Synopses & Reviews
This celebration of one of Earths most precious resources embraces the beauty of trees and brings them to life with attributes sure to resonate with readers of all ages: peace, generosity, love, and happiness. With a detailed index of state trees, THE HAPPINESS TREE is a welcome reminder that everything good begins right here.
Review
Praise for The Happiness Tree:
“Beautiful…the jewel-toned illustrations of the natural world immediately draw the eye….handsomely illustrated.” —School Library Journal
Praise for January's Child:
“An ideal gift for a newborn. . .The gentle rhymes and luminous artwork reminiscent of Helen Ward will soothe even the most difficult of personalities, making this a good bedtime choice.” —Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
Printed on recycled paper, this green ode to trees is a celebration of one of nature's most precious resources, and a call to action that even the youngest readers will understand. Includes tree biographies and an index of state trees. Full color.
Synopsis
A celebration of one of natures most precious resources, and a call to action that even the youngest readers will understand.
About the Author
Andrea Alban Gosline and Lisa Bossi are the co-creators of inspirational books, greeting cards, and guided journals. Written with heart by Andrea, and transformed with a lush palette by Lisa, their creative works draws on a love of family and nature's wonders. They are also the author and illustrator of January's Child: A Birthday Month Book (Scholastic, January 2007), Ten Little Wishes (Harper, Spring 2007), and Celebrating Motherhood (Conari Press, 2002).
Reading Group Guide
Hope, Love, Courage, Gratitude, Peace, Compassion, Tolerance, Generosity, Honesty, Happiness: Ten words to inform heartfelt discussions with children about feelings, wishes and values.
- Discuss how each tree displays its particular attribute. (Examples: The Tree of Love is loving
by cradling a birds nest. The Tree of Generosity is generous by providing shade, The Tree of Courage iscourageous by braving the wind.)
- Give examples of the ways that human beings and animals exhibit these traits.
- Use these ten words to inspire a discussion of different ways children interact with each other in the classroom, at home, in their communities and the world at large.
- Create original artwork and writing using the individual words as prompts.
- Start a Happiness Tree log of the childrens acts of kindness. Each day, add another example of
kindnesses the children witness, hear about or perform themselves.
Amazing Adejectives: A simple oral or written exercise to enhance understanding of descriptive words in poetry and prose.
golden, windy, wild, gritty, fragrant, bare, tender, sturdy, leafy, warm, simple, ringing, unfurling, feathered, soft, small, new, fearless, steady, rainy, refreshing, quiet, good, different, trusted
- Which adjectives are your favorites? Use one in a sentence to describe a noun that interests you.
- Compose a paragraph or short poem about what makes you happy using these or your own descriptive words.
A circle story is one that begins and ends in the same or similar place and often involves a journey of discovery.
- Is The Happiness Tree a circle story?
- What happens at the beginning that leads to the ending?
- Describe the journey of the seedlings.
- Which friends are made along the way?
Tree Trips: Suggestions for exploring the outdoor world of trees.
- Explore the grounds of your school or neighborhood park. See how many species are growing locally.
- Visit a state or national park and arrange a tour with a ranger for their wealth of tree knowledge.
- Survey the stock selection at your local nursery and ask the staff tree expert to guide your visit.
- Study specimen trees at a botanical garden.
- Visit an apple orchard any time of year for living lessons about the cycle of a trees life.
- Spend a day at a sustainable tree farm and take part in their educational activities for children.