Monday, January 11, 2010

Tess's Tree


Tess's Tree written by Jess M. Brallier and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds is such a cute, sweet and meaningful story. Tess is just nine years, three months and two days old when the tree she had grown to call her own has to be cut down. The tree was over a hundred years old and had experienced many seasons and many children who had called the tree their own. Tess is grief stricken to lose her tree and sets about organizing a funeral for it. At the funeral Tess meets some of the people who were impacted by the tree just as she was, and is able to say goodbye to it.

This summary can hardly capture the feeling behind this story. I can see this story being used in a variety of ways especially to teach a love of nature and mostly the cycle of life. This book isn't at the top of any award list or receiving lots of press, yet it is worthy of any accolade it may receive. Such an enjoyable story, one I plan on using during story time this spring.

1 comment:

Brimful Curiosities said...

A contractor cut down several trees in our neighborhood to clear a lot. My preschool daughter was horrified and sad. Sounds like this book would be a good read for her.