The Tree: questions to ask and activities to try
A tree is home to birds, squirrels and rabbits, until a couple want to cut it down. The Tree is a gentle environmental fable about sharing the world with wildlife.
What age is it for? The Tree is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Sharing the world with wildlife.
Read it and pause when the couple arrive with a saw. Ask your child what they'd do. The twist is a lovely starting point for talking about caring for nature.
What it helps with
- Caring for wildlife and their homes
- Sharing space with others
- Changing your mind for good reasons
- Thinking about the environment
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.
- “Who lived in the tree?”
- “What did the man and woman want to do?”
- “How did the animals feel?”
- “What did the couple decide?”
- “How can people share with animals?”
- “What wildlife lives near us?”
5-minute activities to try together
Tree home hunt
Look at a tree near you and count the creatures and homes you can spot.
Animal house
Draw a house that's shared with animals: a bird box, a bug hotel, a hedgehog door.
Free printables: The 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.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
The Bog Baby (Jeanne Willis and Gwen Millward)
- Best for
- Caring for wild creatures, and letting them go
- Age
- 3-7
Because of an Acorn (Lola M. Schaefer, Adam Schaefer and Frann Preston-Gannon)
- Best for
- How everything in nature is connected
- Age
- 3-7
Christopher Nibble (Charlotte Middleton)
- Best for
- Caring for nature, and making a difference
- 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.