With a pronouncement made by a large tree that “humans never learn,” Kansas University Theatre for Young People opened its production of “The Short Tree and the Bird that Could Not Sing” this week in the William Inge Memorial Theatre.

This charming story of a tree too short to see over his neighbors offers lessons in making friends and learning to accept one’s gifts and limitations. Skillfully directed by Jeanne Klein, “Short Tree” uses its cast of six actors as puppeteers who become the flowers, trees, snakes, squirrels and alligators of the story.

The Short Tree (Steven Karlin) is very upset because he hasn’t grown enough to see very far. When nearby tall trees are cut down, he is very lonely and feels sorry for himself. Then he meets the Bird (Chel Shipley), who cannot sing. They develop an unusual friendship and have several interesting encounters with other creatures.

They help a boa constrictor find its owner, the Snake Woman, who returns him to his life in the circus. When a lost balloon called Nobody floats into the Short Tree’s branches, the Bird helps him find other balloons so he has friends.

As the summer goes along, the Short Tree begins to depend on the Bird’s company, and he is very distressed when the Bird must fly south for the winter.

While the Bird is interacting with tourists, fish and hurricanes in the south, the Short Tree is lonely and depressed because he cannot uproot himself and go anywhere. However, he meets the Squirrel, who nests in his trunk; he plays with his Shadow; and the North Wind comes to talk with him. At night he discovers the Big Dipper, who explains to the Short Tree that he was once a seed that flew through the sky.

The Short Tree begins to understand that he’s special, even though he can’t move from his rooted spot. Although he misses the Bird, he discovers that he’s not alone.

Steve Karlin, Olathe freshman, left, and Chel Shipley, Lakin freshman, are among the cast of The

By the spring, the Short Tree has grown and can offer shelter to a new little tree that has sprung up beside him. Then, when the Bird returns, they are so happy to see one another that Bird launches into his tuneless song once again.

Karlin is adept at conveying the characteristics of the Short Tree, even though he is the most physically restricted of all the puppeteers, and Shipley’s handling of the Bird puppet allows the audience to believe in it as a character with a distinct physicality as well as personality.

The other puppeteers – Elliott Sowards, Lance Hill, Cali Gilman and Kacie Dienstbach – cycle through the dizzying array of designer Christina Montgomery’s puppets, depicting distinct characters with each one, which is what creates the magic of such a show.

A children’s show must appeal to its audience, of course, and “Short Tree” certainly does. However, it is also a satisfying hour in the theater for adults who want to see a good story well-told.