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Pine and the Winter Sparrow
Have you ever wondered why pine trees stay green all winter long and don't lose their leaves like other trees? According to an ancient legend attributed to the Cherokee Indians, it was a simple act of kindness towards an injured little bird that earned pine trees this very honor. Retold by award-winning author Alexis York Lumbard, this story invites readers to experience a world where trees and birds speak and interact with each other, and which shows us that no act of kindness and sharing goes unrewarded. Featuring beautiful paintings by multiple award-winning illustrator Beatriz Vidal, you will never look at pine trees in the same way again!
28 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 2, 2024
Sparrow With A Broken Wing
No good deed goes unpunished according to the cynics. But this lovely book children's book, "Pine and the Winter Sparrow", sets the matter right by showing that acts of charity and kindness receive their due reward. The book is a retelling of an Indian legend by author Alexis York Lumbard, with pastel illustrations by Beatriz Vidal. Robert Lewis, a Cherokee, Navajo, and Apache storyteller, wrote a Foreword.
Set in a wintry forest of long ago, the little story tells of Sparrow who injured his wing and seeks refuge in a tree while his family flies South. The trees give Sparrow a chilly reception with the exception of Pine who welcomes Sparrow with the words: "If you don't mind my sticky branches and my needle-sharp leaves, then all that I am and all that I have is yours." The Creator later rewards Pine for his generosity by allowing him, alone of the trees in the forest, to keep his leaves through the Winter.
The story is simply told with beautiful illustrations of the birds and of the snow-covered forest. The little book is particularly appropriate for a cold snowy day. Children between four and eight are the intended audience for the book but the book will inspire their elders as well. As Robert Lewis points out, telling a story turns a "timeless tale into a living, breathing experience for an audience." This little book may inspire its readers to, in Lewis' words, "become your own storyteller".
The publisher of this book Wisdom Tales, kindly sent me a review copy. Wisdom Tales publishes books for children with broad-based religious, spiritual and ethical themes, including "Everyone Prays: Celebrating Faith Around the World" an earlier much-praised book by author Alexis York Lumbard.
Robin Friedman
No good deed goes unpunished according to the cynics. But this lovely book children's book, "Pine and the Winter Sparrow", sets the matter right by showing that acts of charity and kindness receive their due reward. The book is a retelling of an Indian legend by author Alexis York Lumbard, with pastel illustrations by Beatriz Vidal. Robert Lewis, a Cherokee, Navajo, and Apache storyteller, wrote a Foreword.
Set in a wintry forest of long ago, the little story tells of Sparrow who injured his wing and seeks refuge in a tree while his family flies South. The trees give Sparrow a chilly reception with the exception of Pine who welcomes Sparrow with the words: "If you don't mind my sticky branches and my needle-sharp leaves, then all that I am and all that I have is yours." The Creator later rewards Pine for his generosity by allowing him, alone of the trees in the forest, to keep his leaves through the Winter.
The story is simply told with beautiful illustrations of the birds and of the snow-covered forest. The little book is particularly appropriate for a cold snowy day. Children between four and eight are the intended audience for the book but the book will inspire their elders as well. As Robert Lewis points out, telling a story turns a "timeless tale into a living, breathing experience for an audience." This little book may inspire its readers to, in Lewis' words, "become your own storyteller".
The publisher of this book Wisdom Tales, kindly sent me a review copy. Wisdom Tales publishes books for children with broad-based religious, spiritual and ethical themes, including "Everyone Prays: Celebrating Faith Around the World" an earlier much-praised book by author Alexis York Lumbard.
Robin Friedman
February 11, 2015
This is such a sweet, sweet story. My children adored this book. There aren't many books that teach such powerful lessons to kids, but this one does. The artwork is superb and the message is clear. Two thumbs up!
**ARC graciously provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
July 14, 2015
A touching retelling of an ancient native American fable, this delightful story will appeal to children and parents alike.
With themes of nature, compassion, generosity and spirituality, the simple story has hidden depths.
