Bertolt

Book #25

Bertolt
Jacques Goldstyn

“This is a charming, touching story about an imaginative boy whose best friend is an oak tree named Bertolt. The boy admits to being an outlier among his peers, but insists that while he is alone, he is never lonely. Being independent suits him, and he considers his difference to be his advantage.”

After the last frost, when the trees are in bloom, the boy notices that Bertolt has no leaves so his tree must have died. The boy's strong spirit and imagination manifests itself in his desire to honor his friend's life and generosity, revealing to readers the real, sweet mutuality of this friendship. I absolutely adore the end of this book.

ACTIVITY: It’s okay to spend time alone, we all need space sometimes. We have talked about this quite a bit in our house and as a result our older two kids have become very good at identifying when they need a break from people. Have this conversation with your kids and ask them what they would like to do when they need time alone. It maybe coloring, building with legos, playing dolls or reading. Those are my kids go to activities. What about you?