The Sugarplum Tree
By Andrea Antico
Once upon a time, in the middle of a beautiful evergreen forest, there lived one tree that did not stay green all year like the other trees. Its leaves would change color in late summer and then dry and drop to the ground in the fall. The tree was especially unhappy as winter drew near because children would come out to play games near the evergreen trees, but stayed far away from the ugly, leafless tree.
Sometimes, older kids threw snowballs at the drab old tree, but most ignored it, afraid that its branches or thorns would scratch their hands and faces or tear their new winter clothes.
The tree watched sadly as children sang holiday songs around the beautiful evergreen trees or worked together to build snowbears or snowmen.
Some boys and girls skipped, jumped and turned somersaults around the pretty evergreens, rarely looking at the strange, brown tree. On warm weekend days, the children brought lunches to eat while they sat on blankets above the pine needle cushions.
The snow birds that perched on the boughs of the evergreens chirped their thanks when they discovered the cookie crumbs and scraps of bread that fell from the children’s sandwiches.
Younger boys and girls hunted for cones under the pine trees, carefully placed them in their pockets or backpacks and carried them home to make holiday decorations.
Some children hung lights and ornaments or strung popcorn garlands and candy canes on on the beautiful branches of the evergreen trees.
In the silent evenings, crystal snow fell in pretty bunches on the firs, spruces and pines, but hung in ugly clumps on the bare branches and thorns of the brown tree.
The winter sun shone brightly on the needles of the evergreens, but highlighted the scars on the sad, plain tree.
Oh, how cold, lonely and miserable was the little tree, feeling much weaker and sadder this season! The tree remembered happier times when its big green leaves had sheltered hikers and bikers from a spring downpour or the hot rays of the summer sun. It was delighted when birds made their nests or kids built tree houses on its strong limbs. When young and energetic, the tree proudly and safely held the swings and tires that folks of all ages enjoyed.
It now felt its branches creaking as it looked down at the ground and thought of withering away and dying.
On one stormy and bitterly cold day, the Sugarplum Fairy was whirling and twirling above the evergreen forest. She looked below the dark clouds and glanced over at the healthy green trees, then,…what was that? A tree with bare branches?
The Sugarplum Fairy flew down to the brown tree. ”What is the matter? Why are you so sad at the most wonderful time of the year?”
“I’m so old and ugly”, answered the tree. “I lost all my colorful leaves when the North Wind blew so coldly and cruelly.”
The tree sighed and drooped a little as it said, “I think my dry, brittle trunk and branches will not last another winter season.”
The Sugarplum Fairy sighed. She sat down by the unhappy tree and thought and thought about how she might bring happiness to the lonely tree.
Suddenly, she had an idea! She waved her magic wand;
lo………….and behold!……….The old, dreary tree instantly became a sparkling sugarplum tree.
The weak, brown branches, which had cracked and groaned under the freezing rain and blowing snow, became stronger as they captured all the colors of the rainbow. Sweet, colorful treats, decked out in red, purple, green, blue, yellow and orange appeared on the limbs of the tree. The sun peeked out from the clouds and sent sunbeams spiraling downward. How excited and enchanted were all the children and the forest animals! The birds sang joyfully while the deer, moose, chipmunks, squirrels, skunks, mice and rabbits tapped their feet and wagged their tails. Many of the neighborhood dogs and cats, barking and meowing, ran out to join the celebration.
The boys and girls cheered and clapped their hands while the evergreen trees happily raised their branches.
Now, every winter season, when the last dry, brown leaf has fallen to the ground, the bare tree proudly sprouts colorful sugarplums for the holidays. The warm rays of the December sun soften the frost and protect the tree and its treats from the cold temperatures and harsh winds throughout the festive season. The sugarplums reflect the moonbeams and shine as bright as the twinkling stars above the forest.
Tips for telling
Discuss the story with listeners after you tell it. Ask the children how they treat others who don’t look like them. What could kids do or say to welcome classmates and neighbors from another country or children who eat and dress differently than they do?
Get a leafless branch from a thorny, deciduous tree to begin the story.
Get another branch of the tree to which you have attached or glued colorful gumdrops. Hide the branch and ask the children to close their eyes until the fairy, (i.e., you, the reader/storyteller), waves the wand, twirls and shows the decorated tree.
Summary
The SUGARPLUM TREE is a fairy tale with a modern twist. Differences are emphasized, while kindness prevails in this new book for young children. The delightful pictures by a Colorado artist bring the story to life and will entertain and enchant listeners, especially during the winter holiday season. It is a story which will encourage positive thinking and small acts of kindness.