The charming illustrations provide an added benefit of introducing the different trees which are distinguishable by their leaves.
With themes of nature, compassion, generosity and spirituality, the simple story has hidden depths.
The charming illustrations provide an added benefit of introducing the different trees which are distinguishable by their leaves.
March 12, 2016
Alexis York Lumbard retells an old Native American legend in Pine and Winter Sparrow. Sparrow is hurt and cannot fly off with his family for the winter. He tries to find shelter in an oak tree, a maple tree, an elm tree, an aspen tree, but all of these trees send him on his way with a cruel reproach. It is Pine who reaches out to Sparrow and offers him refuge. "If you don't mind my sticky branches and needle-sharp leaves, then all that I am and all that I have is yours." The Creator notes, "Those of you who have so much shared nothing. But the one who had so little shared everything." To reward Pine for his kindness to Sparrow, the Creator makes Pine evergreen. Oh my. I loved this little story of the willingness of a flawed creature to give despite its flaws. And with trees as main characters.
January 30, 2015
An ancient tale where birds and trees speak to each other, a modern retelling that invites child and parent to see how kindness helps, and a fable that children of all religions and faiths can enjoy together, Pine and the Winter Sparrow is a beautiful picture book for age four to a hundred and four.
A well-penned note at the end of this satisfying book explains how the story is inspired by old-time storytellers and a love of nature. For parents, this end-note may be half the fun of the book, learning where such magical tales come from. But for children it’s the story that counts, and in this tale, “Each morning Sparrow greeting the Creator with a joyful song” makes for a beautiful first page.
All is well until winter approaches, when the broken-winged bird can’t fly away. Instead he asks the trees to shelter him. Gorgeous pastel pictures reveal the different leaves and shades of the forest, inviting readers to investigate their own neighborhood. But in the end it’s the pine who offers unexpected nurture, beautifully rewarded.
Lovingly illustrated, simply and smoothly told with lyrical language and sentences easily read, this is a great book for a child to grow older with, and it’s highly recommended.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to be given a free copy by the publisher and I offer my honest review.
A well-penned note at the end of this satisfying book explains how the story is inspired by old-time storytellers and a love of nature. For parents, this end-note may be half the fun of the book, learning where such magical tales come from. But for children it’s the story that counts, and in this tale, “Each morning Sparrow greeting the Creator with a joyful song” makes for a beautiful first page.
All is well until winter approaches, when the broken-winged bird can’t fly away. Instead he asks the trees to shelter him. Gorgeous pastel pictures reveal the different leaves and shades of the forest, inviting readers to investigate their own neighborhood. But in the end it’s the pine who offers unexpected nurture, beautifully rewarded.
Lovingly illustrated, simply and smoothly told with lyrical language and sentences easily read, this is a great book for a child to grow older with, and it’s highly recommended.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to be given a free copy by the publisher and I offer my honest review.
February 20, 2015
'Read Now' on NetGalley here - https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/sho...
(Source: I was able to view a digital galley of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Wisdom Tales and NetGalley.)
This was a sweet little story about a bird who couldn't fly south because of an injured wing, who then asked different trees in the forest for a place to live over winter.
This came across as a bit of a 'good samaritan' type story to me, where lots of trees didn't want to help the poor sparrow, all except the one who did.
(Source: I was able to view a digital galley of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Wisdom Tales and NetGalley.)
This was a sweet little story about a bird who couldn't fly south because of an injured wing, who then asked different trees in the forest for a place to live over winter.
This came across as a bit of a 'good samaritan' type story to me, where lots of trees didn't want to help the poor sparrow, all except the one who did.
April 19, 2015
This pourquoi tale has been a favorite of mine for years. I always loved hearing storytellers share it with children and I told it during library storytimes myself. I was delighted to see this folktale finally appear in picture book form. The telling is just right for preschool children and the illustrations are lovely. The foreword by Robert Lewis provides a beautiful mood for entering the book. Altogether charming!
May 19, 2015
I love Native American stories and Alexis York Lumbard has done a wonderful job retelling the story of why Pine trees stay green all year in her children's book, Pine and the Winter Sparrow.
Although little Sparrow is injured, he remains positive and continues to sing his happy song daily as a tribute to the Creator. Because of his injury, Sparrow cannot fly south to warmer weather like his fellow birds, so he's left behind to find his own shelter from the cold and snowy winter.
As Sparrow goes from tree to tree - Oak, Maple, Elm, etc. - he's rudely rejected by each of them. Finally, Pine gives Sparrow the shelter he needs to get through the winter. Sparrow is so securely nestled within Pine's boughs; he's fully healed by the time his friends and family return in spring. When the Creator hears how Pine allowed Sparrow to take shelter in his branches, and how rude the other trees were, he declares that from then on only Pine will remain green throughout the year.
I loved this book. The pictures are charming, colorful and are sure to capture the attention of children. Pine and the Winter Sparrow would be a wonderful book to share at nap time, circle time, bedtime or during reading time at the library. Teachers, parents, grandparents and caregivers should definitely include this book in their book collection.
http://ebookreviewgal.com received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Although little Sparrow is injured, he remains positive and continues to sing his happy song daily as a tribute to the Creator. Because of his injury, Sparrow cannot fly south to warmer weather like his fellow birds, so he's left behind to find his own shelter from the cold and snowy winter.
As Sparrow goes from tree to tree - Oak, Maple, Elm, etc. - he's rudely rejected by each of them. Finally, Pine gives Sparrow the shelter he needs to get through the winter. Sparrow is so securely nestled within Pine's boughs; he's fully healed by the time his friends and family return in spring. When the Creator hears how Pine allowed Sparrow to take shelter in his branches, and how rude the other trees were, he declares that from then on only Pine will remain green throughout the year.
I loved this book. The pictures are charming, colorful and are sure to capture the attention of children. Pine and the Winter Sparrow would be a wonderful book to share at nap time, circle time, bedtime or during reading time at the library. Teachers, parents, grandparents and caregivers should definitely include this book in their book collection.
http://ebookreviewgal.com received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2015
I picked this one up from *Netgalley. I thought it would be nice to read a "winter" book in the summer. You know give the illusion of coolness...or Christmas in July kinda of thing.
The book is about a sparrow who has injured his wing. He cannot migrate with the rest of his family so he tries to find a place to live through the winter. He approaches tree after tree but they all turn him away. Pine is the only one that accepts him. That is why pines stay green all winter long.
Ok so I hate having to be so honest but this book really was not for me. Normally I love retellings of different stories from different cultures. Hence why I do Thursday's Tales with CarolsNotebook. There was just something very off putting about this. It read more like Christian Children's Fiction than it did of a native american story.
That being said the illustrations were great. I loved how the pine tree needles almost looked like feathers. It was pretty to look at.
As for my son...well I think he picked up on my squirming during this book and I think his reaction to it was affected by my reaction to it. So I'm having a hard time gauging what this one is actually rated at.
I'm going to go with a middle of the road 3 out of 5 stars.
*I received a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion
**This book was read with my special needs son who is severely learning disabled. The review reflects not only my opinion but his as well
The book is about a sparrow who has injured his wing. He cannot migrate with the rest of his family so he tries to find a place to live through the winter. He approaches tree after tree but they all turn him away. Pine is the only one that accepts him. That is why pines stay green all winter long.
Ok so I hate having to be so honest but this book really was not for me. Normally I love retellings of different stories from different cultures. Hence why I do Thursday's Tales with CarolsNotebook. There was just something very off putting about this. It read more like Christian Children's Fiction than it did of a native american story.
That being said the illustrations were great. I loved how the pine tree needles almost looked like feathers. It was pretty to look at.
As for my son...well I think he picked up on my squirming during this book and I think his reaction to it was affected by my reaction to it. So I'm having a hard time gauging what this one is actually rated at.
I'm going to go with a middle of the road 3 out of 5 stars.
*I received a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion
**This book was read with my special needs son who is severely learning disabled. The review reflects not only my opinion but his as well
July 5, 2015
What a wonderful story with a great lesson. Alexis York Lumbard retells an old Native American legend in Pine and Winter Sparrow. Sparrow is hurt and cannot fly off with his family for the winter. He tries to find shelter in an oak tree, a maple tree, an elm tree, an aspen tree, but all of these trees send him on his way without so much as a rest. It is Pine who reaches out to Sparrow and offers him refuge. "If you don't mind my sticky branches and needle-sharp leaves, then all that I am and all that I have is yours." The Creator notes, "Those of you who have so much shared nothing. But the one who had so little shared everything." To reward Pine for his kindness to Sparrow, the Creator makes Pine green all year round. Beautiful illustrations round out this wonderful story.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2015
When I started to read Pine and Winter Sparrow, I had expected it to be much like other children's stories, but I quickly discovered this book is quite unique.
It is a beautifully illustrated book and retells a story that was discovered by the author in a collection of Native American stories.
In retelling the story ,it has become a story for today, but is written from the wisdom of long ago, honoring the belief that all things created are sacred.
This truly is a story for all generations, and the beauty of the story will not be lost, but live on in the hearts of the reader.
I loved this book and will reread it often with the children in my life.
I received this book from the author through Good reads First Reads in exchange for my honest opinion.
It is a beautifully illustrated book and retells a story that was discovered by the author in a collection of Native American stories.
In retelling the story ,it has become a story for today, but is written from the wisdom of long ago, honoring the belief that all things created are sacred.
This truly is a story for all generations, and the beauty of the story will not be lost, but live on in the hearts of the reader.
I loved this book and will reread it often with the children in my life.
I received this book from the author through Good reads First Reads in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 25, 2015
Lovely children's story based on Native American folklore
Wisdom Tales has published another of their quality children's books.
PINE AND THE WINTER SPARROW is a lovely story about kindness and also the legend about why pine trees keep their needles during the winter and other trees don't.
The story is simple and appropriate for ages 4 and on up. The illustrations are lovely with muted colors and fit with the story.
I will definitely be reading and showing this to my twin grandbabies when they are a little older.
NOTE: I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Wisdom Tales has published another of their quality children's books.
PINE AND THE WINTER SPARROW is a lovely story about kindness and also the legend about why pine trees keep their needles during the winter and other trees don't.
The story is simple and appropriate for ages 4 and on up. The illustrations are lovely with muted colors and fit with the story.
I will definitely be reading and showing this to my twin grandbabies when they are a little older.
NOTE: I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 11, 2015
A lovely little story about how the pine tree remains green told from a traditional folklore tale. The book is beautifully illustrated and it would be suitable for all young children, the book has a range of 4-7 years of age but I think that the sparrow would draw in younger children too and the book has a valuable lesson they could learn and pictures sometimes tell it in the best way. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the publishers via NetGalley.
April 4, 2015
This is a great story that explains why pine trees are the only trees to stay green during the winter. I also thought that is why we use pine trees for Christmas trees. I also think that this story has a great moral of helping others, especially those that are less fortunate then you are, The pictures were really pretty and I enjoyed the changing seasons. This is a great book for kids! I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review via Wisdom Tales, however all opinions are my own.
April 5, 2021
Book Title: Pine and the Winter Sparrow
Author: Alexis (Rabiah) York Lumbard
Illustrator: Beatriz Vidal
Reading Level: 2.9
Book Level: Pre K-3
Book Summary: Sparrow has hurt his wing and can't fly south for the winter. He asks each type of tree for help and only Pine offers him shelter.
Bookshelf Genre: Traditional
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Trait: Word Choice
This lovely tale explains why the pine tree is the only tree to stay vibrant green in the winter while the others lose their leaves; Pine was the only tree who stepped up to care for Sparrow. As Sparrow goes from tree to tree, the author uses vivid verbs to describe Sparrow's growing defeat. Sparrow "skipped" to Maple, then "hopped" to Elm. Sparrow next "hobbled" until finally he "wept". Using strong verbs gives readers the precise feeling of the character. In the classroom, I would ask students to examine their creative writing stories and look at verbs, choosing more colorful, descriptive verbs to better convey the true intent of their words.
Author: Alexis (Rabiah) York Lumbard
Illustrator: Beatriz Vidal
Reading Level: 2.9
Book Level: Pre K-3
Book Summary: Sparrow has hurt his wing and can't fly south for the winter. He asks each type of tree for help and only Pine offers him shelter.
Bookshelf Genre: Traditional
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Trait: Word Choice
This lovely tale explains why the pine tree is the only tree to stay vibrant green in the winter while the others lose their leaves; Pine was the only tree who stepped up to care for Sparrow. As Sparrow goes from tree to tree, the author uses vivid verbs to describe Sparrow's growing defeat. Sparrow "skipped" to Maple, then "hopped" to Elm. Sparrow next "hobbled" until finally he "wept". Using strong verbs gives readers the precise feeling of the character. In the classroom, I would ask students to examine their creative writing stories and look at verbs, choosing more colorful, descriptive verbs to better convey the true intent of their words.
November 25, 2019
Great for younger kids about kindness,changes, and multicultural
January 20, 2022
Beautiful fable. Made my Story Time kids and parents cry tears of joy.
July 2, 2015
Alexis York Lumbard retells a Native American story explaining why the trees lose their leaves. In the story, Sparrow’s wing is hurt, and he cannot migrate south for the winter. Sparrow attempts to seek shelter from the trees, but the pine is the only tree to welcome him. For this reason, the Creator causes all of the other trees to lose their leaves in winter. Although Lumbard is not Native American, a foreward by Native American storyteller Robert Lewis gives reliability to her retelling. An author’s note is included as well. Students may not self-select this book, but once they are introduced to it, they will enjoy it. Introduce the book during lessons on kindness, seasons, and folklore.
Curriculum Connections: McGraw Hill Wonders Connections: Kindergarten: Unit 6, Week 1, How are seasons different?, Unit 9, Week 2, What do good citizens do?; Grade 1: Unit 3, Week 3, What is a folktale? Grade 2: Unit 2, Week 2, What can animals in stories teach us?, Unit 4, Week 4, How can we understand Nature?, Unit 5, Weeks 1, What do good citizens do?, Unit 6, Weeks 1, What do myths help us understand? (Plant Myths and Facts) Grade 3: Unit 1, Week 1, What can stories teach you?, Unit 3, Week 4, What ideas can we get from nature?, Unit 5, Week 4, What do good citizens do? Grade 4: Unit 1, Week 2, How do your actions affect others?, Unit 2, What can animals teach us?, Grade 5: Unit 4, Week 1, What kinds of stories do we tell? Why do we tell them?, Unit 6, Weeks 2, What actions can we take to get along with others?
Curriculum Connections: McGraw Hill Wonders Connections: Kindergarten: Unit 6, Week 1, How are seasons different?, Unit 9, Week 2, What do good citizens do?; Grade 1: Unit 3, Week 3, What is a folktale? Grade 2: Unit 2, Week 2, What can animals in stories teach us?, Unit 4, Week 4, How can we understand Nature?, Unit 5, Weeks 1, What do good citizens do?, Unit 6, Weeks 1, What do myths help us understand? (Plant Myths and Facts) Grade 3: Unit 1, Week 1, What can stories teach you?, Unit 3, Week 4, What ideas can we get from nature?, Unit 5, Week 4, What do good citizens do? Grade 4: Unit 1, Week 2, How do your actions affect others?, Unit 2, What can animals teach us?, Grade 5: Unit 4, Week 1, What kinds of stories do we tell? Why do we tell them?, Unit 6, Weeks 2, What actions can we take to get along with others?
