Lynn Jenkins, Kirrili Lonergan
The fifth book in the popular ‘Lessons of a LAC’ series, Tree is a gentle story of loss that helps children to learn how to say goodbye and process grief.
Tree is the much-loved centrepiece of the community, where Calmsters and LACs come to relax, play and socialie. But one day Curly and Loppy notice that Tree’s leaves are starting to fall — at the wrong time of year — and Tree’s bark is flaking. It’s Tree’s time to leave. At first, Loppy reacts hysterically. Then sadness sets in. Fortunately Curly is able to teach Loppy how to handle losing his beloved Tree: how to accept that he is leaving, say goodbye, and both celebrate and commemorate Tree’s life.
Children come across loss in their life, whether it’s the loss experienced when a family changes, or when they lose a pet, change friendships, or a loved one dies. They need to know how to deal with it. Their feelings and reactions to loss and change are real and these need to be acknowledged as they are guided through their grief.