The Last Christmas Tree
Stephen Krensky, Author
Pascal Campion, Illustrator
Dial Books for Young Readers, Fiction, Oct. 16, 2014
Suitable for Ages: 3-7
Themes: Christmas trees, Empathy, Hope, Spirit of Christmas
Opening: “Almost exactly a month before Christmas, the trees arrived for the holiday. On the day before, the lot had been empty.”
Book Synopsis: Among the grand balsams and firs at the Christmas tree lot is a little hunched tree that is missing several branches. Still, no tree is more filled with the spirit of Christmas. As the weeks go by, many others are selected but the little tree holds onto its hope of finding a home. On Christmas Eve, now alone in the lot, the little tree receives a special visitor who might just give it what it wants most of all.
Why I like this book: This is such a heartwarming and moving Christmas story by Stephen Krensky that will delight young children for years to come. His story will certainly create empathy among children as the little tree endures snickers and rejection by families searching for the perfect tree. But this little tree has spunk. It is filled with hope that it will be selected until it is the last tree standing in the lot. Yet Krensky’s little tree is a very upbeat with an unwavering faith and personality. The plot will keep children turning pages and guessing what will happen to the last tree. Pascal Campion’s digital illustrations are colorful, inviting and show the loneliness and joy in the story. Beautiful book with a surprise ending.
Resources: Take your children to a Christmas tree farm or tree lot and let them select the family tree. Encourage them to make their own ornaments and decorate your tree together.
Stephen Krensky is the author of more than one hundred fiction and nonfiction books for children, including How Santa Got His Job, How Santa Lost His Job, Chaucer’s First Winter, The Great Moon Hoax, Big Bad Wolves, Ghosts, Paul Bunyan, and Casey Jones. Visit Krensky’s website.
Pascal Campion is a French American illustrator and animator. Visit Campion’s website.
I’ve read a lot of books about Christmas trees, and this one surprised even me with it’s originally wonderful ending! Nice choice, Pat!
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Thank you. I do love the ending so much. It is original.
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It is always a challenge to pull of anthropomorphizing an inanimate object, but sounds like Krensky really pulled it of well.
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Yes, Kresnky really did an excellent job of anthropomorphizing a tree. His books are new to me and I discovered that he’s written hundreds of books. A new author for me to watch.
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Oh, it makes me think of Charlie Brown and his poor little tree. 🙂 Merry Christmas, Pat!
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I knew this book reminded me of another story and couldn’t think what. Charlie Brown. You are right. This has such a magical ending.
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I always like stories about Christmas trees. I haven´t heard of this one before.
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It’s new. Just have discovered all of Stephen Krensky’s books. This book is magical for kids with a surprise ending.
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I haven’t seen this one, yet. It sounds adorable. I’m dying to know how it ends!!
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You will just have to read it. Great ending. Krensky also wrote Hanukkah Bear and a myriad of books. I was delighted to find his books.
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I love this one already! Cute little Charlie Brown tree.
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Michelle thought that too. The story is so great for kids and the illustrations are wonderful. You can tell the illustrator had fun illustrating this beautiful book.
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This is so like being picked last in sports. Great find, Pat.
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It is a similar theme. It’s a book children will love.
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Oh! How gorgeous! And the synopsis tells you exactly what this story is about. Heartwarming indeed, Patricia.
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It is heartwarming. The illustrations really compliment the story in a beautiful way.
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This sounds wonderful. We decorated our Christmas tree today. 🙂
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It is a heartwarming story. You’d like the illustrations!
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Going to buy these Christmas books for my grand-babies and save them until next year. Delightful, Patricia!
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This is such a heartwarming book with a surprise ending. Again congratulations on your new grand-baby girls. Never to early to start reading. Merry Christmas!
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Always buying books for them! 🙂
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