The Littlest Tree

by Charles Tazewell

In a place where hope left with the arrival of soldiers a group of homeless boys becomes family for an abandoned little girl. Determined that she have her first Christmas tree Johann the oldest of the boys drags home a thin scrap of a tree. Decorated with shiny bits of broken glass and discarded foil the children hang their wishes on its weary branches-and a little girl discovers the magic and love of Christmas amidst the rubble of war

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Holiday, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1997

About the author

Charles Tazewell was the author of books for children, many of them with a Christmas theme. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and he lived in Chesterfield, New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Forest of the Nativity is in Heaven, and it contains replicas of all the Christmas trees on earth. Isadore keeps track of all the trees, and every Christmas, Jesus ("the Son") chooses the most loved tree for his Birthday tree. Solomon (from the OT) always guesses correctly ahead of time which one Jesus will pick—always except one year, during a time of war. Apparently, Solomon and others still think that Jesus made a mistake in his choice, so the narrator (using Isadore's files) is going to correct their misunderstanding. Transition to orphaned children (in Germany?) trying to survive. Sentimental.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Heavens where everything is recorded – each year a tree is picked for the Son’s birthday. Usually Simeon – the wisest prophet of all is correct in picking out the Winner, except for one year! The tree that was picked looked even worse than a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree but, to the littlest person that it brought a child kiss and tear to is the one that was picked! A lovely story beautifully written wonderfully illustrated – made me cry also!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but very sad according to my 6-year-old.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet little gem from Mr. Tazewell.

[Tanya Wadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book with a good message. If there was a different rating system, I would probably give this one 3 1/2.

[Joanne G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The eyes of childhood see beauty in what appears insignificant to adults.

[Dulcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word, this was beautiful! Turned me into Niagara Falls!

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Charles Tazewell story and , maybe, my favorite Christmas story.
Age Range: 4 and up