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The Hugging Tree: A Story about Resilience
Finalist, Green Earth Book Awards
Selected for the New York Botanical Garden's LuEsther T. Mertz Library
Included in Wordcrate's resilience activity boxTrees hold us fast in their embrace. The Hugging Tree is about a tree that, in spite of harsh circumstances, grows until it can hold and shelter others. It is about each one of us.
On a bleak and lonely rock
By a vast and mighty sea
Grew a lonely little tree
Where no tree should ever be.
Alone on a mighty cliff by the sea, a tiny tree struggles to grow and thrive. She is nurtured by the sea, sun and moon, and becomes home to a family of loons. But winter ice storms and bitter cold break her boughs and roots. Will she survive? Find out how the hugging tree grows until she can hold and shelter others.
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...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'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 "love" and "perseverance" 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. A free, downloadable teacher and parent guide with many activities is available on the publisher's website, as well as on the author's website.
Selected for the New York Botanical Garden's LuEsther T. Mertz Library
Included in Wordcrate's resilience activity boxTrees hold us fast in their embrace. The Hugging Tree is about a tree that, in spite of harsh circumstances, grows until it can hold and shelter others. It is about each one of us.
On a bleak and lonely rock
By a vast and mighty sea
Grew a lonely little tree
Where no tree should ever be.
Alone on a mighty cliff by the sea, a tiny tree struggles to grow and thrive. She is nurtured by the sea, sun and moon, and becomes home to a family of loons. But winter ice storms and bitter cold break her boughs and roots. Will she survive? Find out how the hugging tree grows until she can hold and shelter others.
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...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'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 "love" and "perseverance" 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. A free, downloadable teacher and parent guide with many activities is available on the publisher's website, as well as on the author's website.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2015
3 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Jill Neimark
9 books12 followersJill Neimark is the author of the highly acclaimed BLOODSONG (adult fiction, Random House) as well as coauthor of WHY GOOD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE (adult self-help, Random House), Her picture book, THE HUGGING TREE: A STORY ABOUT RESILIENCE has had over sixty YouTube read-a-louds by teachers, librarians and faith leaders worldwide and is a popular inspirational readaloud. I WANT YOUR MOO (picture book, Magination Press) with co-author Marcella Bakur Weiner, PhD,won a Teachers’ Choice Awards for Children’s Books; and the sequel, TOODLES & TEENY: A STORY OF FRIENDSHIP won a Mom's Choice Award. Under the nom de plume Gillian Neimark is also the author of the tween fantasy adventure novel, THE SECRET SPIRAL, and the sequel, THE GOLDEN RECTANGLE. Her new picture book, FOREST JOY will be published in March of 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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September 19, 2017Loons don't nest in trees.
The rest of the but is fine but this GLARING error spoils the whole thing.
The rest of the but is fine but this GLARING error spoils the whole thing.
September 12, 2022
The Hugging Tree: A Story About Resilience
Author: Jill Neimark
Illustrator: Nicole Wong
Age Range: 4-8
Date Read/Reviewed: Monday, Sept. 12th, 2022
Review: I would rate “The Hugging Tree: A Story About Resilience,” 5 out of 5 stars because of the positive message it provides to children about not giving up and losing hope for oneself. This book explains to students how important it is to keep moving forward despite the difficulties they may face. I enjoy how the tree reaches out to others such as the moon, the sea, and the little boy - all three who can help him. This portrays to students that it is okay to ask for help and to reach out to those who you know can help you and that you trust. I would utilize this book as a whole-group read-aloud, especially during state-testing dates when students are feeling a bit overwhelmed and discouraged when taking those big tests. When reading this book, students can feel a sense of comfort knowing that all they need to do is try their best and learn how to support themselves and their peers. If students are taught to be kind, giving, and willing to help those around them, this positive effect can grow on other students, building their confidence levels and encouraging them to be resilient. This book teaches students that even during the most challenging of times, they are able to persevere through and guide one another along the way.
Author: Jill Neimark
Illustrator: Nicole Wong
Age Range: 4-8
Date Read/Reviewed: Monday, Sept. 12th, 2022
Review: I would rate “The Hugging Tree: A Story About Resilience,” 5 out of 5 stars because of the positive message it provides to children about not giving up and losing hope for oneself. This book explains to students how important it is to keep moving forward despite the difficulties they may face. I enjoy how the tree reaches out to others such as the moon, the sea, and the little boy - all three who can help him. This portrays to students that it is okay to ask for help and to reach out to those who you know can help you and that you trust. I would utilize this book as a whole-group read-aloud, especially during state-testing dates when students are feeling a bit overwhelmed and discouraged when taking those big tests. When reading this book, students can feel a sense of comfort knowing that all they need to do is try their best and learn how to support themselves and their peers. If students are taught to be kind, giving, and willing to help those around them, this positive effect can grow on other students, building their confidence levels and encouraging them to be resilient. This book teaches students that even during the most challenging of times, they are able to persevere through and guide one another along the way.
August 11, 2021
With determination, and some outside assistance, a lonely tree grows in an unusual environment.
