Wishtree Chapters 1 & 2

Wishtree

Chapters 1 & 2

Introduction

Trees Making Chitchat

Our story begins with the narrator explaining that it is difficult to talk to trees. The narrator then begins to refer to all trees as "we" based on this we can infer that our narrator is a tree.

Personification

Personification is when we give human qualities to non-human objects. This could be a tree speaking or phrases like "the door groaned as it opened". Trees and doors cannot actually do these actions but writers can use personification to make it so.

Relationships

Even though the first chapter is only a few pages our narrator, the tree, provides a lot of information specificallyabout its relationships with other beings such as animals and people.

Mother Nature Is Our Friend

In the first chapter the tree tells us that they have a unique relationship with humans. Saying that one minute humans are hugging trees and the next they are turning them into tongue depressors and tables. When the tree mentions that "Mother nature is our friend" they are saying that the earth is kind to us we need to be kind to the earth.

Chapter Two

"Name's Red by the way"

A Name for Our Narrator

As we start to read the story is being told from the perspective of the tree, who we come to refer to as Red. Perspective means point of view or the way someone sees things. In having a name for our narrator we feel closer to the story and know who is addressing us as a reader.

Tree Info

Red provides us with some interesting nonfiction information about trees. Red tells us that the scientific name for a northern red oak is Quercus rubra. Red also tells us that northern red oaks are one of the most common trees in North America.

Red's Personality

In addition to scientific facts we learn more about Red's personality and attitude. We are told that during Autumn, Red's leaves are ablaze with colors. A fact that Red is clearly proud of. We also hear Red make a joke when they talk about the school full of Melvins. 

Multiple Choice

Red talks about several different animals. Which one does Red not talk about?

• Squirrels

• Worms

• Badgers

• Frogs

Multiple Choice

Red explains that trees talk to animals but why are they shy when it comes to talking to people?

• They have a complicated relationship.

• People are too busy cutting down trees.

• Trees do not like people.

• People do not like trees.

Multiple Choice

Red says that trees can't tell jokes but they do tell....

• poems

• riddles

• legends

• stories

Open Ended

Based on the little bit we have read so far what do you think may happen as the story progresses?