The Boy Who Grew a Tree: questions to ask and activities to try
Timi's new sibling is unsettling, so he looks after a magical tree in the library, until the library is set to close. The Boy Who Grew a Tree is a charming early reader about change and community.
What age is it for? The Boy Who Grew a Tree is best for ages 5–8. Good for: A new sibling, a magical tree and saving the library.
The Boy Who Grew a Tree (Polly Ho-Yen and Sojung Kim-McCarthy)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- A new sibling, a magical tree and saving the library
Read a chapter at a time. Talk about how Timi felt about the baby, and how caring for the tree helped him.
What it helps with
- A new baby in the family
- Caring for nature
- Libraries and community
- Early chapter books
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why was Timi unsettled?”
- “Where was the tree?”
- “What was magical about it?”
- “Why was the library closing?”
- “How did people help?”
- “What helps you when things change at home?”
5-minute activities to try together
Library visit
Visit your local library and find a book about trees.
Care for a plant
Give your child a plant of their own to look after.
Free printables: The Boy Who Grew a Tree worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
There's Going to Be a Baby (John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury)
- Best for
- Waiting for a new brother or sister
- Age
- 2-6
Luna Loves Library Day (Joseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers)
- Best for
- Parents living apart, and special time with each of them
- Age
- 3-7
The Tree (Neal Layton)
- Best for
- Sharing the world with wildlife
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.