The Short Tree and the Bird That Could Not Sing

The Short Tree and the Bird That Could Not Sing is a light and humorous play that stresses the value of friendship as a means of overcoming feelings of loneliness and isolation.  Children will learn the importance of showing respect to others and that generosity and honesty are key elements in fostering friendships that can last a lifetime. A charming exploration of the meaning of loneliness and friendship and an excellent opportunity for advanced puppetry.

Short Tree shares a patch of ground with two big trees that tower over him. The big trees are so busy talking to one another that Short Tree feels ignored and lonely. One day two lumberjacks come and chop down the big trees leaving him without anyone to watch over him.  Wondering why he was spared and feeling he would be happier as a toothpick, Short Tree suddenly hears a horrifying racket and fears it is the lumberjacks returning to chop him down. But it's only Bird, who loves to sing - but whose singing is raucous and out of tune.

Much to Short Tree's delight, he and Bird quickly become good friends. When Bird must fly south for the winter however, Small Tree must once again cope with his feelings of abandonment. Soon after Bird departs, a whole new world opens up for Short Tree.  He begins to meet an entire cast of eccentric characters that all convey messages of friendship. Meanwhile, Bird experiences the opposite; she has a run-in with a huge fish and narrowly escapes being eaten by an alligator. This makes the forest where her friend Short Tree lives even more enticing to return to.

Recommended Audience: For Children

Themes

• Self Esteem
• Loneliness
• Friendship
• Positive Thinking