Bare Tree and Little Wind: A Story for Holy Week by Mitali Perkins

Little Wind travels around Jerusalem hearing that Real King will be coming soon. Bare Tree lived in Jerusalem and she didn’t have any fronds, fruit, or flowers. Then one day, Little Wind heard that Real King was coming to Jerusalem that very day. He goes to see Real King, but all he sees is Quiet Man, riding a donkey into the city. Although Bare Tree was still bare, she was just as joyful as the other because she knew this was Real King’s first visit.

Quiet Man was hung on a cross and bigger winds came and ripped through the temple curtain. Then, Little Wind heard that Quiet Man had been seen alive. The next visit Little Wind had to Jerusalem, the city was being burned and destroyed by soldiers. Little Wind didn’t return to Jerusalem for a long time, but when he did, he found Bare Tree, who was sprouting a golden flower. Bare Tree wanted her seeds spread far and wide because she knew Real King would be returning and she wanted her children to be ready to clap around the world. Little Wind and Bare Tree are waiting and watching because they know Real King is coming soon.

This is a very unique Easter book. I think it will appeal most to people who enjoy searching for “living books.” The story itself actually focuses more on “Real King” and his imminent return than Easter itself, which I find an excellent reminder to the believer. The illustrations convey movement from the wind, thoughtfully and beautifully. I think this would make a lovely addition to your Easter time reading, although I do have one caveat. Because of Matthew 8:27 and many other verses, we know that the winds obey Christ’s commands, so for Little Wind to not know if Jesus was the “Real King” seemed to contradict a basic truth of scripture. I understand the author’s intent to show that Jesus was not the kind of king people expected at his first coming, but it’s worth noting.

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1. Even though Bare Tree had no fronds, fruit, or flowers, why did she have joy?
2. Why was Little Wind unsure if “Quite Man” was “Real King”?
3. Why is it important that we watch, wait, and are ready for Jesus to come again?