Over the next few weeks, I am going to share with you some fun picture books. Today's focuses on a boy who experiences growing pains, but also is curious about the tree he helped plant the previous day. It is such a sweet book. The book is Growing Pains by Alison McLennan and Melissa Johns. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
From the Publisher:
When Finn’s family plants a tree in the backyard, he feels responsible for it and worries the little sapling is cold, hungry or lonely. He tries to share his breakfast with the tree, offers it his scarf, and spends the afternoon keeping it company. Just after going to bed, his nightlight goes out and Finn is plunged into darkness. As his nerves start to take hold, it occurs to him that his tree is outside in the dark, every night! But when he sees that his little tree is standing tall and brave in the moonlight and doesn’t seem afraid, it inspires Finn to be brave as well. And so Finn’s kindness and curiosity end up helping him to overcome his fear of the dark. Growing Pains is a touching story about curiosity, kindness, empathy, care of the environment, and overcoming your fears.
From Me:
This book is so sweet. It is about a young boy who loves to play. Who is curious and empathetic. Who still sleeps with a nightlight at night. Finn is off playing and gets cold. He goes inside and while inside he looks at the tree, they planted the previous day and wonders if the tree is cold. He worries about the tree, so he wraps a scarf around the trunk. When he is out playing, he sits by the tree and talks to it. He offers the tree food. One night his mother is rubbing his legs since he is experiencing growing pains. After she leaves, he wonders if the tree has growing pains. That night his nightlight burns out. He looks out the window at the tree and realizes the tree is in the dark, so he wants to be brave like the tree.
The story is just so sweet. I love that the boy goes through many things in his own life as well as sharing the worries for and emotions with the tree. It is a story of innocence and of growth. It is a wonderful addition to any children's library or younger children's classroom. I hope you will check it out!
