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Our Tree Named Steve
Dear Kids,
A long time ago, when you were little, Mom and I took you to where we wanted to build a house . . . . I remember there was one tree, however, that the three of you couldn't stop staring at . . . .
After the family spares him from the builders, Steve the tree quickly works his way into their lives. He holds their underwear when the dryer breaks down, he's there when Adam and Lindsay get their first crushes, he's the centerpiece at their outdoor family parties. With a surprising lack of anthropomorphizing, this is a uniquely poignant celebration of fatherhood, families, love, and change.
A long time ago, when you were little, Mom and I took you to where we wanted to build a house . . . . I remember there was one tree, however, that the three of you couldn't stop staring at . . . .
After the family spares him from the builders, Steve the tree quickly works his way into their lives. He holds their underwear when the dryer breaks down, he's there when Adam and Lindsay get their first crushes, he's the centerpiece at their outdoor family parties. With a surprising lack of anthropomorphizing, this is a uniquely poignant celebration of fatherhood, families, love, and change.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 17, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
June 17, 2014
I learned of this book from a friend who is a children's librarian. What a lovely story this is...of family, of home, of loyalty,of love, of loss. It's also well illustrated in a whimsically realistic way. Steve, the tree, becomes a member of the family and you, the reader, will live and grow with him. The book also has a place in discussions of loss for parents and children.
Recommended for adults and children
Recommended for adults and children
March 19, 2013
Oh, this is a gem of a story and it has gorgeous illustrations. If you want to read a sweet, amusing, and ultimately sort of sad but ultimately uplifting tree story, read this one and skip The Giving Tree. (Sorry to fans of that book.)
This story is about a family who saves a tree that lives on the land where they build a family house. I love how the tree gets its name, I love how the tree serves various functions as this loving family grows, and I love that this story is told via a letter by the father to his adult children who are about to return for a visit. Even though there is great sadness at the end, Steve’s final fate had me smiling.
The only quibble I had with the story was the fat joke (fat uncle in the hammock).
The illustrations I wasn’t sure about at first when I initially saw the faces, but I quickly got into the nature/tree scenes and ended up loving all the illustrations. Wonderful use of color throughout the seasons/pages! I particularly liked the tree and surrounding natural world and the dog. The page with the tree, dog, and underwear had me chuckling.
This is an incredibly lovely story and it’s suitable for ages 2 to 102, and fine for independent reading, reading aloud one to one, within families and other groups of children ages 3-8. Adults and children will equally enjoy this book so it makes it an especially fine book to share.
4 ½ stars
This story is about a family who saves a tree that lives on the land where they build a family house. I love how the tree gets its name, I love how the tree serves various functions as this loving family grows, and I love that this story is told via a letter by the father to his adult children who are about to return for a visit. Even though there is great sadness at the end, Steve’s final fate had me smiling.
The only quibble I had with the story was the fat joke (fat uncle in the hammock).
The illustrations I wasn’t sure about at first when I initially saw the faces, but I quickly got into the nature/tree scenes and ended up loving all the illustrations. Wonderful use of color throughout the seasons/pages! I particularly liked the tree and surrounding natural world and the dog. The page with the tree, dog, and underwear had me chuckling.
This is an incredibly lovely story and it’s suitable for ages 2 to 102, and fine for independent reading, reading aloud one to one, within families and other groups of children ages 3-8. Adults and children will equally enjoy this book so it makes it an especially fine book to share.
4 ½ stars
January 31, 2013
I have read this book to my daughter several times and every time I read it, I love it more. I really enjoy the artwork and the way the book is written as a letter from a father to his children. The story made me smile and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. The author did a wonderful job of telling the story of a family and their best friend, a tree named Steve. Great add to our home collection.
April 6, 2020
Using the framing device of a father's letter to his children, this sweet, goodhearted picture-book chronicles the relationship between one very special tree and the family who build their home right beside him. Unable to say "tree," the youngest child of the family christens the arboreal giant Steve, a name adopted by the entire clan, who come to love the towering tree, sparing it during the construction of their house, and making it the center of their outdoor lives once they move in. Providing everything from shelter and shade to a place to hangs hammocks and a clothesline, Steve is an integral part of the family's life, a strong and silent witness to the children growing up, until the day of a big storm...