September 12, 2019
This book tells the story of a tree who started growing on the edge of a cliff. She had no idea how she got to this cliff, but she was determined to make it her home. Inch by inch she grew until she became a beautiful full tree. One summer day, a pair of loons landed on her and chose to make a nest for their babies on her. But when the winter came, the loons left her. The tree would blow back and forth from the powerful winds, but she never gave up. She continued to hold strong. Then, one day, a little boy came by and saw that she was lonely. He told the tree that he would hug her with his heart. He came back every day with flowers to plant around the little tree so she would not be lonely anymore. Now, every day new people come to rest beneath the beautiful tree on the cliff. The tree is happy and knows that she was planted exactly where she was meant to be.
This is a beautiful story about resilience. Throughout her challenges, the tree never gives up hope or grows upset. She continues to stay positive through loneliness and winter. In a classroom setting, a teacher could read this book to her students to show that they are not alone in the challenges they face. This book could also inspire them to be open to discussing those challenges and their peers/teacher could help them find tools to cope with them.
This is a beautiful story about resilience. Throughout her challenges, the tree never gives up hope or grows upset. She continues to stay positive through loneliness and winter. In a classroom setting, a teacher could read this book to her students to show that they are not alone in the challenges they face. This book could also inspire them to be open to discussing those challenges and their peers/teacher could help them find tools to cope with them.
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October 8, 2020The Hugging Tree by Jill Neimark is a rhyming fiction picture book. It tells the story of a little tree who finds itself trying to grow in not ideal conditions. The ocean, moon, and birds are kind to the tree and support it in many ways. Encouraging it to be resilient and that it is right where it needs to be. The tree therefore, withstands every challenge it faces and learns to thrive.
I loved this book. So encouraging and relevant. I also love the note to parents and caregivers at the end! This book is just very intentional! One of my absolute favorites! The rhyming was a beautiful addition to the story and only added to the weight of the message. The illustrations were simple but very well executed, filling up the entire page.
The book was written as a lesson and encouragement to children. Childhood is associated with freedom from stresses, responsibilities, and difficulties. When realistically it's rarely like that for the majority of children. "....resilience is not a quality that people are either born with or not- it involves a set of skills that can be learned, encouraged, and nurtured." Like the book says, this book can be a way to discuss and promote resilience in your child. A trait that will be incredibly helpful for every aspect of a child's current and future life.
I loved this book. So encouraging and relevant. I also love the note to parents and caregivers at the end! This book is just very intentional! One of my absolute favorites! The rhyming was a beautiful addition to the story and only added to the weight of the message. The illustrations were simple but very well executed, filling up the entire page.
The book was written as a lesson and encouragement to children. Childhood is associated with freedom from stresses, responsibilities, and difficulties. When realistically it's rarely like that for the majority of children. "....resilience is not a quality that people are either born with or not- it involves a set of skills that can be learned, encouraged, and nurtured." Like the book says, this book can be a way to discuss and promote resilience in your child. A trait that will be incredibly helpful for every aspect of a child's current and future life.
November 5, 2015
This is an inspiring story about a lonely little tree planting its roots on a high cliff above a beautiful and unforgiving sea. The tree basks in the spring and summer sunbeams and endures the raging storms and the cold winters. It thrives with the ebbs and flows of the sea. It provides a home for a loon family. Over time the harsh environment begins to tear its exposed roots and weakens the tree. One day a boy discovers the tree high on the cliff. Everyday he brings rich soil and tends to the tree until it one day it fulfills its greatness.
The text is poetic and the illustrations are powerful and expressive. The story is also a wonderful reminder of the inescapable connection between people’s actions and nature.
The text is poetic and the illustrations are powerful and expressive. The story is also a wonderful reminder of the inescapable connection between people’s actions and nature.
November 19, 2015
One of a certain class of picture books with stories written by knowledgeable professionals to create illustrative and memorable stories demonstrating a life skill or character trait.
For its category (intentionally instructive) it is well-done and develops a story kids will remember.
For its category (intentionally instructive) it is well-done and develops a story kids will remember.
July 18, 2024
What a wonderful children’s book that teaches about resilience, kindness, and compassion through the magnificence of nature! Although designed for little ones, this could be used with middle grade students (my intent). They can analyze the extended metaphor of the tree and discuss how the tree shows resilience in a challenging environment all alone on a cliff. This can branch out into discussions about challenges they face at home and school and how they too can show resilience.
There is a note at the end of the book about how to help children become resilient. It was written by Elizabeth McCallum, PhD and parents or teachers may find this helpful. There is also a note in the beginning of the book from the author in which she writes, “Trees hold us fast in their embrace. The Hugging Tree is about a tree that, in spite of harsh circumstances, grows until it can hold and shelter others. It is about each one of us.”
There is a note at the end of the book about how to help children become resilient. It was written by Elizabeth McCallum, PhD and parents or teachers may find this helpful. There is also a note in the beginning of the book from the author in which she writes, “Trees hold us fast in their embrace. The Hugging Tree is about a tree that, in spite of harsh circumstances, grows until it can hold and shelter others. It is about each one of us.”
