Grandfather's Christmas Tree

by Keith Strand, Thomas Locker (Illustrator)

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.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 7, 1999

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice book to read during week 1 of Advent, the theme of Hope.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Locker's illustrations drew me this book...and the story, though long-ish for a picture book, is simple. It tells how a family tradition (placing a hand-carved set of geese into the boughs of their huge outdoor spruce) of this Colorado family began. It's not about Christmas, or gifts, it's about survival and family love.

[Michelle Fournier · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023. Christmas books. A beautiful story about family traditions and stories and life on the Colorado frontier. This was really good and Thomas Locker’s illustrations are always beautiful.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve read this book other years, but this book captivated my kids differently this year. I found it strangely relatable to the isolation and hardships of 2020 and the hope we have for the future. Our family is there for us through it all. And of course, the illustrations are perfection!

[Carly Hales · Rating 4 out of 5]

We loved the pictures and words and how they pulled us right in. A great story of pioneers surviving in a blizzard and the geese they come to love surviving right alongside them. Not super Christmas-y but still a lovely winter story.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet
12/13/20 Read with Julia

[Bethany Abraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story about hardship and perseverance during a hard winter.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A family story of Christmas past in Colorado, this book communicates the importance of family and wonder in simple times. Perhaps for that reason, I found the book a bit repetitive and similar to many other books of the same variety. The soft simple realistic illustrations continue that theme. Overall, I would say this is a book to borrow not one to buy.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story caught my eye as I was reshelving books at the school library. I appreciated the Colorado tie as well as the moving illustrations and tender story. It caused me to treasure simplicity, the enduring love of family and meaningful traditions. A good one to reread each holiday season.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of hope and shared kindness.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute tale! Set in Colorado in the late 1800's.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for Children in Colorado. Very much Little House on the Prairie in story.