Under the Mishmash Trees
on Goodreads (51)
What’s inside...
A nonsense story about Og and Ut, the gombrizils, who make friends with Tumblerum Wollycobble, the slobbadunk. They cure his indigestion and he helps them hatch their egg and bring up their daughter, Okay. Now part of the family, Tumblerum watches Okay grow up and saves her life when a tree falls on her during a storm. Eventually Okay marries and Tumblerum hatches her eggs. They all live happily under the mishmash trees.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
107 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the trees in the story symbolize?
How did the characters' adventures make you feel?
What would you do if you were in the characters' place?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters?
What is the most important lesson you learned from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own mishmash tree. Ask them what it would look like and what magical things it might do.
Discuss the characters’ actions and decisions to help your child understand their motives and feelings.
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life. Different voices for different characters can make the experience more immersive and enjoyable.
After reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences. This connection can deepen their understanding and personal relation to the book.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene. This can help them express their thoughts and feelings about the story creatively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of diversity
Explanation: The story highlights various creatures living under the mishmash trees, each different in their own way, promoting acceptance and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace differences among peers, which fosters inclusive behavior.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the book must work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to cooperate with others in school projects or during play to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: ‘Under the Mishmash Trees’ emphasizes caring for the environment as the characters nurture the trees and surroundings.
Real-World Application: This instills a sense of environmental responsibility, encouraging children to take part in recycling or gardening activities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The whimsical, unique setting of the Mishmash Trees sparks imagination as the characters engage in creative solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to use their imagination in art, storytelling, and play, enhancing their creative abilities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: Characters face various challenges but learn to navigate them with grit and perseverance, emphasizing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that facing difficulties is a part of life and that persistence is key to overcoming them.