Last fall, I visited the Chicago Botanic Garden with my daughter. Although there were many lovely gardens to peruse, we spent more of our time there strolling through the Japanese Garden. A bonsai display greeted us, and we were intrigued by the skill and artistry demonstrated by these gardeners. The bonsai are so valuable that there is an alarm around each, just like any priceless work of art.

How are bonsai created? What do you wonder? Tie your study of bonsai with geography and history standards.

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Another feature in the garden are the trees whose branches are carefully pruned to appear as clouds. Japanese Cloud Trees (Niwaki) are at their finest when snow sits atop the evergreen branches.

One of my favorite stories to read aloud is The Empty Pot. Set in China, this tale is about demonstrating character even when it costs you! For full screen viewing, click here.