DJ and the Grumpy Tree
A heartwarming story about kindness and sharing.
In East Side Park, every fruit tree happily shares its fruit with the children — except one grumpy apple tree. When a boy named DJ picks the tree's shiniest apple, the tree decides to teach him a lesson. But as the seasons pass, DJ and the apple tree both discover something important: sharing can bring joy, friendship, and a legacy that grows for generations.
Follow the Story
Designed for young readers, families, teachers, and read-aloud time, this interactive story encourages children to build reading confidence while exploring meaningful social-emotional lessons.
One day, a boy named DJ climbed to the top of the grumpy tree and picked the biggest, most shiny apple he could find. As DJ headed home, he heard a cranky voice say, “Hey, you can’t have that! Bring my beautiful apple back!”
Reaching all the way to a three-story apartment building, the grumpy tree stretched his branch up the side of the building and into a small opening in a window. He then wrapped his branch around the sleeping boy and brought him back to the park.
One day, as DJ played soccer with the other kids, the tree said, “I am a very old tree and can no longer make apples like I used to. I have only one apple left and would like for you to have it. Please take it and enjoy.”
Children Will Enjoy
- A magical talking apple tree with a big personality
- A funny and memorable story about DJ and East Side Park
- A meaningful lesson about kindness, empathy, sharing, and gratitude
- A read-aloud experience for bedtime, classroom story time, or independent reading
- A warm story world filled with fruit trees, children, nature, and imagination
Parents & Teachers Will Appreciate
- A child-friendly story with a clear moral lesson
- Social-emotional learning themes including empathy, generosity, responsibility, and appreciation
- Opportunities to discuss feelings, fairness, gratitude, and caring for nature
- A story structure that supports comprehension, sequencing, and character development
- A positive message about how small acts of kindness can grow into something lasting
Why DJ and the Grumpy Tree?
DJ and the Grumpy Tree is perfect for children who enjoy storybook apps, read-aloud books, bedtime stories, talking animals and plants, nature stories, and books with meaningful life lessons.
Follow DJ and the grumpy apple tree through a funny, magical, and touching journey that shows children why sharing matters — and how kindness can change even the grumpiest heart.
Coming Soon to the App Store
DJ and the Grumpy Tree is currently in development. Check back soon to bring this heartwarming story to your family or classroom.