The Birthday Tree

About this book

Planting a birthday tree has enduring effects in this poignant tale of a roving boys link to nature and the roots of his familys love. When baby Jack arrives his father and mother plant an apple seedling to honor his birth. As Jack grows taller so does the tree. When Jack is happy the tree limbs stand straight and proud. When he is cold the leaves tremble on their stems. But one day Jacks parents awake to find his bed empty. When they see a gull perched atop the tree they realize that their Jack has run away to sea. Paul Fleischmans lyrical prose and Barry Roots magical illustrations tell the story of a boys powerful connection to his family despite distance and adds new meaning to the old custom of planting a birthday tree.