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The Tale of Three Trees - Lesson

Tale of Three Trees Bible Lesson


The Tale of Three Trees is probably my favorite children's picture book EVER! The powerful message that God has a special plan for our lives permeates through the story of three trees that have dreams of what they want to be when they grow up. Years pass and eventually woodcutters come to their mountain. Each tree finds itself in a place they never desired to be, yet in the end - 


"God's love changes everything."

Use this Christian children's book to paint a beautiful picture of how God has a wonderful plan for our lives. It's ideal to use during the Easter season, but may be used really any time of the year. Don't think it is only for children either; it's message reaches out to all ages. This book brings encouragement and hope, and would even be a wonderful gift to a child, a graduate, or a special friend that needs a ray of hope.

Following is how I've used this special book for a children's Bible lesson and devotional talk. This can be adapted for Children's church, a children's sermon, or even adult devotional talk. Children's books can be made into wonderful Christian object lessons!


Tale of Three Trees Summary:

The Tale of Three Trees (Hardcover)
By Angela Elwell Hunt / David C. Cook

Featuring the wonderful illustrations of Tim Jonke, this best-selling children's book tells the Easter story from a new and unusual point of view. Three trees on a mountain dream of what they wanted to become when they grew up. One wants to be a treasure chest, another an ocean-going boat, and the third a signpost to God. Their wishes come true in a way they never expected. Children will be deeply touched as they understand, perhaps for the first time, the significance of Christ's life and his atoning sacrifice on the cross. Recommended for ages 4 and up.


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Tale of Three Trees Beyond the Book

What I love About this book:

  • Hope - It shows even when things don't go according to our dreams, hope itself can remain.  With the rate of suicide, this book plants the seed that there is more...nothing is hopeless in God's hands.
  • Age appropriateness - The story is short enough & understandable for young children, and the message has layers of depth for all ages from young to old.  Even adults and teens will be moved by this story!
  • It gives an overview of Jesus' life - birth, ministry, death & resurrection in a memorable way for kids to be introduced to the Gospel and God's love for us.
  • This Christian book for kids can introduce the Easter story, the Christmas story or the Gospel in a new way which will capture the listener's attention. 
  • And it leaves you with an overwhelming sense of God's promise of love that lasts way beyond the book!


Bible Lesson for Tale of Three Trees:

Introduce the reading of the book by asking your audience to share what they dream (or dreamed) of becoming one day.

Share Jeremiah 29: 11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God has a plan for each of us. There may be times we lose sight of our dreams, and we may not understand things that take place in our lives. We must remember though that God loves us, has a plan for us, and is in control; therefore we can trust Him.

When reading The Tale of Three Trees aloud, it's always wise to practice reading before reading for an audience. I suggest getting in front of a mirror. If you are able, hold the book facing the audience as you read. I usually hold it near my right shoulder facing out and turn slightly towards it to read. Don't be afraid to get into the "characters" of the book. Reading a book aloud is like reading a play. Use your voice and the speed of your reading to bring the story to life.

After reading the story. Share Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

I end my lesson with a Christian object lesson using a chocolate cake to help illustrate this Biblical truth.

Although Easter is the ideal holiday for which to use this story, we also have a special after Christmas Bible study lesson to go along with it based on the Bible story of Simeon and Anna.


More Beyond the Book:

  • For language & cognitive development have readers think about and verbalize their own hopes and dreams.  Give them prompts such as "When I grow up, I hope to become...", "I dream about becoming...", "If I could be anything, I would wish to be..."
  • Feelings - Talk about the trees' hope and disappointment.  Let them tell you times they have been disappointed or discouraged. Teach them to think of three good things for each situation and encourage them to always look for the good in any situation, good or bad.  This helps them turn their discouragement into new hope.
  • New vocabulary - One wonderful aspect of books is they use a lot of vocabulary that goes beyond what we use in daily conversation.  After the first reading, give kids a card with a word that may be new to them.  Talk about its meaning, sounds, etc.  Then have them look & listen for the word when you read it again.  Examples:  twinkling, treasure, precious, trickling, swoop, etc.
  • Small children can practice their counting "one, two, three" with the illustrations of the tree trees and woodcutters.
  • Story sequencing  is an important part of language arts.  Have kids either verbalize or write the events of the story in order.  This Christian book for kids makes it easy in that it already uses first, second and third vocabulary.
  • Memory work - See if they can name and list what the trees wanted to be, what happened to each, and finally what each tree actually became and how it was connected to Jesus' life.
  • Imagination - Go outside and look at trees. Take turns imagining what the tree could become - a Christmas tree, a home, a chair, a book!  Or look at trees and imagine what else they look like because of their shape, etc.
  • Plant a new tree!  Easter is usually close to Arbor day; plant a new tree, and let it become a growing reminder of how God's love changes everything! Talk about the many ways God created trees to help us and our earth.


Children would enjoy acting out the parts of the three trees also either in part or using a full play script with pictures of costume ideas!


Listen to The Tale of Three Trees being read aloud:

Read the traditional American folktale of The Legend of Three Trees - printable copy available.

More children's books with free Bible lessons

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