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March 26, 2024This book centers around a tree that was rooted near the edge of a cliff. The winter season came along and wreaked havoc on the tree. A boy came along after the winter season and brought the tree back to life (Neimark, J., & Wong, N. (2016). The hugging tree: A story about resilience. Magination Press, American Psychological Association).
In my classroom, I would utilize this book for preschool to third grade as prescribed by Amazon. It is easy to follow along, has colorful pictures, and teaches a lesson.
I would make this book part of my library because it deals with the concept of resilience. This is a great concept that can be instilled in young children because it will help them in everyday life. This book can also be used as encouragement to pursue great things in life and not settle for less.
In my classroom, I would utilize this book for preschool to third grade as prescribed by Amazon. It is easy to follow along, has colorful pictures, and teaches a lesson.
I would make this book part of my library because it deals with the concept of resilience. This is a great concept that can be instilled in young children because it will help them in everyday life. This book can also be used as encouragement to pursue great things in life and not settle for less.
May 1, 2023
This text is poetic and rhythmic with beautiful imagery all throughout the book. This story is about how to teach children that it is normal to be upset when bad things happen to us. This book aims to help kids understand that everyday life can be difficult even for them and how to navigate these feelings that we have. Overall this book is deep and would be a helpful resource with introducing poetry within the classroom. This book could also help those struggling students who have these feelings be able to better express themselves or their feelings.
May 18, 2024
The tree is right on the edge of a cliff...not a good place for growing. Yet it holds on, sinks its roots down into the ground and keeps growing. Eventually, it becomes a place that shelters and provides shade for others. Its resilience and strength helps others to find resilience. The book includes a note about helping children cope with loss, disappointment and other challenges.
December 30, 2021
The subject was great- a little struggling tree that grows resiliently on the edge of a cliff into a big beautiful community landmark. But the writing was really difficult to follow and almost rhymed but didn’t and it was confusing.
June 29, 2023
A little tree grows in a tricky place on a cliff by the sea. She becomes the home for loons, but always wonders about her family forest. A storm tears her roots and she thinks she can’t t grow anymore. Every day a boy comes with a bucket of dirt to help the tree and she grows for a long time.
September 23, 2023
This is a sweet rhyming story about a new little tree growing alone in a very difficult place. The elements were hard on it but it held on, and one day a little boy decided to help keep it safe. The tree was resilient and, as it grew, was able to provide for nature around it. Beautiful illustrations.
In the back of the book is Note to Parents and Caregivers, in which is included How This Book Can Help; Promoting Resilience in Children: Help Your Child Connect With Others; Listen to Your Children; Reflect on Past Successes; Foster Individual Strengths; Teach Coping Skills; Encourage an Optimistic Viewpoint.
In the back of the book is Note to Parents and Caregivers, in which is included How This Book Can Help; Promoting Resilience in Children: Help Your Child Connect With Others; Listen to Your Children; Reflect on Past Successes; Foster Individual Strengths; Teach Coping Skills; Encourage an Optimistic Viewpoint.
April 2, 2021
A story of resilience for children and adults. Reminded me of the Lone Cypress tree along CA coast I visited as a child.
April 26, 2021
A great book about resilience. A great book to start a conversation about resilience
June 10, 2021
A tree survives in the harshest conditions.
November 5, 2024
Sweet and strong.
November 23, 2024
Great book on resilience, but definitely suited for older students!
February 4, 2025
it is a beautiful book teachs resilience to reader in such easy and beautiful way. I read this through Libby app on British council library
November 1, 2021
As a confessed tree-hugger - I was so encouraged that even the Icelanders encourage tree-hugging as a means to combat covid isolation.
Trees are resilient - and my favourite about which I have written a book - is the willow tree - a symbol of resilience.
Trees are resilient - and my favourite about which I have written a book - is the willow tree - a symbol of resilience.
December 27, 2015
I loved the preface and support for parents and caregivers. Not sure kids will get the message without lots of support.
May 8, 2017
I liked the author's tips for conversations about resiliency.
January 28, 2016
Review to come
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May 3, 2019The Hugging Tree is a book about a seed growing in a rough environment, but with the help of others it grows into a big beautiful tree.
I like how this book could just be a simple story for those who just want it; but it can also help others a lot by teaching them how where they are does not determine where they can be. This book teaches the readers that even when bad things happen, you can still have hope.
I don't think I would read this book for my class, but I would give it to a student who is going through some rough things. I wouldn't assign anything to take the enjoyment out of reading it, but I would want to talk to the student and make sure they understood the deeper meaning of it.
I like how this book could just be a simple story for those who just want it; but it can also help others a lot by teaching them how where they are does not determine where they can be. This book teaches the readers that even when bad things happen, you can still have hope.
I don't think I would read this book for my class, but I would give it to a student who is going through some rough things. I wouldn't assign anything to take the enjoyment out of reading it, but I would want to talk to the student and make sure they understood the deeper meaning of it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews