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Little Tree
In the middle of a little forest, there lives a Little Tree who loves his life and the splendid leaves that keep him cool in the heat of long summer days. Life is perfect just the way it is.
Autumn arrives, and with it the cool winds that ruffle Little Tree's leaves. One by one the other trees drop their leaves, facing the cold of winter head on. But not Little Tree—he hugs his leaves as tightly as he can. Year after year Little Tree remains unchanged, despite words of encouragement from a squirrel, a fawn, and a fox, his leaves having long since turned brown and withered. As Little Tree sits in the shadow of the other trees, now grown sturdy and tall as though to touch the sun, he remembers when they were all the same size. And he knows he has an important decision to make.
Autumn arrives, and with it the cool winds that ruffle Little Tree's leaves. One by one the other trees drop their leaves, facing the cold of winter head on. But not Little Tree—he hugs his leaves as tightly as he can. Year after year Little Tree remains unchanged, despite words of encouragement from a squirrel, a fawn, and a fox, his leaves having long since turned brown and withered. As Little Tree sits in the shadow of the other trees, now grown sturdy and tall as though to touch the sun, he remembers when they were all the same size. And he knows he has an important decision to make.
38 pages, Hardcover
First published October 27, 2015
12 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Loren Long
110 books139 followersI grew up in Lexington, Kentucky in the 1970’s. We had no artists of any kind in the family. We didn’t know any artists. I liked sports, especially baseball. My mother read to me a lot. But I have to admit, my favorite subject in school was gym class. I also liked to draw. My parents encouraged me to keep drawing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
June 13, 2020
I can’t say I like this book very much. A tree in cold climate that doesn’t shed its leaves, and grow new ones the next spring, simply dies. It’s really not complicated. I know the idea here is to address something that has nothing to do with trees. The idea, I think, is to show kids that they need a certain amount of guts to let go, or be left behind. In a way, this is a clever way to show that, but it does give kids also very wrong idea about how nature works. It is beautifully illustrated though.
October 5, 2016
Little Tree by Loren Long is a beautifully illustrated story of a young tree afraid of change, who despite encouragement from wilderness friends refuses to let go. Simplistic and yet poignant this simple tale made me tear up as I read it to Sophia. While the message was lost on one so young, children five to one hundred and two can find relevance to this tale and identify with little tree. So clever how the author used a tree to share her message. I loved Little Tree and it is my wish that it finds its way into every library, home, and classroom bookshelf. It is the perfect gift to give to anyone who is facing change.
Received my copy @ BEA. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Received my copy @ BEA. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
November 12, 2015
This is a brilliantly constructed and illustrated book about seasons, but also about fear when it comes to facing the unknown. This sweet gem by Loren Long centers around a little tree afraid of losing its leaves and who stubbornly refuses to grow along with all the others. When this little tree realizes that all the other trees have moved on around it, growing upwards and strong, it must make a decision about holding on or letting go. Startling simple and complex, this is appealing to children and adults alike. Highly recommended.
May 18, 2022
Featured in a grandma reads session.
Stubborn little tree. Wouldn't give up leaves. . . .all the others did. The point got a little confusing for all of us. When tree finally gave up leaves - years later, *b00m* it caught up and passed up the ones that did what they were supposed to when they were supposed to.
When we finished we all looked at each other with elevated brows. . . .hmm. Finally the eldest shrugged his bony shoulders, cocked his head at that go-figure angle, turned down one side of his mouth, up with the other side, and that was that.
We are not advocating for, nor are we protesting against stubborn trees.
Stubborn little tree. Wouldn't give up leaves. . . .all the others did. The point got a little confusing for all of us. When tree finally gave up leaves - years later, *b00m* it caught up and passed up the ones that did what they were supposed to when they were supposed to.
When we finished we all looked at each other with elevated brows. . . .hmm. Finally the eldest shrugged his bony shoulders, cocked his head at that go-figure angle, turned down one side of his mouth, up with the other side, and that was that.
We are not advocating for, nor are we protesting against stubborn trees.
December 8, 2019
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.
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.
December 10, 2015
Impulse grab at the library as I like the Otis stories and others illustrated by Long. And oh goodness am I glad I did. This is a fable that can be read for so many meanings, on so many levels, for so many different readers both young and old, that, yes, I'm going to say it, it's a :wince: Modern Classic! Much better than Rainbow Fish or Stella Luna or Guess How Much I Love You. Deserving of all the accolades I do hope it's getting.
Now, you who follow me and who read lots of picture books, don't misinterpret. This is not the best picture book ever, nor my favorite, nor do I necessarily think you should buy a copy. But for all those masses of readers who are looking for the newest warm & fuzzy instant classic, this is it. You should borrow this from your library, and those who purchase books should give Loren Long & Philomel money.
Now, you who follow me and who read lots of picture books, don't misinterpret. This is not the best picture book ever, nor my favorite, nor do I necessarily think you should buy a copy. But for all those masses of readers who are looking for the newest warm & fuzzy instant classic, this is it. You should borrow this from your library, and those who purchase books should give Loren Long & Philomel money.
June 4, 2015
I don't know guys. I mean Loren Long's books are always beautiful but I think I wanted more from this one. And why is the tree a "he"?
December 22, 2016
I saw Little Tree on a list of Ohio-authored books and decided to check it out of my local library to jokingly read to my wife as a bedtime story. She adored it so much that I actually bought her a copy for Christmas. The illustrations are colorful and charming—you can even distinguish the different types of trees based on the leaves.
As for the moral of the story, it's about learning to let go and allow yourself to grow. Now whenever my wife is down or in a bad mood, I can just tell her "It's time to let your leaves drop," and she'll get this silly smile on her face. Any book that can do that is a good book.
As for the moral of the story, it's about learning to let go and allow yourself to grow. Now whenever my wife is down or in a bad mood, I can just tell her "It's time to let your leaves drop," and she'll get this silly smile on her face. Any book that can do that is a good book.
July 22, 2016
What a perfect gorge book. The moral of the story is spot on. Love the beauty of its illustrations.
November 17, 2023
Little Tree is me being afraid of change.
Read
April 7, 2024oh i’m the little tree
August 28, 2016
This book was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! I love the inspirational message that this book gave. The story starts off with trees that have been planted and you begin to see their growth. All the trees begin to grow except, "little tree". The reason little tree doesn't grow is because he is holding onto his leaves. Season after season, little tree continues to stay the same and never change. The woodland animals begin to ask him "why don't you let your leaves go?" Of course, the ending is simple and encouraging.
This is a great book for anyone that has faced fear of the unknown. This is a book about fear and letting fear consume you to the point of continually staying the same. Little tree held onto his leaves for fear of letting go and not knowing what the future may bring. This was even with the other trees around him letting their leaves go, and growing to brand new heights. It is also about growing up and seeing the world in a different place.
Loren Long has created a book that should be a classic! Well done, Bravo!
This is a great book for anyone that has faced fear of the unknown. This is a book about fear and letting fear consume you to the point of continually staying the same. Little tree held onto his leaves for fear of letting go and not knowing what the future may bring. This was even with the other trees around him letting their leaves go, and growing to brand new heights. It is also about growing up and seeing the world in a different place.
Loren Long has created a book that should be a classic! Well done, Bravo!
November 18, 2015
This was a sweet story with a good lesson - in order to grow, you need to be willing to accept change, even if it's scary or uncomfortable. It's a great parable for the kiddos, encouraging them to have new experiences and learn new things.
The illustrations were also charming. The vibrant colors make you want to sit and just look at the pictures for awhile.
Minus points, though, for bad science. This could so easily have been a useful book for cycling through the seasons and what happens in fall - but for Little Tree to hang onto his leaves for so many years and not die, and then be able to just catch up with the other trees, makes it a morality tale and no more. And really, if the book had followed along with the natural world, it might have been scary (Change or DIE! Change or you'll NEVER catch up!) but it also might have been nice to show that even though Little Tree was behind, and probably always would be, he was still growing at a regular rate.
The illustrations were also charming. The vibrant colors make you want to sit and just look at the pictures for awhile.
Minus points, though, for bad science. This could so easily have been a useful book for cycling through the seasons and what happens in fall - but for Little Tree to hang onto his leaves for so many years and not die, and then be able to just catch up with the other trees, makes it a morality tale and no more. And really, if the book had followed along with the natural world, it might have been scary (Change or DIE! Change or you'll NEVER catch up!) but it also might have been nice to show that even though Little Tree was behind, and probably always would be, he was still growing at a regular rate.
December 8, 2017
Simple story and illustration but big concept--my favorite combo for kiddos.
January 24, 2018
Little Tree by Loren Long is a book for all ages. This book speaks to the beauty and pain that comes along with letting go, facing our fears, and moving forward. Little Tree does not want to let go of his leaves. He moves through the seasons hanging on to his brown leaves and stunting his own growth. As he realizes that all of the other trees are growing tall and strong, he finally makes the decision to let go of his leaves. As he lets go he “feels the harsh cold of winter for the first time,” but in time, he grows tall and strong like the trees around him. I love how Loren Long does not shy away from the pain that might come when we stretch ourselves out of our comfort zones or face a new season of life, but that facing that change can make us stronger. Loren Long said he wrote this book about his daughter going off to college. I would recommend this book for upper elementary students and adults alike.
November 6, 2020
Wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this one because I had heard that it kind of stretches the laws of nature in service of a metaphor, but I ended up really liking it and wasn't bothered about it at all.
It actually plants the idea that there's a reason trees drop their leaves and that the process is part of what allows them to grow. Children may know that leaves fall but not know why (and honestly, many adults probably don't know), so this book may spark curiosity that ends up leading children to seek out more information about tree life cycles.
Realistically, children (especially young children) are more likely to latch onto the scientific questions that come up for them than the metaphor of sometimes we have to let go of things that aren't serving us anymore in order to grow.
The text and illustrations are lovely and not overly stylized (it's easy to identify different types of trees, for example). My only slight qualm is the ending.
It actually plants the idea that there's a reason trees drop their leaves and that the process is part of what allows them to grow. Children may know that leaves fall but not know why (and honestly, many adults probably don't know), so this book may spark curiosity that ends up leading children to seek out more information about tree life cycles.
Realistically, children (especially young children) are more likely to latch onto the scientific questions that come up for them than the metaphor of sometimes we have to let go of things that aren't serving us anymore in order to grow.
The text and illustrations are lovely and not overly stylized (it's easy to identify different types of trees, for example). My only slight qualm is the ending.
November 10, 2021
Readers are introduced to Little Tree, who resides in a forest where summer days come and go easily. But as the seasons shift, Little Tree’s stubbornness won’t let him shed his leaves--the part of life he loves most. All around him, other trees demonstrate what to do as fall rolls in: let go. But Little Tree doesn’t listen for many years. His leaves, which were once lush and lovely, start to show the effects of winter weather. The colorful and charming illustrations create an inviting environment to learn a lesson about growing up and embracing change, which is a perfect read for the autumn season.
Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library!
Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library!
March 30, 2022
This book is so cute 😭 it’s about a little tree who is nervous to drop his leaves when autumn comes around. The others around him drop their leaves but he is scared to. Spring comes and the others grow, but he doesn’t because he still has his old brown leaves. This happens for a few years until all the other trees are much taller than him. He sees that he needs to drop his leaves if he wants to grow, so he does.
A really great book about letting go- feeling nervous to let go, but knowing that when we let go, we allow ourselves to grow! 🌳🌸
A really great book about letting go- feeling nervous to let go, but knowing that when we let go, we allow ourselves to grow! 🌳🌸
January 25, 2020
This is a great book if you're looking to introduce seasons, habitats, tree life-cycles, anxiety, or the handy art of letting things go. Also, the illustrations are gorgeous and the trees curled leaves will pull at your heart strings.
November 7, 2023
One of my favorite fall books! Great illustrations- both for the eyes & for the moral of the story: you have to let go to grow 💗
November 17, 2023
Me as a late bloomer😭
August 29, 2020
The tree is called, “little tree”, it’s afraid of changes. Through the different seasons, the other trees change and shed their leaves, but the little tree stays the same as it holds tight to its leaves. As time passes by, and the other trees grow with each season, the little tree realizes that the other trees are facing the same thing as him, and the changes make the other trees stronger, so the little tree accept the changes. I think this book is great to teach about emotions and wells and season.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2022
A beautiful story about how scary change can be, but how necessary it is for growth. A strong message for all of us.
July 2, 2016
Little Tree loved the cozy comfort of his leaves in the forest; they kept him cool on hot days. But as summer turned into autumn, he realized that he didn’t want his leaves to fall like all the other trees. Little Tree hugged his leaves even tighter. As winter approached the animals in the forest reminded him that his leaves needed to drop. Oh no! Drop his leaves? But what will he do without the protection of his leaves? Little Tree noticed that everything in the forest, including other saplings his age, were growing tall and strong. Then one day he decides to let go. A sweet story about change and the courage to learn and grow. Recommended for preschool thru 1st grade. Reviewed by: Alyson D., Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library
September 1, 2016
1. This book is about a little tree who is afraid to let go of his leaves. As the seasons continue to change, he learns that he must change with them.
2. 5-8 years, K-3, Lexile: 580L
3. This book would be beneficial to read-aloud as an introduction to seasons or a science lesson about trees. It would also be beneficial for a guidance class about personal growth.
4. Students who like trees could benefit, but I think students who would benefit the most are the ones who show fear of change or have become set in their ways.
5. A good small group use for this book would be to talk about changes and how it can help us grow.
6. See # 3.
7. "The Whisper" by Pamela Zagarenski, "Waiting" by Kevin Henkes, "Stick and Stone" by Beth Ferry
8. No multimedia connections
2. 5-8 years, K-3, Lexile: 580L
3. This book would be beneficial to read-aloud as an introduction to seasons or a science lesson about trees. It would also be beneficial for a guidance class about personal growth.
4. Students who like trees could benefit, but I think students who would benefit the most are the ones who show fear of change or have become set in their ways.
5. A good small group use for this book would be to talk about changes and how it can help us grow.
6. See # 3.
7. "The Whisper" by Pamela Zagarenski, "Waiting" by Kevin Henkes, "Stick and Stone" by Beth Ferry
8. No multimedia connections
January 28, 2018
Little Tree likes life just the way it is. But the seasons change and life moves on. For everyone but Little Tree, that is. Little Tree hugs his leaves tightly and refuses to change, despite words of encouragement from his forest friends. As the rest of the forest grows around him, Little Tree is faced with an important decision. You’ll have to read this yourself to see if and how Little Tree comes to terms with change. Loren Long’s beautiful illustrations capture the beauty of the seasons and match the text perfectly and the ending will leave you sighing, “Aw!”
December 14, 2016
A deciduous tree that doesn't drop its leaves would not just stay that way and not grow--it would die. And if it DID make it for another year or two, it wouldn't be able to grow if it did drop its leaves--it would be stunted forever.
Yes, that's science, and this is just a picture book and anything can happen in a picture book. But the internal logic here just doesn't work. Too bad, because the art is lovely.
Yes, that's science, and this is just a picture book and anything can happen in a picture book. But the internal logic here just doesn't work. Too bad, because the art is lovely.
November 5, 2015
Is this story about perseverance? Or staying in your childhood as long as possible? I don't understand. How could he just told onto his leaves for years, and then catch up to the trees that have been growing the entire time?
But the illustrations are wonderful.
But the illustrations are wonderful.
November 7, 2015
A little tree is scared of change and will not let go of its leaves, until it realizes it has been left behind. Doesn't quite work because the tree would have died, but enjoyable as a fable of change.
January 24, 2017
2016 Ohioana Library Award Juvenile Literature
Fall is the PERFECT time to read this book. It's about a Little Tree who hugs his leaves tight, when it's time for them to fall. This happens for a couple of years, until one day ...
Super Cute!
Fall is the PERFECT time to read this book. It's about a Little Tree who hugs his leaves tight, when it's time for them to fall. This happens for a couple of years, until one day ...
Super Cute!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews