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Choosing To Be Friendly
Rooted: A Young Tree’s Journey follows a young tree as he embraces the cycles of life in the forest and gains an understanding of his role as a provider of shelter and protection. I think this original idea is intriguing. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a story?
Loyalty of a mother bird and the theme of relationships prompted the thought of “Nurtured,” a title for a new book. But I realized I could use this idea to create a sequel to Rooted: A Seedling’s Journey. The mother bird could make her nest on Dendro’s branches, the first nest he would host. The tree’s hesitation in welcoming noisy chicks would add dimension to the story. And this is how the “Rooted” series was born!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Key themes of Rooted: A Young Tree’s Journey are:
– Making choices: Reliance on generational wisdom and being true to oneself
– Being welcoming: Choosing to be friendly opens doors for new relationships and opportunities
– Dedication: Persistence and focus are endearing character traits
– Learning from others: We are significantly influenced by the actions of others
– Choosing friends: Look for good qualities such as dependability and good character
– Managing feelings: Identifying and regulating emotions can positively shift perspectives
– Value relationships: Contentment and satisfaction are benefits of investing in others
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
In the last scene, through self-regulation, Dendro models a growth mindset that reflects resilience. Dendro’s mood shifts when he dismisses negative thoughts and instead focuses on gratitude and valued relationships. Children also deal with difficult emotions, but connections are built when they can identify with characters in a story.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
In Rooted: A Mature Tree’s Journey, the third book in the series, Dendro’s character growth continues. Dendro experiences physical changes and becomes more of an extrovert. He develops a special relationship with siblings who visit him often in the forest. When Dendro faces a dangerous threat, the siblings heroically intervene to save their beloved tree. The story highlights the bond between humans and nature and the importance of leadership as Dendro continues to mentor the young seedling.
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Rooted: A Young Tree’s Journey
Tammy Cranston’s Rooted is a heartfelt and whimsical children’s book about resilience, change, and connection, told from the unique perspective of a tree named Dendro. Through his watchful eyes, we witness the cycles of life in the forest—stormy seasons, the growth of new friendships, and the struggles of nature. Dendro interacts with a little seedling, a devoted mother robin, and a lively critter named Rocco, all while navigating his own growth, challenges, and emotions. It’s a beautifully simple yet deeply reflective tale about embracing change and standing strong in life’s storms.
I loved how Rooted took something as quiet and still as a tree and made it feel so alive. Dendro is emotionally invested in the world around him. When the mother robin builds a nest in his branches, he has a choice—to embrace her presence or push her away. He chooses kindness, and in return, he gains a front-row seat to the miracle of life. There’s something touching about how he protects the nest from the sneaky rat snake, trembling with tension as he signals Rocco to step in.
One of the most striking moments in the book is when the baby birds finally leave the nest. After days of noise and motion, suddenly, there’s silence, and instead of relief, Dendro feels a strange sadness. That hit me hard. I also found myself chuckling at the seedling’s endless questions. The little one is so full of curiosity and complaints, but instead of indulging in negativity, Dendro gently guides him toward focusing on growth. It’s such a great metaphor for the way we should handle our own worries.
The illustrations bring so much life to the story, and I loved how expressive the characters are. The artwork adds an extra layer of charm that makes the book feel even more immersive and heartfelt.
I’d recommend Rooted to anyone who enjoys fable-like picture books with a gentle but meaningful message. It’s perfect for young readers but just as impactful for adults who appreciate nature’s quiet wisdom. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or nostalgic for something that’s changed, this book will speak to you.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0DJKDBF4Z
LITERARY TITAN 