The book mentions a child from the Yanomamo tribe. Can you find out about tribes living in the rainforest? How do their lives differ from your own? How might they be similar? The anteaters tell the man, “what happens tomorrow depends on what you do today.” Can you think of an example of when this has come true? What can you do today to make a positive change for tomorrow? It is believed that some kapok trees live for as long as 300 years, making them one of the longest living trees in the plant kingdom. Kapok trees are common trees cultivated in Western countries like Central America, Mexico, South America, and some areas in West Africa.

Could you turn this story (or part of it) into a play script and perform it to others? Here is one example:

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The following video gives more information about the book and the rainforest. Could you create a similar video (or a written / audio report)?

There is a fascinating story related to the kapok tree’s history and mythological values. It is considered one of the many wonders of the world. The flowers of this tree are a primary source of nectar and pollen for bats and honey bees. The tree produces white and pink flowers. Thet kapok tree sheds all of its leaves during the dry season. During the dry season, the seeds are also blown into open areas. Text-to-World Connection: How does a theme or content presented in the book connect to something happening in the world? Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. Sponsorship & Advertising PolicyMake a glossary of words related to the rainforest. Can you find some examples in the book? Could you write definitions for the words?

Find words that the author has used to describe the animals (e.g. colourful parrots, silent snakes, graceful jaguars). Can you think of any others? As the unopened fruit doesn’t sink inside the water, it is believed that the fruit of the tree floated from Latin America to Africa through the ocean. Did You Know...The ability of the kapok to attract wildlife to the forest is one of its most notable physical characteristics. The experiences of the world the reader would need to bring when reading this text is global awareness of deforestation and farming. This is something that can be explored when reading/teaching the book through TSFW. Having these experiences helps the reader connect with the desperation of each animal not wanting the tree to be cut down. Furthermore it enables them to form a personal opinion on the global issue and give arguments for both sides of the argument as to whether or not the man should cut the tree down. The story of The Great Kapok Tree is told in the third person and follows the journey of two men that enter a forest. One man leaves while the other is confronted with a large tree (The Great Kapok). He attempts to cut it down but is unable to and falls asleep. The different rainforest animals around him whisper their individual reasons not to cut the tree down in his ear while he is unconscious. At the end a child whispers in his ear and he wakes up. To then look at the tree, turn around and leave. This element of a cliff hanger and suspense provides many different opportunities for the children to talk about and develop. The trees’ roots are said to reach the underworld, while the giant tree is upheld the world from above.