Owen the Oak Tree: Adaptation In the heart of the forest stands Owen, a mighty oak tree who has seen many seasons come and go. But when the winds grow stronger and the world around him begins to change, Owen faces a choice: will he remain rigid and unyielding, or will he learn the wisdom of adapting with strength and grace? Owen the Oak Tree is part of the beloved Virtue Fables series by Timothy Dernlan, a collection of stories designed to help young readers (ages 6-13) to understand and practice timeless virtues through the adventures of animal and nature characters. In this story, Owen learns that true adaptation is not about losing who you are, nor about bending to every whim, but about finding the golden mean—the balance between being steadfast and being flexible. With warmth and wisdom, children will see how Owen’s struggle mirrors their own experiences: facing change at school, in friendships, and in family life. Guided by Aristotle’s insight into the “golden mean” and rooted in Christian truth, this fable helps readers see that God calls us to grow strong like the oak, yet also humble enough to bend when life’s storms demand it. Each chapter draws children deeper into Owen’s world while teaching an important life lesson. At the close of the story, families will find: A clear moral to reinforce the lesson of adaptation. - A Scripture verse connecting the virtue to God’s Word. - A one page study to apply what they have learned Perfect for family reading, classroom discussion, or personal devotion, Owen the Oak Tree inspires children to face life’s changes not with fear, but with faith, courage, and wisdom. If you want stories that delight the imagination while shaping the heart, read Owen the Oak Tree: On the Virtue of Adaptation - a tale of rootedness, resilience, and God’s good design for growing strong in changing seasons. Book 1 of 60 in the Virtue Fables series by Timothy Dernlan Keywords and Categories: Stories of virtue, character, morals, and ethics for children, Christians, teachers, young adults, young readers, grammar school teachers, classical Christian educators, and bedtime for parents. www.timdernlan.com