The Cherry Tree
on Goodreads (760)
What’s inside...
Rakesh plants a cherry seedling in his garden and watches it grow through various challenges including heavy monsoon showers, a hungry goat, and a grass cutter. On his ninth birthday, he is delighted to see the first pink blossoms on his cherry tree. This beautifully illustrated edition captures the magical charm of one of Ruskin Bond’s most unforgettable tales.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Rakesh so determined to see the cherry tree grow?
How do you feel about how the seasons affected the cherry tree?
What lessons can we learn from the cherry tree about patience and care?
How did Rakesh’s relationship with his grandfather influence his actions and decisions in the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to wait patiently for something important, just like Rakesh waited for the cherry tree to blossom?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring scenes to life, helping your child fully immerse in the story.
Pause after moments of change or challenge in the story to ask your child how they would react in a similar situation.
Relate the growth of the cherry tree to a plant or tree your child sees regularly, to make the story more tangible.
Encourage your child to draw or describe how they imagine the cherry tree looked at various stages of its growth.
After reading, consider planting a seed or a small plant with your child to practically connect with the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: In 'The Cherry Tree', a young boy named Rakesh plants a cherry seed and diligently cares for it, watching it grow despite various challenges. His dedication is rewarded as the tree flourishes, bearing beautiful blossoms and fruit.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of persistence in their activities, understanding that consistent effort, whether in studies, sports, or hobbies, often leads to rewarding outcomes.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story showcases the lifecycle of the cherry tree and the various natural elements affecting it, emphasizing a harmonious relationship with the environment. Rakesh’s nurturing of the tree demonstrates a deep respect for nature.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to engage more with the natural world, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for plants and wildlife in their immediate surroundings.
Example Lesson: The beauty of patience
Explanation: Rakesh learns to be patient as the cherry tree grows slowly and faces setbacks from weather and animals. His patience is a testament to the slow, yet rewarding process of growth.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that some goals and tasks take time to achieve, teaching them the virtue of patience in their daily endeavors and relationships.
Example Lesson: Observation and learning
Explanation: Throughout the story, Rakesh observes changes in the cherry tree across seasons, learning from the patterns and life around him. These observations contribute to his knowledge and appreciation of how nature works.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to observe their environment keenly and learn from it, enhancing their curiosity and learning abilities.