I'm so very glad that a friend alerted me to this little gem - thanks, Crystal! - as I hadn't even heard of it before. I found myself with a bit of a lump in my throat, as I read Our Tree Named Steve, and was reminded of my own love for the two trees that stood near my childhood home - the red maple in the front yard, from which I liked to hang upside down by the knees, swinging back and forth; and the "tulip tree" in the rear, whose beautiful branches provided a fairyland of enchantment, when in bloom - and of my sorrow at having to leave them behind, when we eventually moved away. Kudos to Alan Zweibel for penning this tale of the important, and sometimes very emotional role that trees can play in our lives, and kudos also to David Catrow, who captures Steve's charm with his colorful and quirky artwork. Recommended to young tree lovers, perhaps in conjunction with Andrea Spalding's Solomon's Tree , which also examines the special relationship between a tree and a child.
I'm so very glad that a friend alerted me to this little gem - thanks, Crystal! - as I hadn't even heard of it before. I found myself with a bit of a lump in my throat, as I read Our Tree Named Steve, and was reminded of my own love for the two trees that stood near my childhood home - the red maple in the front yard, from which I liked to hang upside down by the knees, swinging back and forth; and the "tulip tree" in the rear, whose beautiful branches provided a fairyland of enchantment, when in bloom - and of my sorrow at having to leave them behind, when we eventually moved away. Kudos to Alan Zweibel for penning this tale of the important, and sometimes very emotional role that trees can play in our lives, and kudos also to David Catrow, who captures Steve's charm with his colorful and quirky artwork. Recommended to young tree lovers, perhaps in conjunction with Andrea Spalding's Solomon's Tree , which also examines the special relationship between a tree and a child.
April 24, 2008
CIP: In a letter to his children, a father recounts memories of the role of Steve, the tree in their front yard, has played in their lives.
Wow ... I was not expecting that ending and it made me misty eyed. Alan Zweibel's wonderful storyline gets across the sensitive concept of death in a very powerful way, but also in a simple way for young children to grasp. The illustrations by David Catrow lean heavily towards one color on a page and then the next page leans towards another color. Quite captivating like a rainbow. A downside for me is that I didn't get that it was a "letter" until the end. Good for Preschoolers to 2nd grade. Maybe toddlers?
Reviewed favorably in Publisher's Weekly 4/18/2005 and School Library Journal in April 2005.
Wow ... I was not expecting that ending and it made me misty eyed. Alan Zweibel's wonderful storyline gets across the sensitive concept of death in a very powerful way, but also in a simple way for young children to grasp. The illustrations by David Catrow lean heavily towards one color on a page and then the next page leans towards another color. Quite captivating like a rainbow. A downside for me is that I didn't get that it was a "letter" until the end. Good for Preschoolers to 2nd grade. Maybe toddlers?
Reviewed favorably in Publisher's Weekly 4/18/2005 and School Library Journal in April 2005.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2021
Steve, the tree, is exactly the tree every child deserves and Zweibel captures the dynamics of family through this telling. Catrow illustrations set such a warm, playful tone. Beautiful book.
Most importantly, THIS book is the antidote for The Giving Tree, my least favorite book in the world. Our Tree Named STEVE contains a much more emotionally healthy message! I wish I could magically switch those two books out in libraries everywhere. (Yeah, I get a little passionate about how horrible I think that Silverstein's book is--his Where the Sidewalk Ends , is much better.)
Most importantly, THIS book is the antidote for The Giving Tree, my least favorite book in the world. Our Tree Named STEVE contains a much more emotionally healthy message! I wish I could magically switch those two books out in libraries everywhere. (Yeah, I get a little passionate about how horrible I think that Silverstein's book is--his Where the Sidewalk Ends , is much better.)
October 19, 2015
Our Tree Named Steve is a heartwarming story about the tree outside a family’s house. It’s written in the form of a letter by a father, to his children. He reminds them of when they found the lot to build their house and the children had an immediate attraction to a tree in the front yard, so they couldn’t bear to cut it down. He reminded them about how the youngest child couldn’t say tree so she called it “Steve”. As the letter goes on, the father relives the many memories the family has shared with “Steve”, and the reader learns that the tree has been like another member of the family. The father finally writes, “Which brings me to the point of this letter. Last week, a storm hit our area…” and you can probably guess what he writes next. A story about friendship, love and loss, Our Tree Named Steve, is a thoughtful and humorous book that readers of any age will enjoy.
