. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about nature, friendship, and the impact one person can make on the environment. This beautifully illustrated picture book details how Nell's careful tending of a pecan tree becomes the living center of a loving, intergenerational Black family. Through planting and nurturing the tree, Nell not only fosters a deeper connection with the environment but also cultivates a space for family bonding and cherished memories, inspiring readers to appreciate the natural world and their loved ones.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Nell felt when she planted her tree?
Why do you think trees are important to us and to the planet?
If you could plant a tree, where would you plant it and what type would it be?
How do you think the tree will change as it grows, just like you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child express their thoughts freely, validating their feelings and ideas about the story.
Relate the story to your child's experiences, such as a time they helped plant something or spent time in nature.
Discuss the importance of nurturing and caring, similar to how Nell cares for her tree, to emphasize empathy and responsibility.
Encourage your child to imagine having their own tree, discussing where they might plant it and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Nell learns to take care of her tree by watering it and protecting it from harm, demonstrating how dedication and consistent care are vital.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take care of pets, plants, or their belongings, understanding that responsibility means caring for something other than themselves.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: As Nell waits for the tree to grow, she realizes that some things take time and cannot be rushed, which is a pivotal part of the story.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this to their daily lives by understanding that some tasks, like learning a new skill or waiting for a birthday, require patience.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: Through Nell's journey, the book introduces the importance of trees to our ecosystem and encourages nurturing the environment.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to participate in environmental conservation activities like recycling, planting, or clean-up drives.
Example Lesson: Impact of individual actions
Explanation: Nell discovers that her single act of planting a tree can add beauty and benefit the world, which underscores the theme of individual contribution.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their actions, no matter how small, can make a difference, promoting a sense of agency and influence in their communities.