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The Seeking Tree
Last updated Thursday, November 2, 2023
Author: Jodi Dee
Date of Publication: 2023
ISBN: 1736209329
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2023
Synopsis:
In the late 1700s, a sapling wants to enjoy the presence of all other living creatures. But while most animals will stop and sit with the small tree, one group will not: humans. First represented by a group of Native hunters, then by European settlers in covered wagons and Puritan home builders, the humans go about their own business, never stopping to sit with the tree.
In a repeated refrain, the seeking tree asks, "Will you sit with us?" An older voice of the forest answers, "They are busy, Young One." Each time, the tree grows more frustrated, until the forest is cleared away, first for farmland, then a city, and finally a futuristic megalopolis. In this last setting, the tree stands alone and is finally approached by a human family in space suits, who sit with the tree and gather its seeds, hopeful for the future.
| Note to readers: |
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There are not a lot of words in this book and therefore will not take long to read. Instead make sure that you are using the time to look at the pictures and spark conversation with the students.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you have a favorite tree?
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Ask on page 5: “Who is speaking? Who is the Small One?” (the trees are speaking)
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Ask on each page “What are the humans doing?
Vocabulary:
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Sapling: a young tree, especially one with a slender trunk.
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Commune: share one's intimate thoughts or feelings with (someone), especially on a spiritual level.
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Community: a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
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Freedom: the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
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Mass produce: produce large quantities of (a standardized article) by an automated mechanical process.
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Sustenance: food and drink regarded as a source of strength; nourishment.,the maintaining of someone or something in life or existence
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Extinct: (of a species, family, or other group of animals or plants) having no living members; no longer in existence.
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Protect: keep safe from harm or injury.
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Majestic: having or showing impressive beauty or dignity.
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Organism: an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Who did the tree/Small One want to sit with them?
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Why are trees important?
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On page 30, why are the people wearing helmets?
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Can we survive without trees/nature?
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| Craft ideas: |
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For illustrated directions on how to draw and decorate a turkey, see http://readingtokids.org/News/how_to_draw_a_turkey.pdf
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November is also reading to Kids College Spirit month! Have the kids create their own college logos based on the college logo you volunteer(s) share on something you are wearing. They can even create their own imaginary college logo!
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Have the students draw a tree with themselves sitting with it. They can recreate a page from the book with the tree saying "Will you sit with me?" and themselves saying "yes".
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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