The Old Willow Tree, and Other Stories

"The Old Willow Tree, and Other Stories" by Carl Ewald is a compilation of imaginative stories from the early 1900s. These stories give human-like qualities to trees and plants, showing their unique lives and thoughts. The book's main story focuses on a willow tree placed by mistake on an important street; it deals with ideas about who you are, being accepted, and what makes something beautiful. The willow tree begins its story as a new arrival and has trouble getting along with sophisticated poplar trees. The poplars think the willow isn't good enough and because of that, the willow struggles with its self-image and making its own decisions about what to do with its life. But when the willow gets praised for giving shade, it learns to accept itself for who it is. This starting story shares the feelings and deeper meanings that appear throughout the book, such as the importance of being strong and finding your place.