This book is the complete package, a captivating text paired with illustrations that are sure to keep your eyes glued to the pages. I recognized them right away! David Catrow illustrated a clever book about a boy that attempts to persuade his mother to get him a pet in, I Wanna Iguana, and these characters look very much the same. Catrow, probably an animal lover himself, even managed to draw the family dog in each two page spread of this book. His pictures fill the pages with color and add to the storyline, as emotion is shown through deliberate color choices (and the tree’s emotions are seen too, if you look very closely). A combination of paint and pencil make this story a sure hit.
I was reminded a bit of the Giving Tree as I read this tearjerker, and think it could be read in K-5 classrooms. Making connections about family memories, or how “things” can become like a member of the family would fit well with this story. Writing is also an obvious classroom application. Letter writing, narrative writing, and the use of “….” would pair well with this mentor text.
While I loved this story, I must mention this book depicts a white, suburban, middle class, nuclear family with the picture perfect house, yard and big tree in front. The book is definitely realistic fiction, but I question weather it is “contemporary realistic fiction.” Its copyright date is 2005, but it could have easily been written in the 70’s or 80’s because the gender roles in the pictures portray the father doing the yard work, girls jumping rope and mom doing the housework.
This book is the complete package, a captivating text paired with illustrations that are sure to keep your eyes glued to the pages. I recognized them right away! David Catrow illustrated a clever book about a boy that attempts to persuade his mother to get him a pet in, I Wanna Iguana, and these characters look very much the same. Catrow, probably an animal lover himself, even managed to draw the family dog in each two page spread of this book. His pictures fill the pages with color and add to the storyline, as emotion is shown through deliberate color choices (and the tree’s emotions are seen too, if you look very closely). A combination of paint and pencil make this story a sure hit.
I was reminded a bit of the Giving Tree as I read this tearjerker, and think it could be read in K-5 classrooms. Making connections about family memories, or how “things” can become like a member of the family would fit well with this story. Writing is also an obvious classroom application. Letter writing, narrative writing, and the use of “….” would pair well with this mentor text.
While I loved this story, I must mention this book depicts a white, suburban, middle class, nuclear family with the picture perfect house, yard and big tree in front. The book is definitely realistic fiction, but I question weather it is “contemporary realistic fiction.” Its copyright date is 2005, but it could have easily been written in the 70’s or 80’s because the gender roles in the pictures portray the father doing the yard work, girls jumping rope and mom doing the housework.
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January 26, 2017I first read this book after fishing it out of a bargain bin at a grocery store. I was bored and it was just a way to pass a bit of time while waiting on the person I was with as they overcomplicated choosing bags of Easter candy. Five minutes later, I was crying and I knew that I had to get this book for my children. It quickly worked its way into our bedtime routine and even our just-an-excuse-to-cuddle reads. Every single time, my voice is thick as soon as I hit the line "which brings me to the point of this letter" because no matter how many times I read this book, this part never fails to break my heart.
2016 was a hard year for everyone, but for my little family in particular, we lost two people, one of which was very unexpectedly. In a true example of certain topics being too big to handle anywhere except children's lit, it was this book which helped the wound in our hearts to clot. Because it reminded us that it's alright to be sad and we just had to remember that they'd always be with us in our hearts and in our thoughts (even if they aren't in a different tree on the other end of our yard).
2016 was a hard year for everyone, but for my little family in particular, we lost two people, one of which was very unexpectedly. In a true example of certain topics being too big to handle anywhere except children's lit, it was this book which helped the wound in our hearts to clot. Because it reminded us that it's alright to be sad and we just had to remember that they'd always be with us in our hearts and in our thoughts (even if they aren't in a different tree on the other end of our yard).
March 26, 2016
Good illustrations and good story for 1st-4th grade.
September 28, 2017
This story is a true gem. The illustrations are fantastic, but the story will just melt you. It's written as a letter from a father to his children. It tells about a beloved tree nicknamed Steve that has been cherished by this family for years.
Steve has weathered many seasons and been present for so many milestones. He has held swings, hammocks, laundry lines and been the center of their outdoor lives. At the end of the story, the dad reveals that Steve was lost during a storm. He wants to prepare his children that it will look different when they come home.
This is an incredible story about friendship, loyalty, love and loss. How certain things can feel like home and also be a part of a family. It's a gentle way to talk with young readers about loss, death and how to love our environment.
Steve has weathered many seasons and been present for so many milestones. He has held swings, hammocks, laundry lines and been the center of their outdoor lives. At the end of the story, the dad reveals that Steve was lost during a storm. He wants to prepare his children that it will look different when they come home.
This is an incredible story about friendship, loyalty, love and loss. How certain things can feel like home and also be a part of a family. It's a gentle way to talk with young readers about loss, death and how to love our environment.
November 10, 2022
I read this during one of my read aloud‘s at school as part of our tree study. My students enjoy this book and the colorful illustrations. I think the story line is a little hard to grasp for some of my four and five year olds, however, the majority of them understood the plot. I will definitely reread it again next year when we are learning about trees.
February 11, 2020
so sad 😭
May 27, 2021
Bittersweet, heartwarming, remembering a loved one - Emma
October 18, 2012
This book is so beautiful and has such a wonderful message. I originally picked it up because it has such beautiful pictures but as i turned the pages I began to realize that as the kids grow older and change, the tree changes a bit too. The leaves change and it gets to be a little older looking but I love how the tree looks almost the exact same on every page and that it is in the same spot, just like it was to their family. I love how the tree got his name too. This just goes to show that sometimes the things in your life may be special to you and your family but not necessarily to anyone else. This book is absolutely wonderful and I would love to read it during an environmental science lesson where I could teach my class all the beautiful things about trees and all the things they are good for--the book talks about many. I would recommended this book for k-2 grade kids. Great one :)
November 14, 2013
A heart-tugging letter from a father to his three children, Adam, Lindsey, and Sari, that expresses his grief over the death of their beloved tree, Steve. Steve was a loyal friend, through the seasons, through the years...but, eventually gave out. The memories shared from father to children serves as a poignant reminder of the cycle of life.
Our Tree Named Steve is wonderfully illustrated by David Catrow with expressive, evocative pictures which we can all relate to.
Our Tree Named Steve is wonderfully illustrated by David Catrow with expressive, evocative pictures which we can all relate to.
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March 16, 2012This book is amazing. That's pretty much all that needs to be said, pick it up and give it a read. My little sister read it, who passed it to my mom, who then passed it to me and now I'm sharing it with you guys.
January 14, 2010
True story. Family has a tree named Steve! Sweet.
February 4, 2013
My 3y really enjoyed this book. Cute storyline with interesting pictures. Book was recommend, thanks.
August 28, 2016
Beautiful in so many ways. The special relationship between a family and their tree. Touching, heartwarming... With a nice touch of humour.
October 4, 2016
So dear to my heart! Love this book. Much rather read this than the Giving Tree, any day. Any. Day.
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October 3, 2024Our Tree Named Steve
Our Tree Named Steve by Alan Zweibel
This is a funny story about family and the bonds of love, commitment, loyalty, and friendship that makes family special. The story follows a family with three young children in search of a special place to build their family home. When they locate the perfect spot, the parents inform the children all the trees will need to be cleared away before any building could be started. But there's one tree that has caught the attention of the three children, Adam said it looked like it was crying, and Lindsay said it looked nervous. The youngest Sara who was only two years old called it "Steve" because she couldn't say tree and began to proclaim over and over "I love you Steve". Soon Adam and Lindsay were saying it too, mom and dad got the hint and asked the builders to please leave "Steve".
Commentary:
Our Tree Named Steve by Alan Zweibel is one of my favorite children's books. I was introduced to this book twelve years ago when I was teaching preschool, the children l and loved the book and read it many times. l have since purchased my own copy. It's a very heartwarming story about how "Steve" becomes a part of the family as the children grow the family finds various uses for the tree. From the first day they moved in he was a swing, third base, hiding place, jump-rope turner, a clothesline when the dryer broke and a hammock for Uncle Chester (who was quite heavy). Steve became the center for outdoor fun like camping, barbecues, parties, even when Adam and Lindsey were older and had crushes on the kids next door. Steve was there for it all until he wasn't after a terrible Storm.
