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A Tree for Max: A Fable
A Tree for Max, an illustrated story for children, tells the story of Grandfather Apple Tree, the King and all the trees of the forest, messenger swans, and a dog, all cooperating to help a young boy, Max, obtain a tree to help him adjust to his new home. It is “...entertaining, educational & just plain fun”, a story of loss and discovery, a fable of growth and change, and love of the natural world.
Max is three and a half years old when his family moves to a new home, leaving behind his ‘forest’ — a stand of trees in their old yard. His forest becomes the focus of his feelings of disruption and loss related to the move. The forest sends the swans with a message to alert the King of the Trees about the problem. The King holds a conference and many species of trees compete to live with Max. Finally, Grandfather Apple Tree resolves the question, and an apple tree is sent to be a companion to Max.
The main characters are unusual even in books for children—an elm tree, forest trees, apple trees, swans, and a Canaan dog—and early readers are enthusiastic. The book is in a new long form, 131 pages with 64 luminous color photographs, yet despite the unusual length, young readers devour the book in one sitting, eager to find out if Max does indeed get a tree. Parents and grandparents may choose to read the book with younger children over a few bedtime sessions.
4-6 as illustrated read-to book
5-7 as a read-alone (with help as needed)
Second grade and up, for classroom sharing and discussion. epub, mobi/kindle
It is suitable for children, their parents, and grandparents, as well as teachers.
Max is three and a half years old when his family moves to a new home, leaving behind his ‘forest’ — a stand of trees in their old yard. His forest becomes the focus of his feelings of disruption and loss related to the move. The forest sends the swans with a message to alert the King of the Trees about the problem. The King holds a conference and many species of trees compete to live with Max. Finally, Grandfather Apple Tree resolves the question, and an apple tree is sent to be a companion to Max.
The main characters are unusual even in books for children—an elm tree, forest trees, apple trees, swans, and a Canaan dog—and early readers are enthusiastic. The book is in a new long form, 131 pages with 64 luminous color photographs, yet despite the unusual length, young readers devour the book in one sitting, eager to find out if Max does indeed get a tree. Parents and grandparents may choose to read the book with younger children over a few bedtime sessions.
4-6 as illustrated read-to book
5-7 as a read-alone (with help as needed)
Second grade and up, for classroom sharing and discussion. epub, mobi/kindle
It is suitable for children, their parents, and grandparents, as well as teachers.
134 pages, ebook
First published November 19, 2011
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 21, 2012
Readers praise A Tree for Max
What a wonderful book! My second-grade students loved it. We loved the photos and the concept. It sparked up a nice conversation about nature. I would definitely share this book with future students, especially in the fall with apple picking season and new beginnings with a new school year. I forwarded it to a few of my colleagues to share with their students. Personally I loved the book, probably in a different way than my students. A Tree for Max has messages for both adults and children. —Amy Eagan, 2nd grade teacher
My son Julian, 3rd grade, liked A Tree for Max a lot. Julian read it alone. He sat down and read it from beginning to end without any stop. He said the plot was interesting and liked that there were real pictures. He also took pleasure in retelling me the story, which is very unusual! He normally does not like to tell about what he reads, but this time, explained it to me in great detail.—Pascal, Julian’s dad.
It is a very well written, thoughtful book that I recommend because our children really responded to it. Our girls, Taylor (7 years, 2nd grade) and Ally (5 years) loved A Tree for Max, both the storyline and the pictures. Teddy and I read the book to the children, although our 7 year old could have read it alone.—Andrea
My granddaughter, Kyla, (8 years, grade 3) loved the book. I read it to her and next she read it to me. We have talked frequently of seasonal changes that the book brought to light. She tells me that she especially loves Grandfather Apple and the guard dog. This is a very thought provoking subject that allowed Papa to spend some quality time with his granddaughter. Kyla has shared it with several friends, and I have recommended it to her teacher.—Gerry T.
My children, Michael, age 8 and Philomena, age 5, both enjoyed A Tree for Max. They enjoyed the personalities of the trees and of course, the pictures. Michael, who is home-schooled, said that the role of the swans as messengers stood out most in his mind, saying, “It was a good idea for swans to be messengers because they can fly.” Reading this warm and touching story, people can relate these physical and emotional events in a meaningful way to their own lives. —Janel
What a wonderful book! My second-grade students loved it. We loved the photos and the concept. It sparked up a nice conversation about nature. I would definitely share this book with future students, especially in the fall with apple picking season and new beginnings with a new school year. I forwarded it to a few of my colleagues to share with their students. Personally I loved the book, probably in a different way than my students. A Tree for Max has messages for both adults and children. —Amy Eagan, 2nd grade teacher
My son Julian, 3rd grade, liked A Tree for Max a lot. Julian read it alone. He sat down and read it from beginning to end without any stop. He said the plot was interesting and liked that there were real pictures. He also took pleasure in retelling me the story, which is very unusual! He normally does not like to tell about what he reads, but this time, explained it to me in great detail.—Pascal, Julian’s dad.
It is a very well written, thoughtful book that I recommend because our children really responded to it. Our girls, Taylor (7 years, 2nd grade) and Ally (5 years) loved A Tree for Max, both the storyline and the pictures. Teddy and I read the book to the children, although our 7 year old could have read it alone.—Andrea
My granddaughter, Kyla, (8 years, grade 3) loved the book. I read it to her and next she read it to me. We have talked frequently of seasonal changes that the book brought to light. She tells me that she especially loves Grandfather Apple and the guard dog. This is a very thought provoking subject that allowed Papa to spend some quality time with his granddaughter. Kyla has shared it with several friends, and I have recommended it to her teacher.—Gerry T.
My children, Michael, age 8 and Philomena, age 5, both enjoyed A Tree for Max. They enjoyed the personalities of the trees and of course, the pictures. Michael, who is home-schooled, said that the role of the swans as messengers stood out most in his mind, saying, “It was a good idea for swans to be messengers because they can fly.” Reading this warm and touching story, people can relate these physical and emotional events in a meaningful way to their own lives. —Janel
December 29, 2011
As a single parent I struggled with helping my daughter learn to deal with change and loss after her mother died. Not all changes or losses are so great for all children, but learning to deal with change and loss is something all children must do. A Tree For Max handles these issues thoughtfully and creatively, and the striking design and photographs allow youngsters the chance to identify with and take part in the elegant presentation of this warm and thoughtful story. Not just a fable, it should become an evergreen in childrens' storytelling literature...Bravo
Want to read
December 31, 2011This book is enchanting! The story is poignant and wonderful. The photography is magical. And the story -- can't be beat. Tremendous book for children to read. Totally engaging and enthralling.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews