For Families & Educators
Resources to Bring the Stories to Life
The Squirrel Tree Stories series is designed to spark conversation, deepen faith, and nurture character. These free resources help you get the most from every book — at home, in the classroom, or in Sunday school.
Reading Guides
Each guide includes a brief book summary, discussion questions for before and after reading, vocabulary words, and a Scripture focus. Perfect for family devotions or small group settings.
Emotions & Empathy
Gentle Tales for Big Feelings
Discussion Questions
- 1.
How did Acorn feel at the beginning of the story? Have you ever felt that way?
- 2.
Who helped Acorn understand his feelings? Who helps you when you feel overwhelmed?
- 3.
What does Ephesians 4:32 teach us about how to treat others who are having big feelings?
Activity
Draw a picture of a time you felt a big feeling. Share it with someone you trust.
Wisdom & Choices
Tender Hearts and Wise Choices
Discussion Questions
- 1.
What choice did the friends have to make? What made it hard?
- 2.
What does it mean to have a 'listening heart'?
- 3.
James 1:5 says we can ask God for wisdom. When is a time you could ask God to help you make a good choice?
Activity
Think of a hard choice you face. Write or draw two possible choices and what might happen with each.
Faith & Scripture
The Greatest Story in a Nutshell
Discussion Questions
- 1.
What is the 'greatest story' Grandmother Squirrel tells? Why is it the greatest?
- 2.
John 3:16 says God loves 'the world.' What does that include?
- 3.
How can you share this greatest story with someone you know?
Activity
Retell the greatest story in your own words to a family member or friend.
Classroom Tips
Wanda spent decades in Christian classrooms. These tips reflect what she learned about using story to teach character and faith.
Read Aloud First
Read the book aloud together before any discussion. Let children experience the story as a whole — the emotions, the rhythm, the surprise — before analyzing it. First impressions are often the most honest.
Let Silence Do Its Work
After a key moment in the story, pause. Don't rush to explain or ask a question. Give children 10–15 seconds to sit with what they just heard. Often the most meaningful responses come after a quiet moment.
Connect to Real Life
Ask children to share a time they faced something similar to the character. Personal connection is what moves a story from entertainment to formation. Keep it low-pressure — sharing is always optional.
Use the Scripture Anchor
Each book is built around a key verse. Write it on the board, read it together, and return to it at the end of the discussion. Repetition over days and weeks is how Scripture takes root.
Celebrate Every Response
There are no wrong answers in a story discussion. Affirm every child who shares — 'That's a really thoughtful observation' — and build a classroom culture where it's safe to wonder out loud.
Church & Sunday School Use
The Squirrel Tree Stories series fits naturally into Sunday school, children's church, VBS, and family ministry settings. Here are some ways churches are using the books.
Sunday School Series
Use one book per unit (4–6 weeks), pairing each session with the book's Scripture focus. The discussion questions in each reading guide map naturally to a 30-minute lesson format.
Family Take-Home
Send a copy of the reading guide home with each child after Sunday school. Encourage families to re-read the book together during the week and discuss the questions at dinner or bedtime.
VBS Theme
The woodland setting and character-focused themes make the series a natural fit for a nature or creation-themed VBS week. Contact Wanda about bulk pricing for church orders.
Children's Sermon
Each book's central scene works beautifully as a children's sermon illustration. Read the key passage aloud, ask one discussion question, and close with the Scripture verse.
Want Wanda to Visit Your School or Church?
Wanda is available for author visits, classroom readings, Sunday school sessions, and educator workshops. She brings warmth, humor, and thirty years of classroom wisdom to every engagement.
Invite Wanda