Application:
I would definitely use this book to read aloud to my classroom. I would also use in discussion about family and some of things we like to do together, do we have siblings, are they older or younger and do we have relatives close by. It's also a good book for students who may be new to the school and community, helps them remember they're not alone and who loves them. I love art and would incorporate this into drawing a family portrait, projects about nature, constructing our own tree's using a variety of materials. I think this is a book for early preschool and preschool, three- to five-year-olds.
Our Tree Named Steve by Alan Zweibel
This is a funny story about family and the bonds of love, commitment, loyalty, and friendship that makes family special. The story follows a family with three young children in search of a special place to build their family home. When they locate the perfect spot, the parents inform the children all the trees will need to be cleared away before any building could be started. But there's one tree that has caught the attention of the three children, Adam said it looked like it was crying, and Lindsay said it looked nervous. The youngest Sara who was only two years old called it "Steve" because she couldn't say tree and began to proclaim over and over "I love you Steve". Soon Adam and Lindsay were saying it too, mom and dad got the hint and asked the builders to please leave "Steve".
Commentary:
Our Tree Named Steve by Alan Zweibel is one of my favorite children's books. I was introduced to this book twelve years ago when I was teaching preschool, the children l and loved the book and read it many times. l have since purchased my own copy. It's a very heartwarming story about how "Steve" becomes a part of the family as the children grow the family finds various uses for the tree. From the first day they moved in he was a swing, third base, hiding place, jump-rope turner, a clothesline when the dryer broke and a hammock for Uncle Chester (who was quite heavy). Steve became the center for outdoor fun like camping, barbecues, parties, even when Adam and Lindsey were older and had crushes on the kids next door. Steve was there for it all until he wasn't after a terrible Storm.
Application:
I would definitely use this book to read aloud to my classroom. I would also use in discussion about family and some of things we like to do together, do we have siblings, are they older or younger and do we have relatives close by. It's also a good book for students who may be new to the school and community, helps them remember they're not alone and who loves them. I love art and would incorporate this into drawing a family portrait, projects about nature, constructing our own tree's using a variety of materials. I think this is a book for early preschool and preschool, three- to five-year-olds.
March 2, 2018
Summary: A family moves into a new home built around a tree and they name him Steve. Steve soon becomes the host for all the neighborhood BBQ's, teenage hangouts, and tire swings. During storms, Steve is the home to the family dog and protects the home from any damage. Throughout the story, Steve becomes a part of the family and is held close to their hearts. However, one day while the kids are away at grandma's house, Steve takes his final spill and no longer stands. Although, his stump remains as a place to hold the memories.
Theme: Home is where the heart is, and the heart of a home can even be a tree.
Personal Response: The plot behind this story is very whimsical and I love the idea of personifying a tree. As a child, I often climbed trees or swag in the tire swing in my own backyard. This book brought back many warm feelings and memories for me, despite is sad ending.
Recommendation: I would recommend this book for a family to read together or a parent to their children. I believe many important life lessons can be learned from this book and it is also easy to read more than once. I personally have read this story several times and enjoy it more and more every time.
Theme: Home is where the heart is, and the heart of a home can even be a tree.
Personal Response: The plot behind this story is very whimsical and I love the idea of personifying a tree. As a child, I often climbed trees or swag in the tire swing in my own backyard. This book brought back many warm feelings and memories for me, despite is sad ending.
Recommendation: I would recommend this book for a family to read together or a parent to their children. I believe many important life lessons can be learned from this book and it is also easy to read more than once. I personally have read this story several times and enjoy it more and more every time.
September 26, 2017
Steve, the center of the family's outdoor life. The tree that was spared, firmly rooted in the backyard and in each of their hearts. It has served them well, season after season as a faithful refuge. Holding their swing, hammock, and clothesline like a pro. When dad has to deliver some bad news about their faithful friend Steve, he handles it with care as he writes his children a letter to send to them while they are staying at Grandma's house.
This story is sweet, especially as you take in the soft tones of color that warm each page, pulling the reader into the story along with this charming family. This story was shared with me by one of my students and is their family's all-time favorite. I am thankful that they gave me this glimpse into their reading life and that I had the chance to enjoy it too. I feel as though this text would pair well with Katherine Applegate's latest gem, Wishtree.
Our Tree Named Steve
Alan Zweibel
This story is sweet, especially as you take in the soft tones of color that warm each page, pulling the reader into the story along with this charming family. This story was shared with me by one of my students and is their family's all-time favorite. I am thankful that they gave me this glimpse into their reading life and that I had the chance to enjoy it too. I feel as though this text would pair well with Katherine Applegate's latest gem, Wishtree.
