The Song of the Tree
on Goodreads (272)
What’s inside...
The Song of the Tree is a beautifully illustrated story about a bird and the other animals that live in the tree, exploring themes of change, growth, and interconnectedness within the natural world. The narrative follows the bird as it adapts to the changing seasons and learns to sing a new song with the help of other animals. The book has been nominated for the 2021 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-17
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the tree symbolizes in the story?
How did the bird's feelings change throughout the book, and what made them change?
Why do you think the tree was so important to the community of animals?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision, like the bird did?
What does this story teach us about the importance of home and friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use emotive questions to help your child connect personally with the characters and their feelings.
Encourage your child to relate scenarios in the book to their own experiences, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Discuss the beautiful illustrations and ask your child what colors and patterns they notice and what those visuals evoke.
Highlight the moral and themes of the story, prompting your child to think about the lessons learned and how they can apply them in their own life.
Allow your child to express their thoughts and ideas about the story’s conclusion and what they might have done differently if they were in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and community
Explanation: The story highlights how the characters, especially the bird protagonist, rely on their friends and community in the tree to find happiness and comfort.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture relationships with their friends and neighbors, understanding that community support is vital.
Example Lesson: Embracing change
Explanation: As seasons change in the story, the bird learns to adapt to the transformations within its environment, understanding that change is a natural part of life.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to be flexible and adaptive to changes in their own lives, whether it's moving to a new place, changing schools, or any other alterations in their routine.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore
Explanation: The narrative follows the bird as it ventures out from its comfortable tree to explore the wider world, showcasing its bravery.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious and explore new activities and ideas, helping them to grow intellectually and emotionally.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, the bird faces various challenges but persists, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance when facing difficulties in school or personal endeavors, promoting a never-give-up attitude.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: The lush illustrations and storyline emphasize the beauty and importance of the natural world that surrounds the bird and the tree.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to observe, respect, and protect nature in their daily lives, fostering a generation that cares for its environment.