The Dreaming Tree

by Eithne Massey, Marie Thorhauge (Illustrator)

Back home in Brazil, Roberto loved playing football. Now he lives in Ireland, and he’d really like to have a game with the boys in the park, but he’s too shy.

When his granny reminds him of the Brazilian story of the dreaming tree, he doesn’t see how a story can help him …

But maybe it can!

A new series of books for modern, multi-cultural Ireland for children aged 6-8

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 2009

About the author

Eithne Massey is a graduate of University College Dublin and NUI Maynooth, and a short-story writer. She has worked with the Arts Council and as a librarian. Her interest in mythology has been a lifelong one. Although she lives in Dublin, she is often found traveling to old and secret places around the country.

Reviews

[Micheál Hanratty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi all, this is another book review. 'The Dreaming Tree' by Eithne Massey is a book I came across during my SBT 1. The book deals with the central character Roberto a Brazilian native who has moved to Ireland. While in Ireland, Roberto finds it difficult to gain acceptance from his fellow classmates in school. He is a very talented football player, however his classmates haven't afforded him the opportunity to demonstrate his skills. In many way Roberto has a low self esteem, he feels he doesn't belong. One day his grandmother contacts him from Brazil, upon hearing of Roberto's struggles at settling in Ireland. She tells the story of the dreaming tree. Essentially, the dreaming tree provides whatever your 'heart desires'.
The story gives hope to Roberto that he can make a positive impact in his new school.
After witnessing this book been read to upper key stage 2 children. I see no reason why such a book shouldn't be incorporated into PSHE where children in the upper primary years can begin to understand what it feels like to be isolated and the importance of making peeople feel welcome. The book above can also be introduced in anti - bullying workshops, where children can see how indirect bullying can have just as a much an impact on a person as physical or verbal bullying. In drama, role play could be augmented for various groups based on scenes from the book.