The Lonely Little Tree
Written by : Moya Kirby
Illustrated by: Terri Rose Baynton
Published by: Scholastic New Zealand, October 2018
Ages: 2 – 6 years
Theme: Christmas, Forestry, Loneliness, Helping one another
Opening Lines: Where once grew a forest near the seas, one tree was left – one tiny tree. Her forest friends had been cut away, and she was left, alone, to stay.
Synopsis: A tiny tree sands all alone on the edge of a felled forest. Whispering winds swirl, and native birds gather around, bringing gifts of blossoms and berries to adorn the lonely little tree. What a magical sight, on this Christmas night.
Why I like this: This is a beautiful whimsy rhyming story about a lonely tree that wonders what will become of him, when a passing bird says it can be whatever it wants to be – a giant or a Christmas tree. He knows it will take many years to be a giant and has no idea who will help make him a Christmas tree. Then all the native birds of New Zealand rally around and find unique ways to turn this lonesome tree into a beautiful colourful tree. With Clematis blossoms, spiders web, shells and feathers and much more to decorate it, not to mention Ruru’s eyes to sparkle at the top of the tree. It is a beautiful story of giving, helping and showing the true spirit of Christmas, kiwi style. They even defend the tree when someone turns up to cut it down. The watercolours of greens, blues and browns add to the whimsy feel of the story and the hint to forestry and the effects on environment is an added element for discussion in classrooms. A story to be treasured and read at Christmas time and all year long.
Resources/Findings:
Resources here in NZ… https://kcc.org.nz/about/
Games and activities for kids relating to rainforests: … https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/kids
The New Zealand Christmas Tree… http://globaltrees.org/threatened-trees/trees/pohutukawa/
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Writer and Dreamer at work 
I know about this charming little book. It is wonderful. Happy Easter to you and yours.
Thanks Darlene. Gosh I didn’t realize you knew about this book. 🙂
The opening lines made me feel sad, but what a wonderful book for Earth Day, too! It sounds like a treasure.
Thank you Grade.
This looks like a wonderful Christmas story. I love the cover illustration.
Thank you Sarah
Yes, I, too, find that opening line sad. But my son and I will be volunteering for Earth Day tomorrow, so we’ll be working to save green space! This book doesn’t look like it’s available even through my extended library system. Sad.
Sorry About that Jilanne can’t understand why you can’t ask them to get it in. Maybe they only get in a certain number from outside the usa
So hard to think about Christmas as we are embracing spring in Colorado, but this does look delightful!
Yes I know but as our Christmas is usually mid summer I thought I would get away with it… 🙂
Don’t want to think of cold winter right now, either. But this does sound like an interesting book, Diane. Thanks for highlighting it.
Yeah I know it may sound like winter for you but for us down here Christmas is mid summer. The best time of year.. 🙂
What great timing as my husband was just outside this afternoon, trimming and removing dead trees from our tiny forest. Amidst all of the brittle branches he pulled out, one new tree came out of hiding. I’m looking forward to reading this book. I’m always open to a Christmas story any time of year. 🙂
LOL… Me too. Thanks Leslie.
I love when you share books published in NZ. What a clever idea for a book and a strong sense of community and friendship from the natural world. Lovely share!
Thank you Patricia. Glad you liked it.