The Pirate Tree
illustrations by
What’s inside...
The gnarled tree on the hill sometimes turns into a pirate ship. A rope serves as an anchor, a sheet as a sail, and Sam is its fearless captain. But one day another sailor approaches, and he's not from Sam's street. Can they find something more precious than diamonds and gold? Can they find . . . friendship? Two young pirates come together to look for diamonds and gold, but ultimately find something far more valuable - friendship. The gnarled tree on the hill sometimes turns into a pirate ship. A rope serves as an anchor, a sheet as sail, and Sam is its fearless captain. But one day another sailor approaches, and he's not from Sam's street. Can they bridge their differences to become friends? 'A delightfully entertaining read and unreservedly recommended'- Midwest Book Review. 'A superb and stylish exploration of what it feels like to be a kid dreaming up your own adventures, made even better when an unexpected friendship develops'- Read It Daddy. 'A meaningful tale of how shared imagination can bridge divides and help bring people together in friendship'- The Letterpress Project.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you were Sam and found the pirate tree?
How do you think Agu feels when he tells his stories?
Why do you think Sam and Agu like going on adventures together?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
If you could add another adventure for Sam and Agu, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive intonation when discussing the characters’ emotions to help your child understand and connect with their feelings.
Encourage your child to think about what qualities make Sam and Agu good friends and discuss the importance of friendship.
Ask your child to draw a scene from one of Agu’s stories or an imagined adventure, which can spur creativity and deeper connection to the book.
Relate the theme of adventure in the book to your child’s experiences by discussing any adventures you’ve had together as a family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Pirate Tree,' the characters work together to go on imaginative adventures, showcasing teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others, which can be applied in group projects or shared tasks at school.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The protagonists create vast, imaginative worlds, demonstrating the power and value of creativity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination in play and creative tasks, fostering creativity in problem-solving and artistic expression.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: Diverse characters celebrate each other's unique traits and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate and embrace differences in peers, aiding in social integration and empathy.
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Fears
Explanation: Characters face challenges on their adventures, illustrating how to manage fears and anxieties.
Real-World Application: Helps children learn to confront and overcome their personal fears, be it trying new activities or standing up in class.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Despite obstacles, the characters persist in their quests, emphasizing resilience.
Real-World Application: This instills a sense of persistence in children when faced with difficulties, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals.