The Hugging Tree

The Hugging Tree Synopsis

Finalist, Green Earth Book Awards
Selected for the New York Botanical Garden's LuEsther T. Mertz Library
Included in Wordcrate amp rsquo s resilience activity box

Even though childhood can be a wondrous and carefree time, children must deal with difficulties as they grow. Those range from minor disappointments like losing a game, arguing with a friend or sibling, earning a poor grade amp hellip to significant blows such as the death of a parent or loved one, abuse, or neglect.

Through all her troubles, the Hugging Tree holds fast. Sustained by the natural world and the kindness and compassion of one little boy, the tree grows and grows until it can hold and shelter others under its immense green canopy. Every day, people of all ages come to rest and sit under the tree. The resilience of the Hugging Tree calls to mind the potential in all of us: to thrive, despite times of struggle and difficulty. To nurture the little spark of hope and resolve. To dream and to grow, just where we are.

Psychologists use the term resilience to describe an individual amp rsquo s ability to adapt successfully to challenging events. Reading this book with your child can be a way to teach resilience, self-confidence, and self-control and help you discuss challenges your child may be facing at home or school. This book has been used as an inspiration and teaching tool by teachers, librarians, pastors, rabbis, and parents around the world. There are more than two dozen read-a-louds of the book available on You Tube. Children enjoy making their own drawings of hugging trees, with words like amp ldquo love amp rdquo and amp ldquo perseverance amp rdquo alongside the branches. They enjoy outdoor read-a-louds accompanied by hugging and being hugged by trees.

A Note to Parents by Elizabeth McCallum, PhD, provides information about resilience, and guidelines for building resilience in children.