When Finn's family plants a tree in their backyard, he worries the little sapling might be cold, hungry or lonely. Finn tries his best to look after the tree, but when he finds himself alone and scared one night, it's the little sapling's turn to help Finn!
A touching story about the power of curiosity and kindness.
Growing Pains
Alison McLennan, Melissa Johns (Illustrator)
Hardcover
List Price: 18.99*
* Individual store prices may vary.
Description
When Finn’s family plants a tree in the backyard, he feels responsible for it and worries the little sapling is cold, hungry or lonely. He tries to share his breakfast with the tree, offers it his scarf, and spends the afternoon keeping it company. Just after going to bed, his nightlight goes out and Finn is plunged into darkness. As his nerves start to take hold, it occurs to him that his tree is outside in the dark, every night! But when he sees that his little tree is standing tall and brave in the moonlight and doesn’t seem afraid, it inspires Finn to be brave as well. And so Finn’s kindness and curiosity end up helping him to overcome his fear of the dark. Growing Pains is a touching story about curiosity, kindness, empathy, care of the environment, and overcoming your fears.
Praise For Growing Pains…
... an important book for young children to realise their own courage and resilience, and inspire care for the world around us. This is one that will absolutely burst your own heart with love.—Just Write for Kids
The lush collage art this in picture book is a delight – adding whimsy and gentleness to a tender tale of empathy, kindness and care for the environment, and how to draw on the strengths of others to overcome your fears.—South Sydney Herald
Charming and fun.—Blue Wolf Reviews
A lovely exploration of curiosity and a child’s world from a child’s perspective. It’s filled with wonder.—Kids’ Book Review
Growing Pains is a quiet, lovely story, and a visual delight. It also has a message for a child to discover along the way. I recommend this book as a great bedtime read.—BuzzWords
A touching story about curiosity, kindness, empathy, care of the environment, and overcoming your fears.—Bookworm for Kids
A new book book about a boy growing up and experiencing feelings of curiosity, empathy and care for the environment.—Wangaratta Chronicle
The story flows smoothly and allows the illustrations to add their spark and even a pinch of humor. These are done in a textured style, which allows artistic flair while keeping everything easy to identify.—Book Worm for Kids
Finn’s journey is full of fun and humour. It’s about asking big questions and curiosity, as well as care and empathy. Illustrator Melissa Watts uses mainly recycled materials for her work. This is a unique point of difference and fits well with the book, which, though it doesn’t engage with ecological questions, may help children develop a sensitivity to the natural around them.—NZ Booklovers
