O Christmas Tree

September 1, 2010
Grades 1-4 This slender but informative book traces the roots and history of the Christmas tree through pagan and Christian practices over thousands of years, from the palm fronds decorating ancient Egyptians homes for winter solstice to twenty-first-century, prelit artificial trees. Then the focus shifts to Christmas tree agriculture in North America: the varieties of trees grown, the stages of growing them, and the challenges of tree farming. The book concludes with Fun Facts and a short reading list. The clearly written text shows respect for its audience by introducing some stories, such as Martin Luther creating the first decorated Christmas tree, as legends rather than history. On every page, colorful gouache paintings brighten the presentation and provide visual information that complements the text. Attention to details in writing, illustration, and design makes this a pleasing book and a fine read-aloud choice for children who want to know why theres a tree in their house each December.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2011
From the evergreen boughs used by ancient Egyptians to celebrate the winter solstice to modern LED lights and pink aluminum trees, Farmer provides a wealth of information about the social history of the Christmas tree. She also traces its development both as plant and as cash crop. Illustrated with warm, cheerful gouache pictures, the book is accessible and well organized.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

November 1, 2010
The author addresses the question, How did the Christmas tree custom begin? From the evergreen boughs used by ancient Egyptians to celebrate the winter solstice to modern LED lights and pink aluminum trees, Farmer provides a wealth of information about the social history of the Christmas tree. She also traces its development both as plant and as cash crop. Illustrated with warm gouache pictures filled with cheer, the book is accessible and well-organized, perfect for browsing. A list of resources is appended (but no source notes are given). martha v. parravano

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

September 1, 2010

This carefully researched and attractively illustrated historical view of a familiar Christmas tradition conveys a large amount of information within the oversized picture-book format. The historical background explains the evolution of the custom from evergreen branches in Egypt and Rome to early Christmas trees in Germany. The rise in popularity of the trees in the United States includes Christmas trees at the White House and the changing styles of trees. Growing methods, the most popular kinds of trees and the difficulties faced by tree farmers are also described. The final pages include Christmas-tree trivia and a short resource list. Friar's gouache paintings provide additional details, succeeding in both the appealing historical scenes and in the more scientifically oriented spreads about tree farming. Bids fair to be a real workhorse for library holiday collections. (Informational picture book. 5-9)

(COPYRIGHT (2010) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

October 1, 2010

Gr 2-5-Beginning with the ancient Egyptians and Romans, who decorated with palm and evergreen branches at the winter solstice, readers learn about the customs and traditions through the centuries that led to the modern Christmas tree and various decorations, including popcorn, blown-glass ornaments, and electric lights, as well as trees made of feathers, plastic, and aluminum. The last section is devoted to the planting, care, and harvesting of trees. Friar's gouache illustrations have plenty of detail, but are a little awkward in scale. In all, an interesting look at a very specific part of the Christmas celebration.-Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.