A story about treating friends with respect and kindness, even when your feelings are hurt.

When a girl feels hurt by her friend, all she can think to do is hurt her friend right back. Girls can be pretty mean to each other, and the wise old tree at this playground has seen this cycle of nastiness before. As a frustrated, upset young girl thinks about how she’ll get even with her friend, the wise tree speaks up to help the girl find a more kind, respectful way to work out her friendship troubles.

“I understand. Your heart and your stomach are tied up in knots. If you leave Emma out so her heart hurts too, will that help you feel better?” asked the tree.

“Not when you say it like that. That just sounds mean. But what else can I do?” pleaded the girl.

Through captivating illustrations and some chuckles, Be Bigger helps children to work through their emotions and to see a positive, respectful way of working out disagreements. The tree uses ages-old wisdom and loving encouragement to teach us how to do the right thing in our friendships, even when it's hard.

Written for children grades K-4, Talking with Trees books include supersize pictures that engage children emotionally, helping them learn how to use their hearts and minds to guide them toward building good character traits. Includes discussion guide and free printables and lesson plans at TalkingTreeBooks.com.