The true story behind it
On the road to my hometown stands a huge old mara tree, a rain tree well over a hundred years old. One day, driving past, my son saw specialists from the Forest Department and the road authority treating it, the road had even been curved to spare it, and he kept asking why. I explained that some old, living things are worth protecting. A few days later he asked me for a deer story, and the two came together. So Otty is a deer who asks Kitty and Dino to help save a great old oak in the middle of the forest.
What happens in the story
Otty the deer comes to Kitty and Dino with sad eyes. The Great Oak in the middle of the forest is dying. It’s a magic tree the whole forest needs: its acorns heal sick animals, birds live in its branches, and its roots keep the water clean. It should stay green all year, but its leaves are turning gray and dry.
First they work out what’s wrong. Dino puts his hand on the trunk and feels it: the roots aren’t getting enough water. Kitty digs down and finds the reason, big rocks stuck on the roots and blocking the water paths. She lifts the heavy stones away, and Dino hums a soft song as his healing light flows into the hurt roots.
Then Kitty raises water from a nearby stream like a ribbon and brings it to the tree. For a moment, nothing happens. Then one new green leaf appears, and soon the whole oak is green again. The forest animals celebrate with a dinner of berries and nuts under its branches.
Looking for a children’s book about nature?
A lot of nature books for little ones are about naming things. This one is about looking after something. Otty is a gentle deer who notices the forest’s oldest tree is in trouble and goes for help.
It also shows kids a good way to fix a problem: find out what’s really wrong first, then fix that. Dino listens to the tree before anyone digs.
Look inside
Flip through the opening pages of the book.
Questions to ask after reading
A few questions for the minute after the book closes. There are no wrong answers.
- Why was the Great Oak so important to the forest animals?
- How did Kitty and Dino find out what was wrong with the tree?
- Is there a big old tree near your home? What do you think it has seen?
Perfect for
- ✓ Nature-loving and animal-loving kids
- ✓ Talking about caring for trees and the world around us
- ✓ The curious little one full of “why?”
- ✓ A gentle, thoughtful gift
Quick answers
Help a kid fall for the old, living world
One short story. One ancient tree worth saving. Ready for tonight.
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