What is the lesson to be learned in this story?
The story of the bending Joshua tree is a wonderful reminder of the importance of connecting to nature.

Does it have a story line that teaches children how to better navigate their lives?
This story line teaches children about the importance of being connected to nature. It is through nature that we can nurture ourselves properly.

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How does it engage the reader? 
This tale engages the reader by telling the tale of Joshua trees who lose touch with nature which causes the trees to become overwhelmed, this in turn makes them bend. There is also a facts page at the end of the book that tells the reader facts about Joshua trees and how we can best respect and take care of them satisfactorily.

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Does it conjure up real life scenarios and offer insights as to how problems could have been handled with less injury to all? 
This story has real life scenarios about the importance of connecting to nature. The tale shows us how we can be affected negatively by being disconnected from nature. Nature is what teaches the Joshua tree how to nurture itself as it grows, which is a good example for us. 

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Does it open up avenues of discussion between parents and children? 
The Bending Joshua Tree defiantly opens up avenues for discussion especially in regards to showing us how to feel strong and balanced by being out in nature. It can be easy to neglect nature because we take it for granted that it will always be there for us.
By discussing The Bending Joshua Tree we can remember the importance of staying grounded in nature, it is the nurturing we all need.