In The Meadow

An old maple and a young pine tree that live on the edge of a meadow are close friends, even though they are very different from one another. Over the years, the pine tree learns valuable lessons from her older friend, and they enjoy watching the children who come to play in the meadow. When the maple tree is blown over and uprooted in a storm, she is taken away by the farmer who owns the meadow. The pine tree is left alone and lonely. However, one day she notices that young maples, the children of her friend who have come from the maple tree's seeds, have begun to grow up around her feet. As their "forever friend," she takes care of the young trees and shares the lessons their mother taught her, which relieves her loneliness. The story teaches children about caring for others, enjoying our differences, and understanding that love goes on even in the face of loss.