The Weeping Tree
How the Weeping Willow Tree Came to Be So Sad
by
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Evening had fallen on the land and the sun was sending its last glistening rays across the rippling lake. There by the edge of the lake the great trees of the forest gathered for an important meeting. The great and mighty oak was there, the beautiful maple with its broad leaves, the wispy aspen tree, the ancient redwood tree, and even the pine trees had gathered for the meeting.
“Ahem,” the mighty oak spoke up. “I have invited all of you to this important meeting for the purpose of deciding what should be done with the weeping willow tree.” The trees all nodded in agreement as they listened intently to the mighty oak.
The great tree continued, “We, the majestic trees of the forest, need to decide if we are going to allow the weeping willow tree to be part of our tree family any longer. The weeping willow tree is a disgrace to all the trees in the forest. Look at each of us! We stand proudly with our branches pointed toward heaven and our broad leaves offer shade to anyone who seeks it. Even the coniferous trees (those who have needles for leaves and bear cones) are a beauty to behold in winter. My friends, I would like to suggest that we cut down the willow tree and burn it to the ground.”
What does the weeping willow offer, my dear friends, I ask you? Look at her! Her branches hang down to the ground. Her leaves are tiny, and may I say that the leaves even look like small tear drops? The weeping willow possesses none of the beauty or majesty we have. I say ‘Away with her!' Let’s not have this tree disgrace our tree family any longer.”
All of the trees nodded in agreement and joined the mighty voice of the oak tree. “Away with the weeping willow tree!”
None of the trees noticed the shy willow tree that had come to join the meeting and had hidden a far distance from the others. Trying not to be noticed by all the great trees of the forest, she looked even sadder today as she heard the loud voices of the trees. The willow tree began to tremble and shake as she had never done before. She was so sad because of what she heard from the other trees. She was afraid that the other trees might take notice of her because she was shaking so uncontrollably.
This is how the story begins. Find out what the trees learned and how their eyes were opened.
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About the Book
This book is the first in a series of Christian Nature Books for Children. The book teaches children not only about various kinds of trees but also poignant life lessons about prejudice and unkindness. Moreover, the book stimulates young readers to make things right if they offend someone through their words and actions. The book contains post-reading activities, suggestions, and lesson plans to foster children’s understanding of others who may be different than them.
The second book in this series will teach children how to identify birds, and the third will emphasize wildflowers. All proceeds from the sale of this book are donated to organizations that fight human trafficking.
About the Author
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barbara Okker Hassell, PhD, a native of Stuttgart, Germany, is a graduate of Virginia Tech’s ASPECT (Alliance of Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought)
program in the area of Cultural Studies. Additionally she holds a Masters of Arts and Liberal studies degree in Germanic studies from Hollins University, and she
earned a BA in French and mathematics from Roanoke College. She has been a
teacher for twenty years. Her passion is for social justice in all societies. Barbara resides with her husband, Robert Hassell, in Cloverdale, Virginia.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Janet Utley Wimmer is a graduate of the MALS program of Hollins University. Additionally she holds a BA in Studio Arts from the University of Richmond. Janet has taught art at the K–12 levels and at the college level. After thirty years of teaching she has retired to devote herself to a professional career as an artist and to being a grandmother. She has exhibited her paintings locally and won numerous awards. Janet resides with her husband, Robert Wimmer, in Blue Ridge, Virginia.