The Last Christmas Tree

September 15, 2014
Where’s Charlie Brown when you need him? A tiny, scraggly evergreen tries to keep up its hopes for going home with a kind family as the surrounding balsam firs and spruces in the Christmas tree lot are snapped up. But no Schulz character (nor anyone else) takes an interest, even when the forlorn tree is left alone and marked down to “free” on Christmas Eve. Happily, a surprise hero of another sort—who pilots a flying sleigh—arrives to make the tree part of a special delivery. Though the story’s theme is familiar, Krensky avoids slipping into schmaltzy territory. Campion’s digitally rendered scenes have a loose, painterly flair, capturing moods of happy holiday bustle and the lonely, quiet expanse of an empty city lot with equal success. Ages 3–5. Illustrator’s agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Associates.

September 1, 2014
A scraggly, undersized evergreen tree finds a home on Christmas Eve in this sentimental story that turns the unwanted tree into an anthropomorphic main character. A month before Christmas, the small tree arrives at an empty lot along with a huge truckload of larger trees. The larger, traditionally shaped Christmas trees are lined up in rows, receiving lots of attention from shoppers. The scraggly tree stands out, only half the height of the other trees and bearing just a few, sparse branches. The little tree has feelings and thoughts like an earnest child, excited about the holiday and hoping to be chosen by a family. Predictably, no one buys the tree, and by Christmas Eve, the drooping tree is left alone in the lot with a sign: "Free." Santa swoops in to the rescue, taking the tree home for his own holiday celebration. Digitally created illustrations elevate the storyline with energetic scenes of the shopping families at the tree lot and dramatic, mysterious views of Santa's arrival and return to his home at the North Pole. The cleverly designed final spread shows the decorated tree in front of the fireplace in Santa's house, with monogrammed stockings for the eight reindeer hanging from the mantel. The pint-sized tree isn't quite dead wood, but it never comes to life as a believable character the reader can care about. (Picture book. 4-8)

COPYRIGHT(2014) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 3-In a parking lot full of beautiful firs, spruces, and pines stands one scrawny little tree, filled with the spirit of the season and hoping to be purchased. The weeks go by, and the other trees get selected, but not this one-not even for free. Then on Christmas Eve, the little tree, now standing alone, hears a jingling sound; out of the sky appears a man in a red suit and a sleigh, who whisks the tree high up into the sky, and then down to his own magical home where a warm hearth and presents await. This heartwarming, magical tale with an encouraging message is simply told, easily reaching a young audience. The full-color acrylic, cartoon illustrations enhance the mood of the story. Great for one-on-one reading or storytime.-Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.