“Tess’s Tree” by Jess M. Brallier, with illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds, is a poignant and touching picture book that explores themes of loss, grief, community, and healing through the eyes of a young girl named Tess. This heartwarming story is perfect for sharing with loved ones, among good friends, or on a quiet day spent connecting with nature12.
Tess loves her tree with all her heart. From her bedroom window, she watches it change with the seasons, and she has spent countless happy hours swinging from its sturdy branches, sitting in its shade, reading stories, and catching its leaves as they fall12. The tree is an integral part of Tess’s life, a source of joy, comfort, and connection to the natural world.
However, one day, after a severe storm causes irreparable damage, Tess’s beloved tree must be cut down1. Tess is devastated by the loss. Naturally, her first reaction is anger, and she takes that anger out on everyone and everything around her1. The story beautifully conveys the emotions that Tess felt when her tree was gone and the emotions relatable to many children and adults1.
As time passes, Tess reflects on what her tree meant to her and decides to hold a funeral to celebrate its remarkable life1. She invites her friends, family, and neighbors to join her in remembering all the joy the tree brought to their lives. Through this act of remembrance, Tess discovers a great sense of community and realizes how important her tree has been in the lives of others, some of whom she never even knew1.
The funeral becomes a celebration of the tree’s impact on the community, with people sharing their memories and experiences connected to it1. Tess learns that her tree was not really her tree at all, and the grief she feels for its loss is not hers to bear alone1. This is a very comforting message, and it is delivered beautifully and simply in this wonderful little book1. The support of her friends, family, and community is absolutely heartwarming1.
“Tess’s Tree” is a gentle and touching story that explores the different emotions Tess experiences and conveys the impact of losing a beloved tree1. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers4.
Key Features:
“Tess’s Tree” is a valuable resource for parents, educators, and caregivers who want to help children understand and process their emotions related to loss and grief. It is a sweet book about losing something you love5. It’s especially well suited for helping a young child come to terms with death for the first time without having to face – with all the implications it involves – the deaths of individuals such as family members, friends, or the child himself/herself1. It creates a theme of everyone coming together at the end, which showed unity and meant a lot to Tess1. This story show the stages of grief Tess goes through and the absence the missing beloved will leave in its place, with a prospect of new beginnings1.
While the story focuses on the loss of a tree, its message is universal and can be applied to any type of loss, whether it be a pet, a friendship, or a loved one.
Though some may find the book wanting with a new tree not being planted, shouldn’t we be encouraging the cycle to continue1?
“Tess’s Tree” is a timeless story that will resonate with readers of all ages, reminding them of the importance of community, connection, and remembrance in navigating life’s challenges.
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