the novel did a good job balancing and making use of it's cast of characters, almost all of the named characters are recurring. the fact they cut out a scene, where Cale, Basen and Lily talk more- it shows how valid their family is regardless of their step-relationship. I hope their minor roles aren't cut even further, it be a shame with how little screen time they already have. his family means a whole lot...
and to add. I'm equally as sad to not see the blue-leaves white-tree (hehe Yugioh) but I assume they used a tree model instead where they couldn't change any of the colors. for budget- but that's just my guess