The Red Tree
By Shaun Tan
The Story
A young girl feels lost and misunderstood as her world appears bleak. Through inner reflection, she discovers hope and imagines a brighter future, realizing dreams can emerge from despair.
Why It's Special
If your child loves exploring emotions and imaginative stories, The Red Tree is a thought-provoking journey.
- Big idea: Follow a young girl's path from feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed to discovering hope and the power of dreams.
- Vibes: A poignant blend of introspection and enlightenment, capturing the highs and lows of a single day.
Notice how the illustrations evolve with her emotions, offering a visual companion to her journey.
Perfect For Kids Who...
- appreciate detailed illustrations that convey complex emotions
- are exploring big feelings like sadness and happiness
- need help understanding that it's okay to feel different emotions
- enjoy stories that inspire hope and personal growth
Ask Your Little Reader
Invite your child to explore the girl's journey and emotions.
- Story & problem-solving: What happens when the girl feels like 'no one understands her'?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think the girl feels at the beginning of her day?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever had a day where everything seemed to go wrong?
- Imagination: If you could plant your own 'red tree,' what dreams would it represent? Let your child draw their own version of the red tree and what it symbolizes for them.