One Tree: the joy of nature and new life
/“Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.
”
I love this quote by Hans Christian Anderson and its essence is captures perfectly in the book One Tree.
In One Tree by Christopher Cheng and Bruce Whatley a young boy tells us the story of his Grandfather
Long before I was born, Grandfather lived in a mountain village. Ten people, one dog and two goldfish lived in their one-room house. ‘Better than an Emperor’s palace,’ Grandfather would say.
His Grandfather loved his farm and found joy and contentment in tending his fields and helping things grow. He would proudly tell everyone at the market that he lived
Next to the tallest tree up there on the mountain.
But now the farm is gone and they all live together in a small apartment in the middle of a city. Grandfather no longer tells stories or smiles.
One day the little boy finds a plant struggling to grow through a crack in the path. He takes it home and slowly this small plant brings new life to Grandfather, the family and eventually the city.
One Tree is a beautifully moving story full of the hope of change and the joy of growing things. It’s a wonderfully comforting story that values the past and embraces the future, making it a perfect read it before you need it book and an aid for children who are struggling with change.
One Tree would make a wonderful gift for any nature lover.
One Tree
by Christopher Cheng & Bruce Whatley – Puffin Books, 2019
ages 3 to 10 years / S.O.S.E. + heartwarmers
