The Little Tree
What’s inside...
When the Little Tree sees the world around her narrowing, she worries about what life will be like for her Little Seed. She decides to take the biggest risk of all, and let Little Seed find a richer life on her own.
Age
5-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the Little Tree was afraid to let go of its leaves?
How do you feel about changes, like moving to a new place or starting a new school?
What do you think the Little Tree learned about friendship and growth by the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to let go of something old to try something new? How did that make you feel?
How do the seasons changing in the book remind you of changes you see in the world around you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about change and growth, relating their experiences to those of the Little Tree.
Discuss the importance of friendship and support during times of change, as illustrated by the Little Tree’s interactions with surrounding wildlife.
Use the changing seasons depicted in the book as a metaphor to talk about various changes one might experience in life.
Pose questions that allow your child to connect personal experiences with those of the characters, enhancing understanding and empathy.
Reinforce the positive aspects of growth and change to help alleviate any fears your child might have.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The Little Tree faces various challenges as it grows, symbolizing the natural transitions in life. The narrative teaches that change is a part of growth and development.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adapt to new environments such as changing schools or cities, understanding that it's a part of their growth journey.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, The Little Tree encounters adversities but continues to strive and thrive, depicting the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids will understand the value of perseverance when they face difficulties in learning new skills or in social interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Roots
Explanation: The Little Tree is deeply connected to its family roots, which provide support and nourishment. This highlights the significance of family bonds and knowing one’s heritage.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and maintain close relationships with family members and appreciate their cultural heritage.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The book shows the gradual growth of The Little Tree, teaching that some things take time and cannot be rushed.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of patience in academic and personal achievements, recognizing that immediate results are not always possible.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The story of The Little Tree increases sensitivity towards nature and teaches about the life cycle of trees and their impact on the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in environmentally friendly practices like recycling and conserving water, and fosters a sense of responsibility towards Earth.