Grandfather's Christmas Tree - Hardcover

Strand, Keith

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0152018212 ISBN 13: 9780152018214

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers, 1999

Synopsis

Beginning their life together in the Colorado wilderness, a young rancher and his wife work hard, and joyfully anticipate the birth of their first child. Their many hopes and dreams for their new family are suddenly put in danger when a merciless winter storm hits. The logs in the woodpile quickly dwindle, and soon their only chance for survival is to cut down the lone remaining spruce tree, which provides warmth and shelter to a family of geese--a family not unlike their own. On Christmas Eve the couple prays for a miracle that will protect them and their newborn son. Thomas Locker's glorious paintings and Keith Strand's inspiring reverie bring the Christmas spirit to life in this heartwarming story of faith and family.

About this title

About the Author:

THOMAS LOCKER has written and illustrated many award-winning books for children, including the companion titles Water Dance and Mountain Dance. He lives in Stuyvesant, New York.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 1-3-A young man and his wife move to Colorado in the spring of 1886 and build a home in a remote area half a day's wagon ride from the nearest town. Severe blizzards in November and December force them to chop down some sheltering spruce trees to heat their frigid cabin. The two discover a pair of geese taking shelter under the lone remaining spruce and they agonize over whether to cut it down. Despite their troubles, the woman gives birth to a healthy baby boy, and the family manages to survive until the next big winter storm arrives. After a night of "hoping and praying for a miracle," they awaken on Christmas morning to find a change in the weather. Although the text reads smoothly, the couple's dire circumstances are repeatedly emphasized to the point that they bog down the narrative. Locker's characteristically beautiful oil landscapes and, in the nature scenes, breathtaking use of color draw readers' attention. Strand ties up his tale with a holiday tradition that commemorates that fateful winter, which may spark children to inquire about their own family customs. For read-aloud programs, this title could be paired with Gloria Houston's The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree (Dial, 1988) for a historical approach to Christmas.-M.M.H.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0152018212
• ISBN 13: 9780152018214
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Locker Thomas