Trudy Rudy and the Special Christmas Tree
What’s inside...
A magical story of how one little girl learns the true meaning of giving. 'Sweet baby girl, I have a gift for you,' said Granny Suzy. Trudy Rudy shouted, 'More presents! More presents!...A Christmas tree?' 'This is not just any Christmas tree,' said Granny Suzie. 'This is a special Christmas tree. It is a wishing tree. It grants your wishes.' The more Trudy Rudy wished gifts for others, the more joy she felt. What counts most this time of year is spreading kindness and Christmas cheer. But what about Trudy Rudy? Was there anything left for her?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Christmas tree in the story special?
How did Trudy Rudy and her friends work together to solve their problem?
What would you have done if you were in Trudy Rudy’s place?
How do you think the tree felt when it was decorated?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone during the holidays?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their responses. Share your own holiday experiences and relate them to the story to create a personal connection. Highlight the themes of teamwork and community in the story to discuss the importance of helping and supporting others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: In 'Trudy Rudy and the Special Christmas Tree,' Trudy Rudy exemplifies kindness by helping animals find shelter in the cold winter, demonstrating that even the smallest acts can make a big difference.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by assisting classmates, sharing toys, or helping family members at home, fostering a nurturing environment.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: The story illustrates teamwork as Trudy Rudy and her forest friends work together to decorate the special Christmas tree, showing that collaboration can achieve wonderful results.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice teamwork during group activities at school or in sports, learning that cooperation is key to success.
Example Lesson: Creativity and resourcefulness
Explanation: Trudy Rudy uses available natural resources creatively to decorate the tree. This highlights the importance of using imagination and being resourceful with what one has.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace creativity when they use everyday items in new and inventive ways, be it in art projects or problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Caring for the environment
Explanation: The narrative shows Trudy Rudy and her friends using natural materials and being mindful of their forest home, teaching respect and care for nature.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice recycling, conservation, and respect for nature in their local communities.
Example Lesson: Celebrating differences
Explanation: The book portrays various animals coming together with their unique traits to celebrate Christmas, teaching the beauty of diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace the differences in people around them, promoting inclusivity and respect in their interactions.