Tree of Cranes
on Goodreads (874)
What’s inside...
As a young Japanese boy recovers from a bad chill, his mother busily folds origami paper into delicate silver cranes in preparation for the boy's very first Christmas.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy
Mother
Discussion points
Why do you think the mother in the story chose to share her American Christmas traditions with her son?
What emotions do you feel when you look at the illustrations of the tree and the cranes? How do you think the boy feels in the story?
How does the boy's understanding of Christmas change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What does the act of folding cranes symbolize in the story? Can you think of a tradition in our family that is similar?
If you could ask the boy or his mother a question, what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotional nuances in the story, enhancing your child’s understanding of the characters' feelings.
Pause after pivotal moments in the story to ask your child how they think the characters are feeling, encouraging them to empathize and engage with the narrative.
Discuss the cultural elements presented in the book, like Japanese traditions and how they compare to your own family traditions, to broaden your child’s cultural understanding.
Encourage your child to talk about their own experiences with family traditions and how they feel about them, linking personal experiences to the story’s themes.
After reading, engage in a craft activity like folding paper cranes together, deepening the connection to the story while also improving fine motor skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The story illustrates a blend of American and Japanese cultures through the protagonist's Christmas celebration in Japan.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect different cultural traditions and practices, promoting inclusiveness in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Traditions
Explanation: The mother in the story shares her American heritage and Christmas traditions with her son, which strengthens their family bond.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and participate in their own family traditions, understanding the unique aspects that make their family special.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The young boy cares for his sick mother by creating a tranquil environment with paper cranes and a tree, showing his concern for her well-being.
Real-World Application: This story can inspire children to show kindness and care towards family members and friends who are ill or in need of support.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Despite being initially upset about being unable to celebrate Christmas as anticipated, the boy adapts to the situation and finds joy in a new experience.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to adapt to changes and challenges, finding positive perspectives in altered circumstances.
Example Lesson: Joy of Giving
Explanation: The narrative highlights the joy the mother and son experience in preparing and sharing their Christmas celebration.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to find happiness in giving and sharing with others, fostering a generous spirit.