A STORY TO SHARE & KEEPThe Old Oak Tree
A much-loved tree. The lives it touches.
And the beautiful things that can come next.
Every ending holds
a little possibility.
For generations, the great old oak has been part of everyone’s life in the park. Children have played beneath its branches, families have sheltered in its shade, and birds and squirrels have made their homes among its leaves.
But now the oak is growing tired. Its branches are weakening, and the gardener who has cared for it must face the thought of losing an old friend.
Then a carpenter arrives. Where others see an ending, he sees beautiful things still to come: bookshelves filled with favourite stories, furniture that families will gather around, and wood that will be loved for years.
The Old Oak Tree is a tender picture book about growing older, saying goodbye and discovering that something precious can carry on in unexpected ways. Through the changing seasons and the life of one remarkable tree, Jennifer gives children and grown-ups a gentle place to begin conversations about change, loss and hope.
A story to share, return to and talk about long after the last page.
Enquire about the bookCome a little closer.
A little look inside the original story.
Before we turn the page.
What is the story about?+
A much-loved oak is reaching the end of its life. A gardener and a carpenter help reveal how its wood can become new things, making room for a hopeful conversation about change and the things we keep.
Can we read it together?+
Yes. It is a picture book for shared reading with a parent, carer or teacher. There is room to pause, look at the illustrations and let children ask their own questions.
Is there a BSL edition?+
A visual storytelling edition with selected illustrated British Sign Language vocabulary is in development, alongside a companion BSL activity book. Learn about the new edition.
How can I ask about getting a copy?+
Send a book enquiry to ask about copies, availability or sharing the story with your school or reading group.