Tree Whispers
What’s inside...
Mandy Ross's collection of poems captures the unique voices of various trees, from the willow to the eucalyptus, and the sycamore to the oak. Beautifully illustrated by Juliana Oakley, the book imagines the songs and verses trees sing to us, raising awareness about the biodiversity of tree life and its importance to various species, including humans.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the trees in the story would say to us if they could talk?
How do you feel when you're in nature or near trees, similar to the characters in the book?
Why is it important to take care of trees and nature?
Can you think of ways we can help trees and forests in our own community?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: When discussing the talking trees, use different voices to make the story more immersive and fun for your child.
Connect to real experiences: If possible, read the book outdoors or around trees to help connect the story's themes to the real world.
Encourage eco-friendly actions: Discuss small, practical ways your family can contribute to the health of local green spaces, linking the actions to the story's message.
Ask reflective questions: After reading, ask your child how the story could relate to their own life or feelings, cultivating empathy and deeper understanding.
Create a follow-up activity: Consider planting a tree or visiting a botanical garden to reinforce the themes discussed in 'Tree Whispers'.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Tree Whispers', children learn about the importance of being empathetic through the interactions between different forest creatures and their shared efforts to save their home.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to understand and consider the feelings of their peers and family members, fostering a more supportive and caring environment.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The story illustrates how working together can achieve greater results, as seen when the animals collaborate to protect the forest.
Real-World Application: Kids can implement this in group activities at school or in play, learning that cooperation can lead to successful outcomes and build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: The book teaches the importance of preserving nature and highlights the consequences of neglecting our environment.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in environmentally friendly activities like recycling or planting trees, promoting a healthier planet.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: As the characters encounter and overcome various obstacles, they demonstrate resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that perseverance is key in overcoming difficulties, whether in completing school assignments or resolving conflicts.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The story showcases how the characters use creative solutions to tackle problems, emphasizing the power of innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use creativity to solve everyday problems, whether it's finding a way to organize their toys or coming up with a game that includes everyone.