This cute little story is about a little tree who learns the importance of letting nature take its course ( )

I thought this book was cute, it was a great book about change. I would read this to my children or class when something is changing that way they can understand it is okay for a change to happen.

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 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. ( )

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.

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, 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. ( )