The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

Genre – ILLUSTRATED/PICTURE BOOK

 Summary – Similar to The Lorax, this book is about our rainforests.  The story centers on the great Kapok tree which is home to many animals and insects.  The Kapok tree is put in danger when a human enters the forest to cut them down.  Before the man cuts down the tree, he takes a nap.  When he falls asleep, the inhabitants of the Kapok tree whisper into his ear and beg him not to cut down the tree.  When he wakes up and sees all of the animals and insects, he realizes that he cannot cut down the source of life for these living organisms and leaves the rainforest.          

Teaching Points – Teachers can focus their studies on the rainforests of the world.  Although this book is a picture book meant for younger students, older students can also benefit from studying the importance of rainforests and how they are affected by human behavior.  A study of vocabulary found in this book would also be beneficial.  There are important words found in the book, such as rainforest, canopy, Amazon, ancestors, generations, pollination, and understory.  Students can also study geographical features and locations of rainforests, and other ways humans can help protect them.

Suggested Reading Level – Grades 1-8 

Additional Resources – The author of the book, Lynne Cherry, has part of her website dedicated to this book.  There, you can find resources for activities and lessons that you can teach based on the book.  The website also offers additional resources to access to help students learn about human effects on the environment.

 Lynne Cherry’s Official Website:

 http://www.lynnecherry.com/the_great_kapok_tree__a_tale_of_the_amazon_rain_forest_19411.htm

Citation – Cherry, L. (2000). The great kapok tree: A tale of the amazon rainforest. Sandpiper.   
ISBN-10: 0152026142 / ISBN-13: 978-0152026141