Product Description

"Hardcover: 32 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.41 x 11.36 x 10.14 Publisher: Hyperion; 1st ed edition (September 3, 2001) ISBN: 0786807954 Ages 4-8 ""Little tree/ little silent Christmas tree/ you are so little/ you are more like a flower/ who found you in the green forest/ and were you very sorry to come away?"" So begins e.e. cummings' beloved tribute to the tiny evergreen tree, taken away from the cold forest to be decorated and adored by two children in their home at Christmas. Simply and sensitively told from the innocence of a child's eyes, e.e. cummings' little tree comes to life as the children bestow upon it their heart-felt promises of comfort and love. Artist Mary Claire Smith's whimsical, contemporary illustrations capture all the joy and magic of this cherished Christmas favorite. A truly affecting book that should be under every family's Christmas tree."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1117701 in Books
• Published on: 2001-09-03
• Released on: 2001-09-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In this exquisite riff on Cummings's classic poem, Raschka uses lyrical cadence and gentle repetition to trace the journey of a tree who dreams of Christmas splendor from country obscurity to city stardom ("The little elevator carried the little family and the little tree up, up, up to the little family's little home"). The patchwork watercolors, an artful arrangement of line and color and framed in geometric shapes that echo the triangular tree, resemble modernistic stained glass; subtle spot illustrations hint at Santa's role in fulfilling the tree's wish. All ages.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2-Inspired by cummings's poem, which is presented in its entirety at the beginning of this beguiling book, Raschka's story echoes and expands on its themes of families and belonging. Delicate tiny vignettes decorate the text pages, which face full-page illustrations. Loose, geometric lines, skewed multiple perspectives, and childlike representations of people characterize these intricate, energetic watercolors. The story takes the little tree from his faraway forest home, via a little truck and a little train, "past the farms and little towns to the little big city," where he is purchased by a loving little family. In an engaging sideline, Santa appears in small scenes pulling on his boots, skiing, listening to music, and drinking a glass of wine at a caf‚. Final pictures reinforce the connection between the poem and the story. Visually, and as a simple, sweetly old-fashioned read-aloud, Little Tree embodies the warm sense of love and belonging that for many defines the true meaning of Christmas.-S. P.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 5-9. Inspired by the E. E. Cummings poem (which appears on the first page of the book), Raschka offers a quietly moving story about a little tree that dreams of becoming a Christmas tree. Employing the word little like a mantra, the spare text charts the tree's odyssey from a hill in the forest to an apartment in the city--from dream to fulfillment. The triangular shape of the tree is the anchor for the geometric artwork facing the text, which becomes increasingly narrative in content as the story approaches its climax. Meanwhile, small illustrations, surrounded by white space, act as visual grace notes to the text pages and introduce a Santa Claus figure who, though never mentioned in the text, gradually joins the action, contributing a bit of whimsy. The final picture shows the joyful tree standing in a window for everyone to see. A pleasant little story about "a perfect little tree." Michael Cart
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

The Tree as a true symbol of life
It is difficult to put into words the complex beauty of this book. If you are not familiar with the poetry of E.E. Cummings, this book will make you a surefire fan. The verse is sensitive, gentle and intimate. Beautifully paired with the whimsical, delicate and ever-bright illustrations by Mary Claire Smith, this book will sing to you and your child's hearts.

There are very few stories about Christmas which capture the essence of what all the decorations and packages truly represent. This is one of those few. The illustrations bring us back to a time when family and friends, hand-made gifts and music together were what were truly valued. Where Christmas was a festival which celebrated warmth, light, life and love.

For those who are sensitive to the masses of trees which are erased from our earth each Christmas, please take a look at this book. I especially appreciate that the angel who takes the tree from the forest to the child carries the tree with roots intact and then, through Ms. Smith's illustrations, the tree is pictured potted. The tree in this book is a true symbol of Life.

This book is one our family will treaure for generations to come.