The Tree That's Meant to Be

by Yuval Zommer (Author)

The Tree That's Meant to Be
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

A small, crooked evergreen tree is sad and lonely when the other trees are cut down to be taken indoors at Christmas, but new friends help him feel special, too.

A small fir is left all alone after the other trees near it in the forest are chosen by families as Christmas trees. But when the forest animals gather around the lonely little tree to cheer it up and celebrate the season, it finds the warmth of the holidays in the heart of a cold, snowy forest. This is a charming and classic-feeling holiday story with a heartfelt message about celebrating our differences and sticking by our friends. Families will love reading it together and talking about kindness, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas.

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$18.99

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Kirkus

Beautiful to behold but uneven to read. (Picture book. 4-7).

Copyright 2019 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2–On the cover of this book, a small, unassuming tree is center stage, with forest animals hovering about. Bits of the cover are embossed, which will appeal to the youngest hands. The little tree is passed over repeatedly as Christmas shoppers choose bigger, more impressive trees. But when the crowds are gone, forest friends go out of their way to adorn the little tree with all kinds of pretty decorations found in the forest they share. The little tree is jubilant at the end and knows that he is loved. The story is less about Christmas and more about feeling left out but ultimately finding yourself appreciated. This parable is sweet and serves as a good alternative for teachers and parents who want to avoid holiday titles with overt religious overtones. The message of feeling good about oneself makes it a natural fit for the classroom.VERDICT A good alternative for those whose holiday celebrations are not tied to a particular religion. Children will identify with the little tree’s plight and might find some adventure searching for “decorations” in the woods for their own trees.—Joan Kindig, James ­Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly

“While other trees/ grew poised and tall,/ I lagged behind,” mourns a small evergreen in the midst of a forest, “looking different. Feeling small.” When winter comes and families flood the area looking for Christmas trees, the quirky conifer is left alone: “It was just me now.” After it cries out, closely worked spreads by Zommer show forest animals converging on the tree at dawn, their eyes wide open and expressive, their forms arrayed in folk perspective like a medieval tableau. A bear, a fox, and others festoon the tree with leaf garlands “until I was a jolly, festive tree,” and the sky above offers the tree a crowning touch. Finely brushed textures are applied with care throughout, conveying a sense of richness. Though the holiday theme is present, it’s less important than the idea of finding home and companionship throughout the seasons, and Zommer’s spreads convey reassurance to that end. Ages 3–7. (Sept.)

Copyright 2019 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780593119679
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Doubleday Books for Young Readers
Publication date
September 24, 2019
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV017010 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Christmas & Advent
Library of Congress categories
Forest animals
Christmas
Trees

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