An original little play similar to one which the kindergarten children could work out is given below.  This play is based on the pourquois tale, Why the Evergreen Trees Never Lose Their Leaves.[4] It affords much play of originality because familiar trees may be used; and the talk of the Trees to the Bird may have some relation to the characteristics of the Trees.  It could be used by children of six, seven, or eight years of age.  It could serve as a Christinas play because of its spirit of kindness.  North Wind might wear a wig and the Frost King wear a crown and carry a wand.  Little Bird could have wings, one of which is broken, or simply carry one arm sleeveless.

The play might open with a rhythmic flight of the birds to the music of “The Swallow’s Plight,” in Kindergarten Review, May, 1915.  The rhythm play of the birds would be especially pleasing because different birds would be represented by different children.  The play would furnish a fine opportunity also for a rhythmic dance of the wind, which could form a distinct interlude later on in the play.  In connection with the wind the beautiful picture-book, Windschen, by Elsa Beskow, might be referred to.  Here the wind is personified as the playmate of Hans Georg.  Its refined art, lovely color, and imaginative illustration, would stimulate the child’s artistic representation of the wind.

The Bird and the Trees:  A Play

     Time . . . .  Daytime, in late autumn.
     Place . . .  The Forest.
     Characters:  Poplar, Oak, Maple, Willow, Spruce, Pine,
                    Juniper, the Bird, North Wind, and the Frost King.

Trees of the forest.  “See that great crowd of birds flying away!  They must be going South where the air is warm, and where they can find berries to eat.  There is one left behind.  Why, he is coming this way.  What can he want?”

The Bird.  “Oh, I can fly no farther!  My wing hurts and I cannot hold it up.  I am tired and cold and hungry.  I must rest in this forest.  Maybe some good kind tree will help me.  Dear friend Poplar, my wing is broken and my friends have all gone South.  Will you let me live in your branches until they come back again?”

     Poplar.  “I am sorry but do you not see how my leaves are
     all a-tremble at the thought of taking in a strange bird? 
     Ask some other tree!”

The Bird.  “It might not be very warm there at any rate.  And the wind might blow me off the branches.  I will try the Oak, he is so big and mighty.  Dear old Oak-tree, you are so big and strong, will you let me rest in your branches to-night among your thick warm leaves?  I am a poor little Bird with a broken wing and I cannot fly!”

Oak.  “Oh, you must not ask me, little Bird, for all day long my little friends, the squirrels, have been jumping across