Discussion Questions: The Digger and the Flower

About the book

The Digger and the Flower by Minnesota author Joseph Kuefler is this year’s picture book selection. In a breathtaking new book with a powerful message about the environment, Kuefler tells the story of a digging machine that discovers a flower growing in the rubble, setting in motion a series of events that will change him, and his city, forever.

The Digger and the Flower


About the author

Joseph Kuefler is the author-illustrator of The Digger and the FlowerBeyond the Pond, and Rulers of the Playground. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and children. You can visit him online at www.josephkuefler.com.


Discussion questions

  1. What makes Digger different from Crane and Dozer?
  2. How does Digger care for the flower? Have you ever taken care of a flower or plant? What did you do to care for it?
  3. How does Digger feel when Dozer cuts down the flower? How can you tell?
  4. What happens when Digger plants the seeds from the flower?
  5. What happens at the end of the story? 
  6. Where have you seen nature in the city? How can we protect nature in the city?