The Happiest Tree: A Story of Growing Up
on Goodreads (122)
What’s inside...
Author/artist Hyeon-Ju Lee's The Happiest Tree is a wonderfully emotional story of life and growing up that will pull at the heartstrings of readers. Over the years, the gingko tree that resides outside an apartment building has seen many things. When it was ten, sounds of the Rose piano class filled the ground floor and whistled through its young branches. At fourteen, a growth spurt year, it met Mr. Artist on the second floor whose muse was the tree itself. As the years continue on, the tree encounters many people in the apartment building making memories. Some are happy, some are sad—they’re all part of growing up. All part of who we will be in the future.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the tree felt as it grew older and taller?
What do you think the tree learned about itself throughout its journey?
How do the other elements in the forest, like the animals and plants, help the tree grow?
Can you think of a time when you overcame a challenge, like the tree did?
What does 'growing up' mean to you after reading this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their personal growth while discussing the story.
Use comparisons between the tree’s experiences and your child’s experiences to make the story more relatable.
Highlight the importance of community and support systems, just like the tree had other forest elements helping it.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the emotions of the tree and their own emotions during significant events or changes.
Reinforce the concept of resilience and continuous development through open-ended questions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The story follows a young tree that experiences various seasons and changes, illustrating that change is a natural and continuous part of life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adapt to new environments or changes in their lives, such as moving to a new school or welcoming a sibling.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: As the tree faces challenges like harsh weather and the changing seasons, it learns to endure and grow stronger, emphasizing the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persevere through their own struggles, whether they are learning a new skill or facing personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The tree grows slowly and steadily, showing the benefits of patience and the importance of giving things time to flourish.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be patient in their growth and learning processes, understanding that some things take time to achieve.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: Throughout the book, the beauty and cycles of nature are highlighted, fostering a sense of wonder and respect for the environment.
Real-World Application: This can lead to children becoming more environmentally conscious and appreciating the natural world around them.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: As the tree watches other plants, it sometimes feels inferior but learns to appreciate its unique qualities, teaching self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace their individuality and celebrate their own strengths, boosting their self-esteem and reducing comparisons with others.