February 28, 2015
**Read e-ARC for free through NetGalley's Read Now option. No compensation was provided for this review.**
This was a sweet fable about an injured sparrow seeking shelter for the winter. He asks each of the trees in turn, but only one agrees to help him. The simple writing and soft illustrations would appeal to young children and the story has a great message. It encourages compassion and generosity. However, it leaves open the obvious question of why pines are not the only evergreens. That may leave some children and parents frustrated.
Find more of my reviews at Read. Run. Study.
This was a sweet fable about an injured sparrow seeking shelter for the winter. He asks each of the trees in turn, but only one agrees to help him. The simple writing and soft illustrations would appeal to young children and the story has a great message. It encourages compassion and generosity. However, it leaves open the obvious question of why pines are not the only evergreens. That may leave some children and parents frustrated.
Find more of my reviews at Read. Run. Study.
February 21, 2015
There are many legends explaining why pine trees retain their greenery during the winter months, and this one, attributed to the Cherokees, is satisfying since it also teaches compassion. Because of an injured wing, Sparrow cannot migrate with his family as the air turns colder. He asks all the different trees for shelter, but all of them turn him down except for Pine. The Creator rewards the tree for its generosity to the bird, and proclaims that the pine will remain evergreen. Filled with soft, lovely illustrations, the book is a good example of kindness to others in need, and makes an appealing read aloud.
November 26, 2015
How Pine Became Ever Green
This is a gorgeously illustrated timeless tale that teaches compassion and empathy as well as sympathy and sacrifice. I LOVE the Wisdom Tales Series as it is a dun and beautiful way to teach your children about myths and legends as well as other cultures! Not to mention all the prodding to make proper and correct choices :) This book was amazing and I can't wait to share it with my children!
***This book is suitable for all ages but is written at a grade school level. As with all Wisdom Tales I believe it is best when shared :)
This is a gorgeously illustrated timeless tale that teaches compassion and empathy as well as sympathy and sacrifice. I LOVE the Wisdom Tales Series as it is a dun and beautiful way to teach your children about myths and legends as well as other cultures! Not to mention all the prodding to make proper and correct choices :) This book was amazing and I can't wait to share it with my children!
***This book is suitable for all ages but is written at a grade school level. As with all Wisdom Tales I believe it is best when shared :)
May 10, 2015
A fable about why some trees shed their leaves an others do not.
The story is very sweet. A sparrow has broken its wing and can not fly south for the winter. He tried to find shelter, and eventually does within a pine tree's branches.
This story has a great massage about acceptance, helping others, and being rewarded for those actions.
It does refer to the Creator, so the story may not be for everyone.
The illustrations are beautiful.
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is very sweet. A sparrow has broken its wing and can not fly south for the winter. He tried to find shelter, and eventually does within a pine tree's branches.
This story has a great massage about acceptance, helping others, and being rewarded for those actions.
It does refer to the Creator, so the story may not be for everyone.
The illustrations are beautiful.
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2015
Beautiful, double page spread illustrations and a simple retelling of an old Cherokee folk tale this is a sweet tale that teaches the value of kindness. My only complaint is the short nature of the book, but it's about average if you think of it as a picture book - not a book for children a little older (which is what I expected).
I received a complimentary ebook in exchange for my honest review.
I received a complimentary ebook in exchange for my honest review.
December 8, 2015
A beautifully illustrated picture book, with a wonderful tale. Very enjoyable to read to a young child.
June 30, 2020
After reading this, I want to learn it so I can story-tell it. Love the story; the illustrations are ok.
April 18, 2015
It was okay. Definitely not a NF book (however that's where it's marked at my library). I'd call it an optional purchase.
May 27, 2015
Cute story about why a pine tree is green all year.
November 13, 2015
A lovely retelling of the Native American story of why the pine tree gets to stay green all year long. I wasn't overly fond of the illustrations but the story is great.
January 29, 2016
A very simple very sweet book that lets you into the secret of why pine trees don't loose their needles in winter when most other trees loose their leaves. Lovely pictures.
April 14, 2016
Charming tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews