Tree: A Gentle Story of Love and Loss

by Lynn Jenkins

The fifth book in the popular ‘Lessons of a LAC’ series, Tree is a gentle story of loss that helps children to learn how to say goodbye and process grief.Tree is the much-loved centrepiece of the community, where Calmsters and Little Anxious Creatures come to relax, play and socialize. But one day Curly and Loppy notice that Tree’s leaves are starting to fall ― at the wrong time of year ― and Tree’s bark is flaking. It seems that it’s Tree’s time to leave.At first, Loppy reacts hysterically. Then sadness sets in. Fortunately, Curly is able to teach Loppy how to handle losing his beloved Tree; how to accept that he is leaving, say goodbye, and both celebrate and commemorate Tree’s life. Loppy is able to find peace in remembering how much Tree meant to him, and in the knowledge that he will never forget what a great friend Tree was.All children come across loss in their life, whether it’s the loss experienced when a family changes, or when they lose a pet, change friendships, or a loved one dies. Their feelings and reactions to loss and change are powerful and it is vitally important for them to know how to deal with them; to acknowledge them as they work through their grief. Tree is a simple and gentle introduction to talking about loss with young people, and helping them manage the difficult emotions that come with it.

32 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2020

Reviews

[Jesse · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first started reading this one I was actually really excited. As I've commented before, I'm not a huge fan of the artistic style as it closely resembles Seuss (of which I also don't like), but at the beginning, Loppy is stressing out over an upcoming test. At that point, my mind started racing at the possibilities of this book is perfect for kids who approach their first NAPLAN tests as these cause stress in some children even without any pressure from the teacher or parents. Of course, then I continued to read and the storyline takes a sharp right and we're onto the tree and I was left thinking: Huh?

The idea behind the tree dying and having to say goodbye is really well done. It is an analogy for losing someone or something in their life whether it be a tree, a pet, or a person. I think the way that Loppy wants to hold onto the tree is really relatable for children in particular. The ending where there is a seat and he takes a photo to show how the memory of something we love can live on. It reminds me of a book I reviewed some time ago called One Photo in which the father was remembered via photos.