Carolyn J. Braden • 2 Minute Read
The Dinglemazoo and the Tree: Poems for Kids
In knowing many classrooms have a focus on nature related topics like trees as subject matter (I am a former teacher), I write many stories and poems that may be able to help someone teach about the topics.
Raccoons love hiding in trees
In this poem about a tree and its “friend”, the dinglemazoo, kids can learn that trees are very important to our planet. The dinglemazoo is very annoyed at the tree for shading it from the sun, but the tree helps it understand that it’s much more important than some think.
After reading the poem, you could discuss even more of the things that trees do for our world. They provide us with oxygen, food, wood and more. Animals love hiding in trees, building nests in trees and more. Planting more trees can be beneficial to so many! The National Forest Foundation is planting millions of trees and you can learn more about tree planting and their programs by visiting their website! Click here to visit the National Forest Foundation’s website.
Bald eagles build their nest way up in tall trees
I think it’s important for people to know how important animals and plants are to our world. I once had a boss complain to me about bees. He said how awful they were because they sting.
Owls like to take shelter in trees
I said that I loved the bees because they don’t sting unless threatened (kind of how people are with their hurtful spoken words) and we have to have them to pollinate our planet. My boss didn’t really have anything to say after I said this. It helped that we were at a restaurant having this conversation and the waiter (who was also a beekeeper) weighed in on our conversation, siding with me.
Bees will always have a special place in my heart…especially after they helped us during our Hurricane Ian evacuation decision. Bees show up in a lot of my fashion and home decor. It just so happens that a bee printed shirt was what I was wearing the day I had that conversation with my boss. My shirt sparked a great conversation that day!
Bees do build hives in trees
In my poem, I have the dinglemazoo being a lizard after seeing many of them in trees in my current home, Sanibel Island, Florida. The anole lizards and the iguanas love sunning themselves at the tops of trees and I imagine they don’t like being shaded by leaves. My poem is a conversation I’d imagine they’d have if they could talk to each other.
Due to the word “consume” being used in the poem, it may need to be explained to some age groups, but as a teacher, I like this. I used many stories to teach kids new words, as vocabulary is important for all ages to learn. I learn new words still today as an adult!
See my poem come to life in a little animated video below or via my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
The Dinglemazoo and the Tree: A poem for kids by Carolyn J. Braden
One day the dinglemazoo asked the tree
Why are you so mean to me?
You stand all tall and mighty like you are better than everyone
You shade me from the warm sun
I can’t be around you anymore
I am done
The tree said to the dinglemazoo
in a very loud boom
I am merely standing here doing my job
I exist for others to consume
I give animals shelter
And give you fresh air to breathe
If that’s not good enough
I guess you will only be happy if you can complain and be mean
The dinglemazoo looked at the tree
and had no response to say
So it sat down under the shade
and carried on with its day
If you love this, we know you’ll love this too: You Were Meant To Be Happy Poems and Art by Carolyn J. Braden
Carolyn J. (C.J.) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.