A great old tree stands on a hillside through all four seasons, giving shelter, shade, fruit, and warmth to everyone around it while asking nothing in return.
Based on a poem by Bjornstjerne Bjornson adapted by Poulsson. A great old tree stands on a hillside through all seasons. In spring it carefully protects its tiny buds from the cold. In summer its green leaves provide cool shade. In autumn it offers its ripe, sweet fruit to a little child who reaches up. In winter, bare but strong, it shelters birds in its branches. The tree gives and gives, asking nothing in return, standing faithful through every season.
On top of a green hillside stood a great old tree. It had been there for a very, very long time. Its trunk was thick and strong, and its branches reached out wide like two big arms ready for a hug.
When spring came tiptoeing across the land, tiny green buds appeared on the tree's branches. They were so small and delicate! The old tree held them close and sheltered them from the chilly wind.
"Do not worry, little buds," the tree seemed to whisper. "I will keep you safe until the warm days come." And sure enough, one by one, the buds opened into soft green leaves and pretty pink blossoms.
Then summer arrived, golden and warm. The tree's leaves grew thick and dark green, making the most wonderful cool shade underneath. The grass below stayed soft and fresh, even on the hottest days.
Children came to play under the tree's shady branches. Butterflies danced around its leaves. A family of squirrels made their home in a cozy hollow. The old tree was happy to share its shade with everyone.
"Rest here," the tree seemed to say as its leaves rustled in the gentle breeze. "There is room for all." And nobody who sat beneath its branches ever felt too hot or too tired.
Autumn painted the world in gold and red, and the tree's leaves turned the most beautiful colors. But the best part was the fruit — round, ripe, and sweet — hanging from every branch like little gifts.
A little child with rosy cheeks and curly brown hair came walking up the hill. She stood on her tiptoes and reached up with both hands. The tree bent its lowest branch down, just a little, so she could pick the sweetest fruit.
The child bit into the fruit and smiled the biggest smile. "Thank you, tree!" she said, and she hugged the old trunk with her small arms. The tree's bark seemed to smile back at her.
Winter came at last, cold and white. The tree's leaves had all fallen, and its branches were bare. Snow settled on its strong arms like a soft white blanket. The hillside was quiet and still.
But even without its leaves, the old tree still had something to give. Three little birds — a robin, a bluebird, and a tiny wren — came and nestled together in the tree's thick branches, safe from the cold wind and snow.
And so the great old tree stood through every season, giving and giving — shelter in spring, shade in summer, fruit in autumn, and warmth in winter. It never asked for anything. It simply loved to give.
Introduction
The Tree is a tender seasonal story by Emilie Poulsson from her 1893 collection 'In the Child's World,' based on a poem by Norwegian author Bjornstjerne Bjornson. Through the four seasons, a faithful old tree gives shelter, shade, fruit, and warmth to all who need it, teaching children about generosity, patience, and the quiet beauty of selfless giving.
About Emilie Poulsson
Emilie Poulsson (1853-1939) was an American author and educator who adapted classical myths and nature stories for young children in her kindergarten collections.
Values and Lessons
The Tree teaches children about the beauty of quiet, consistent generosity. The old tree doesn't ask for thanks or praise — it simply gives what it has in each season. This models for children the idea that giving can be natural and joyful, not transactional. The story also introduces the concept of patience and faithfulness through the changing seasons, showing that steady presence matters.
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The Tree
The Tree is a tender seasonal story by Emilie Poulsson from her 1893 collection 'In the Child's World,' based on a poem by Norwegian author Bjornstjerne Bjornson. Through the four seasons, a faithful old tree gives shelter, shade, fruit, and warmth to all who need it, teaching children about generosity, patience, and the quiet beauty of selfless giving.
Origin of the Story
This story is based on a poem by Bjornstjerne Bjornson, the Norwegian Nobel Prize-winning author, adapted by Emilie Poulsson for her 1893 collection 'In the Child's World.' Poulsson transformed the poem into a prose narrative suitable for kindergarten children, maintaining its Scandinavian sensibility of nature reverence and quiet strength.
About Emilie Poulsson
Emilie Poulsson (1853-1939) was an American author and educator who adapted classical myths and nature stories for young children in her kindergarten collections.
Values and Lessons
The Tree teaches children about the beauty of quiet, consistent generosity. The old tree doesn't ask for thanks or praise — it simply gives what it has in each season. This models for children the idea that giving can be natural and joyful, not transactional. The story also introduces the concept of patience and faithfulness through the changing seasons, showing that steady presence matters.
generosity
patience
faithfulness
sharing
love of nature
Related Activities
🎨
Four Seasons Tree Art
Draw the same tree trunk four times on a large sheet of paper. Decorate each one for a different season — pink blossoms for spring, green leaves for summer, red and gold leaves for autumn, and bare branches with snow for winter.
💬
Tree Hugging Walk
Visit a park and find a big old tree. Let your child touch the bark, look up at the branches, and give the tree a hug. Talk about what the tree gives — shade, homes for birds, beauty.
✨
Giving Jar
Inspired by the tree's generosity, create a 'giving jar' where your child can put a small note each time they do something kind for someone else, just like the tree gives through every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓What is 'The Tree' about?
It follows a great old tree through all four seasons. In spring it protects its tiny buds. In summer it provides cool shade. In autumn it offers sweet fruit to a child. In winter it shelters birds from the cold. The tree gives generously through every season, asking nothing in return.
❓What makes this story special for young children?
The story's seasonal structure helps children understand the passage of time and nature's cycles. The tree's gentle generosity provides a beautiful model of kindness and sharing. Its simple, poetic language makes it a perfect bedtime story for ages 3 to 5.
❓Is this story related to 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein?
Both stories feature generous trees, but Poulsson's version (1893) predates Silverstein's (1964) by over 70 years. Poulsson's tree gives naturally through the seasons without being diminished, while both share the theme of selfless generosity.
