A Very Important Tree

Illustration of a little girl standing protectively beside a tree as her brother looks on.

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

A Very Important Tree

Average Rating: 5.0

Country: South Africa

Ages: 3-5,5-8

Author: Liam Longland

Publisher: Book Dash

Illustrator: Elana Bregin

About The Story

Why plant or protect a tree? Trees give us clean air, offer food and shelter to birds, insects, and small animals, and help slow climate change. But we’re losing trees at an alarming rate, and with them, the natural balance they support. In this powerful wordless story from South Africa, a young girl notices the quiet beauty and importance of a single tree—one her brother wants to cut down because its falling leaves annoy him. With no words, only expressive images, this tale gently reminds us that even one tree matters.

Themes

Environment & conservation

Sub Themes

Caring for nature & wildlife

Environmental Awareness

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

Recognize the value of trees in everyday life.
Understand how small actions—like saving one tree—can have an environmental impact.
Appreciate that standing up for what is right can start at any age.
Practice interpreting visual storytelling and expressing ideas through images

Lesson Plan

Use this story to open a conversation about trees and their importance.
Let children share experiences of trees near their homes or schools.
Reinforce ideas through discussion and drawing activities.

Activities

Draw Your Favorite Tree: Children draw a tree and the creatures or they imagine living in or around it.
Tree Hug Pledge: Create a classroom pledge to care for trees and nature.
Silent Storytelling: Ask children to 'tell' the story in their own words or sounds using the pictures.
Get an autograph of a few trees in their neighborhood by making a rubbing of the bark and try and identify them.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

Do you have a favorite tree? Why do you like it?
What animals or insects have you seen in or around trees?

During reading

What do you think the girl is feeling?
What is the boy doing?
Why do you think she wants to save the tree?

After reading

Why was the tree important to the little girl?
What would you do if someone wanted to cut down a tree near your house?
How did the girl’s actions help change her brother’s mind?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 13 – Climate Action

The story touches on the urgent need to preserve trees, which play a crucial role in absorbing carbon and mitigating global warming.

SDG 15 – Life on Land

Highlights how trees provide habitat for wildlife and are vital for maintaining biodiversity

Comments

Comments (2)

Really wonderful picture story. Even i am an adult, i enjoyed alot!! And i also saw their expressions to understand and i realised it works well to our youger students!!

kasturi varanasi
March 13, 2024 Log in to Reply
- Thank you Kasturi. I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
  
  Development Team
  March 14, 2024 Log in to Reply