Little Tree

I liked reading this book for 3 reasons. First, the words used create a flowing pattern that allows for an easy read. For example, it begins with “Once there was a little tree filled with little leaves...who was surrounded by other little tree who had little leaves of their own,” which I find to be cute and inviting for the reader to continue on to find out more about the story. Second, the illustrations are simple, yet contain beautiful detail that paints a smile on the reader as they follow. The authors illustrations are welcoming and delightful to view as it provides the reader with all the information they need to understand the story without feeling overwhelmed. Lastly, the books provides a great opportunity to begin talking show more about seasons changing, trees, and possibly managing one’s emotions for younger elementary students. Self-monitoring of emotions for younger children can be tricky, but with guidance it is possible. In the book, we begin to see a squirrel asking the tree what it was doing, “ ‘Hello, Little Tree,’ said a squirrel. ‘You’re supposed to drop your leaves now.’ But Little Tree was unsure. What would he do without his leaves?” which could allow prompting to students regarding their ability to check themselves for insecurities. show less

Impulse grab at the library as I like the Otis stories and others illustrated by Long. And oh goodness am I glad I did. This is a fable that can be read for so many meanings, on so many levels, for so many different readers both young and old, that, yes, I'm going to say it, it's a :wince: Modern Classic! Much better than Rainbow Fish or Stella Luna or Guess How Much I Love You. Deserving of all the accolades I do hope it's getting.

Now, you who follow me and who read lots of picture books, don't misinterpret. This is not the best picture book ever, nor my favorite, nor do I necessarily think you should buy a copy. But for all those masses of readers who are looking for the newest warm & fuzzy instant classic, this is it. You should show more borrow this from your library, and those who purchase books should give Loren Long & Philomel money. show less

A little tree, growing in the middle of the forest, is reluctant to let go of his leaves in this picture-book examination of growth and the resistance to change. Although all the other little trees accept the changes that the passing seasons bring, our arboreal hero cannot, holding out for many years, until he notices that all of his peers have grown tall, and he is standing in their shade. When he finally does let go, he too can grow...

A lovely little book, one which reminds me of a number of other titles with a similar theme - chiefly, The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia, and The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger - Little Tree pairs an engaging, emotionally perceptive narrative with lovely artwork. Author/artist Loren Long, show more creator of the popular Otis the Tractor books, delivers many beautiful scenes here, capturing the vibrant colors of summer and fall, and the chilly enchantment of winter. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about change, the passing of the seasons, and/or trees and their life in the forest. show less

“The Little Tree” by Loren Long
I personally enjoyed reading this book. Through the author’s use of descriptive language and the illustrator’s work, the big idea of changing and growing up is clear. The illustrator used pictures of a small tree, which goes through the changing seasons. The little tree remains unchanged, too scared to let go and change its leaves. The little tree “hugged its leaves tight” portraying the idea that its scary and hard to let go and get used to the idea of growing up and changing. The illustrations were a great visual that was used throughout the book. The reader could see the little tree unchanged until the end of the book when it was ready to grow. The illustrations were a good example of the show more big idea and how the uncertainty of the future can be scary. The little tree ponders, “What would he do without his leaves?”
The descriptive language is something I also enjoyed about this book. “The mourning dove landed in him and sang her flutey song.” This line was seen more than once throughout the story and painted a very vivid picture of what a bird does when it lands in a tree. It immediately brought a visual of a bird singing and sitting in a tree. It allows the reader to almost hear and see the mourning bird. Other good descriptive language that provided a visual was “The wind tickled the little trees as it passed through his branches and ruffled his leaves.” As I was reading, I thought of how I have seen wind and trees interact, creating a life-life picture as if you’re sitting watching wind blow through the trees outside.
Overall I thought the message of this book was very important for young readers. It was clear through the use of illustrations and descriptive language, allowing young children to realize although the future may be a bit frightening, it’s okay to change and grow. show less

I really enjoyed reading Little Tree. I liked how even though this was a simple book it had such a powerful message. The little tree was afraid of change and did not want to let its leaves fall like every other tree. I liked how this was relatable because everyone gets afraid of change and does not want to go out of their comfort zone at times. Eventually the tree learns that its okay to change and if we do not have change there is no room for growth. I also liked how even though everyone was telling the tree to change he did not until he knew that he was ready. The illustrations are also an important part of the story that really bring the story to life which I liked a lot.

A brief summary:
In the middle of a forest surrounded by trees, there lives a little tree. Little Tree has little leaves that keep him cool in the summer and branches that support many animals including doves and squirrels. When autumn comes around, all of the surrounding little trees begin to lose their leaves, but Little Tree holds onto his leaves tight. The forest animals tell Little Tree that he should be losing his leaves, but he continues to hold onto them tightly. When springtime arrives, all of the surrounding trees have bright new leaves and are bursting with life, however Little Tree's leaves are brown. Autumn comes around again but Little Tree still will not let go of his leaves. Soon, the surrounding trees grow so big and show more broad, Little Tree can no longer feel the sunlight. Little Tree goes through another autumn and winter before he finally realizes that the surrounding trees were once his size too and decides to finally let his leaves go. In time, Little Tree grows into a large tree that is abundant with life.

My personal reaction:
The message of the story is very powerful as it challenges the reader to have the courage to let go of the things they try to control. I feel like this message could resonate with readers of all ages. I also find it really powerful how the story shows that not letting go of something can actually hinder you from moving on and growing. I also enjoy the use of rhyme throughout the book and I think it gives a pleasant and teaching tone to the challenging feat of learning to let go.

A couple of uses:
- Have students write a short response about a time where they had difficulty letting go of something. For many students this could be something like learning to give up items of security, like a blanket, as a young child.
- Have students create an art piece showing the appearance of deciduous trees throughout the different seasons. Encourage creativity through the use of different types of mediums and prepare students to be able to explain their visual representations.

Genre:
This book is an example of fantasy because it features animals who can talk and is therefore unrealistic.

Media:
acrylic, ink, and pencil show less

This book follows the adventure of a little tree through the different seasons. When winter comes and his leaves have turned brown, the little tree is reluctant to let them drop to the ground. Animals of the forest talk to the tree, telling him it's OK to drop his leaves. However, little tree is too scared. Will he ever drop his leaves? It isn't until he notices that his "peers", the other trees, have grown big and tall all while he is still a little tree with its old brown leaves. It decides that change needs to happen. It is a great book that discusses seasons, change, and being willing to try new things.