Hello, students,

My name is Ms. Tiller. I hope you remember me! My character was in the book titled: "What Do You Want to See Blossom?" Now, I’m back in the new book, "A Tree's Tale: Pruning That Brings Out the Best in You." I was kindly asked to introduce this book to you, and I couldn’t refuse the invitation. I hope you enjoy it!

Pruning, pruning—what does it do?
Does it help you, or do you have a clue?
Pruning can feel a bit controlling, I must agree,
But if you should know, pruning is right for you and me.
Being pruned is not an easy task, it’s true,
But with love and care, pruning will help you shine through. Just listen to the conversation between the gardener and the tree.

Ouch! Would you please be careful with your pruning shears on my shoots?  As far as I know there is nothing wrong with them, and I abhor what you are doing to me. It doesn’t feel good—it’s painful! Where did you even purchase those shears, anyway? I hope you get a splinter through your gloves!

How would you like it if I clipped your fingernails or toenails with dull clippers? Excuse my tongue- lashing, but I really don’t think pruning me is necessary!

Nonsense, my dear tree! I care for you with tenderness in mind. I only snip and clip—never chop, never clop away at your lovely leaves. Oh, please! Such accusations are terribly rude and quite untrue. So, would you stop tree barking at me? If only you understood the “why” behind what I do, you might even smile at the trimmings you receive—right on time, just for you.

Oh, how heavy my heart feels for the words I spoke—unfriendly, unkind, this is not a joke.
You care for me, shaping me with patience,
drawing out the beauty hidden within.
How could I treat such love with disregard?
Pruning is not punishment,
but a gift of renewal—
a promise of health, growth, and life.
Shame on me
for not seeing the grace in your hands. I deeply apologize.

Come, come now, my beautiful tree friend. No harm is done; only comforting words will I speak. You have already said, in part, that you understand the purpose of pruning. I want you to be healthy and strong, so I remove only the damaged and diseased parts—very gently—that will enhance your beauty. Perhaps I should have told you what I was going to do before I did it, and for that I am sorry. Apologizing goes a long way and heals any cuts or bruises you may have sustained. No matter how deep or shallow the pain, saying “I am sorry” is the remedy.