How to grow a tree

This is something I wrote a long time ago now, for a very special teacher.  Some time after that, I had the thought that it might make a nice little picture book - but it sadly wasn't to be.  Usually when I look back at my writing, it's through the critical lens of improvement.  Even in my published books, there are always things I would change if I could.  But I actually still quite like this little piece of writing, even after all this time, and now just seems like the right moment to share it somehow.  So this one goes out to all the parents and teachers everywhere - I see you.