The Tale of Three Trees : A Traditional Folktale

by Angela Elwell Hunt, Tim Jonke (Illustrator)

Once upon a mountaintop, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up. Each of their dreams come true in an unexpected way in this lovely retelling of an old

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Childrens, Christian, Fiction, Religion, Christian Fiction

14 pages, Board book

First published September 1, 1989

About the author

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.

Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.

Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.

Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.

Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.

In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.

Reviews

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated picture book depicting the story of three trees and how they each played a role in Jesus's life.

[Brian Yahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy balls is there a good message in this clever, twist-filled fable. Although it's rife with religious overtones, it isn't preachy.

Must read!

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in a Christian home, and was baptized into the faith well over a decade and a half ago; how am I just now hearing this story?

I do remember seeing this book advertised years ago, and kind of figured what the three trees would end up becoming, given that I saw it in a Christian catalog. (CBD, maybe? I'm not sure.)

Still, it's a touching story, and beautifully illustrated. Now, I can say that I've read it!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story. I cried, which always puzzles my boys.

[Shanna Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a folktale about three trees who grow together on a hillside. Each voices a dream: one wants to become a treasure chest, one wishes to be a strong sailing ship, and the last wishes "to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me they will raise their eyes to heaven and think of God." When three woodcutters climb their hill, the first two trees believe they are about to fulfill their dreams, while the third is dismayed. But all three dreams will have a surprising fulfillment: The first tree becomes a manger for animals, which one day receives Jesus, "the greatest treasure of the world." The second becomes a dirty fishing vessel, which carries Jesus as he hushes the wind and waves with his voice. The third becomes the Cross upon which Jesus is crucified -- so "every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God."

This lovely tale illustrates the truth that although God's decisions regarding the lives of His creations may seem inscrutable, He is always working for good purposes (Romans 8:28). In having the trees as protagonists, the story also expresses that the creation, although marked by humanity's fallenness (Romans 8:19-21), yet expresses His design and purpose to glorify Himself (Revelation 4:11; Luke 19:40).

While the book does not present the full story of Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection to restore humanity to God (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Peter 3:18), it is an excellent complement to the story. This would make a good addition both to your Christmas and Easter reading basket.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

God has a plan!! I came across this at a free book table during a children's event and picked it up for my girls. I had no idea what it was about, but it was one of the only age appropriate books I could find. So theres that... We read it the next day and I really enjoyed it. I wasn't expecting the Christian theme at all, but I loved the message, and how each tree fulfilled its dream in a way that helped Jesus. It brought up some good talking points with my girlies, both about how the trees got what they wanted in ways that were not expected, and about different aspects of the story of Jesus Christ. Good find :-)

[Chantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great short story before Christmas! I couldn't keep my eyes from the drawings and how the story would end. Great story also for kids.

[Haley S · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite children's books!

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless Christmas tree that want to matter, to hold the greatest treasure; reach the highest point; and carry on...

As often happens in life, they accomplish their goals by first being humbled, even destroyed. Dying to self in order to truly live.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those children's books that many adults love, but kids don't like. It's not very well written, and reads like a cheesy Christian e-mail forward. The trees have thoughts and feelings, even when they are cut down and sawed into boards. That's really weird when you think about it.

[Carlie Hoekstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my niece & I think I enjoyed it just as much (or more😉) as she did. What a sweet little story with a powerful message.

[Shawn Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally add or review children’s books, but I love this one so much I must. Excellent.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christianity-themed book about serving your greater purpose with grace.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of three trees and their wishes and how the reality of what they became was much more than they ever could’ve thought possible. An old folktale with beautiful illustrations.

[Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty. Burst into tears the first time I read it.

[Ashely Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had totally forgotten about this book & came across it at Lifeway tonight while I was looking for a baby dedication gift. It is such a sweet book and I cried reading it. Sometimes we may not be where we think we should but God has a greater plan for us .... Just like he did for the three trees. Now, I have to go buy a copy for every child I know!

[drowningmermaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember really liking this one in my evangelical days.

[Nina Post · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable book.
The illustrations are beautiful and superb!
This story about the wishes of three trees
On a hilltop and what they dream to be.
I purchased it at a used bookstore on the recommendation
Of a young mother there.
This book is outstanding with a religious story but not at all
What I had expected.
I will be purchasing more for gifts going to children.

[Teresa Creek · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful Easter telling of an old anonymous folktale of three trees and their wishes for what they will become when they grow up. One to be a grand chest to hold wonderful treasures, one a grand and sturdy ship and the last to grow tall and point to the heavens to remind everyone of God….. a must read to know the wonderful ending.

[Liternerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written for a children’s book. It really makes you look at perspective and is a great reminder of the magnificence of God. Can’t highly recommend this enough to read to kids and for yourself! So glad a friend lent it to me at work.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amusing that I had to add children's books that I've read this year to reach my reading goal.

Nonetheless, this is a wonderful story. It is simple enough for children to understand and enjoy, but its message is timeless.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book ! It’s one of my all time favorites to read at Christmas time but I can’t get through it without crying... ever!

[Reeds]

You could read this anytime, but it'd have special significance around Easter, Christmas, or a boat trip.

[Bertha Ivins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie read this book to me, she said it is her favorite book. I really enjoyed this book it has a very meaningful message, and I really loved having Sadie read it for me.

[aryssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book with my preschoolers. Its message is simple, yet reassuring. That God honors and amplifies our dreams in the great narrative God is unfolding. That’s nice news!

[Malory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations. Beautiful story. Will keep in our Christmas rotation.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

cried

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son picked this off the shelf this morning because he saw men with axes on the cover. We both enjoyed this retelling of this Christian folktale.

[Lacey Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This folktale is so sweet and such a beautiful reminder of how God makes each of us beautiful in ways that far exceed our own dreams and imaginations.

[alina reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

short little folktale but a great one at that. i loved the message and the illustrations were so pretty. highly recommend this little book!