“Never lose hope. Wishes have a way of coming true.”
“Trees can’t tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories. . . .
Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood “wishtree”—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red’s branches. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red’s hollows, this “wishtree” watches over the neighborhood.
You might say Red has seen it all. Until a new family moves in. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red’s experiences as a wishtree are more important than ever.
Funny, deep, warm, and nuanced, this is Katherine Applegate at her very best—writing from the heart, and from a completely unexpected point of view.”
Miss Sherry read the book WishTree by Katherine Applegate and was inspired.
I know many of you are having a hard time adjusting right now and just need something magical to believe in. We created our own WishTree.
Write your wish on a ribbon and tie it to the tree or write it in a piece of paper and put it in an Easter egg. We recommend attaching a string to the egg and tossing it on to the tree. If you make it and it sticks we believe your wish will come true.
“Hollows are proof that something bad can become something good with enough time and care and hope” -Red”
― Wishtree
Let’s come together and believe that something bad can become something good with enough time and care and hope.
Please stop by and make a wish on our tree. If you do not have an egg or a ribbon, there are some on the night book drop.
In the safety and concern for the spread of COVID-19 please do not remove anyone’s wishes or touch any of the eggs on the tree. Please only handle your own wish.
Please feel free to sit on the bench under the tree and appreciate the outdoor space at the library. Respect others coming to the tree to make their wishes as well.
“…I didn’t want to miss a moment of what little life I had left. I wanted to drink in the stars. I wanted to feel the fuzzy wings of the owlets. I wanted to stretch my roots just a tiny bit farther before the night was through. I wanted to indulge in some quiet contemplation about life and love and what it all meant… “I’ve been thinking… There’s no point in my worrying about tomorrow. It will come soon enough.”
― Wishtree
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate is a wonderful book to read with your children during this time of strange unknowns.
“But sometimes things happen that aren’t so good. When they occur, I’ve learned that there’s not much you can do except stand tall and reach deep.”
― Wishtree
The Library is doing curbside pickup Tuesday-Friday 12-3 and we ask that even if the Library appears open you respect this time and make your wish, but do not pursue attempting to enter the Library.
“Days have a way of slipping past like raindrops in a river.”
― Wishtree
Enjoy each day you have with your family. I know many of you are starting to get restless. Take some time and just reflect on the precious gift that has been given to us, time together. Days have a way of slipping past like raindrops in a river.
Remember your children may be feeling lost right now and that they have no friends. Separation for children seems so much greater for children because time seems to travel slower for them. Being apart for a month seems a lifetime for them. We have spent a lifetime telling them to not have to much screen time, maybe now we need to spend a lifetime allowing them to see their friends, their teachers, and others on social media. Remember for them understanding “lifetime” is really hard. They just want to see their friends.
“friendship doesn’t have to be hard. That sometimes we let the world make it hard.”
― Wishtree
“There is beauty in stillness and grace in acceptance.”
― Wishtree
I am struggling right now accepting this. I am struggling with acceptance. My walks in the evening bring me peace. I would like to remind everyone to find beauty in the stillness around you.
One quote from the book that is perfect for this time when we are flooded by demands of the stay at home order.
“Stay.”
― Wishtree
Remember to that the wishtree at the Library is not just for the kids. Adults you may need a wish right now as much as the young.
“nature is not always pretty or fair or kind.
but sometimes surprises happen. and samar, every spring night, reminded me there is beauty in stillness and grace in acceptance.
and that you’re never too old to be surprised.”
― Wishtree
PLEASE be kind and remember the rules. Now more than ever following the rules is important. It is important to not touch other wishes because that could contribute to the spread of COVID-19. Please limit your contact to the Wishtree to just your wishes.
If you would like to make a remote wish please email Miss Sherry at [email protected] or you can make a wish with the author of Wishtree.
“Making others feel safe is a fine way to spend your days” -Red”
― Wishtree
For some having a Wishtree may seem silly, for others it is the hope they need right now.
“everyone needs to hope.”
― Wishtree
If you are visiting from out of the area. You are welcome here as well. We support the stay at home order and honor our community’s plea to not travel, but if your family has chosen here we welcome you. The Wishtree is for everyone. You are also welcome to email your wishes to Miss Sherry [email protected]