Our Tree Named Steve
Alan ZweibelNovember 9, 2017
Our Tree Named Steve / by Alan Zweibel; illustrated by David Catrow -- New York : Puffin Books / Penguin Grouop, c2005. (32 pages) RANGE 3 -- PICTURE BOOKS
SUMMARY: In a letter to his children, a father recounts memories of the role Steve, the tree in their front yard has played in their lives.
REVIEW: I liked this book from the first time I picked it up, from the title, to the wonderful illustrations, to the amazing family memories of the beloved family tree, Steve. I also like the family dog that is included in all the activities as well and also misses the tree when it is gone.
FORMAT: The illustrations are beautiful pictures that cover a two page spread.
FURTHER FUN: have children capture memories of some object in their family life
MATCH WITH: THE GIVING TREE / by Shel Silverstein
FAVORITE PART: "Yes, there in the center of our yard, this weird-looking tree grew to become the center of our outdoor life."
SUMMARY: In a letter to his children, a father recounts memories of the role Steve, the tree in their front yard has played in their lives.
REVIEW: I liked this book from the first time I picked it up, from the title, to the wonderful illustrations, to the amazing family memories of the beloved family tree, Steve. I also like the family dog that is included in all the activities as well and also misses the tree when it is gone.
FORMAT: The illustrations are beautiful pictures that cover a two page spread.
FURTHER FUN: have children capture memories of some object in their family life
MATCH WITH: THE GIVING TREE / by Shel Silverstein
FAVORITE PART: "Yes, there in the center of our yard, this weird-looking tree grew to become the center of our outdoor life."
September 23, 2020
Looking at the cover of this book, I did not expect the ending. A family moves into a plot of land and clears out the trees to build a house. They clear all the trees except one, who they name Steve. The children in the family grow up with Steve and the book takes us through that heartwarming journey. Then when a storm hits, Steve is broken. The whole book is a letter from Dad explaining what happened and that it is going to be okay. This would be a really good book to help kids process loss. It had a really sad ending but explained that its okay to be upset about Steve because they loved him so much. I really like the illustrations in thus books, but they almost feel too playful. Maybe its because I've seen other books with the same style that are more playful.
February 2, 2021
This lovely written and illustrated book tells the story of a tree that is on a plot of land and the relationship that develops between the tree and a family. A young family buys the land to build their house on. The family decides to save the tree from being "cleared" and the youngest daughter who is two years old, calls the tree, Steve. The name stuck and the story tells about the relationship between the family and their tree, Steve. The tree grows as the family grows older until one day......the family is unable to save Steve from a storm. The story ends with Steve being reused as lumber for a treehouse.
I used this text as a read aloud to model text to self and text to world connection for students. Two weeks ago, our community had a severe windstorm in which we lost power and many trees. The students made many connections with the part of the story when the tree was lost to the storm. The book is a great mentor text for inferring. For instance, the dog, is in the illustrations but is never referred to as Kirby directly, the reader must infer the dog's name is Kirby. The end of the book also can be used for inferring. The author wrote that Steve was still in their yard, just in a different tree. There is a tree house in the backyard and students infer that the lumber is from the tree.
I used this text as a read aloud to model text to self and text to world connection for students. Two weeks ago, our community had a severe windstorm in which we lost power and many trees. The students made many connections with the part of the story when the tree was lost to the storm. The book is a great mentor text for inferring. For instance, the dog, is in the illustrations but is never referred to as Kirby directly, the reader must infer the dog's name is Kirby. The end of the book also can be used for inferring. The author wrote that Steve was still in their yard, just in a different tree. There is a tree house in the backyard and students infer that the lumber is from the tree.
April 20, 2019
Saw this book on a library display and checked it out without even reading what it was about, simply because of it's title. My husband, a man who is very much into gardening and the outdoors, is named Steve. The first time I read it was out loud, to my family while sitting at the kitchen table after having dinner. We loved it and it reminded us of the apple tree in front of our home, where we often stand for pictures. An added plus was that the illustrator dedicated the story to his wife, Deborah...my name. A book for Debbie and Steve. :-)
June 10, 2021
I found this one only ok - I think the illustration style wasn't exactly my taste. Liked the idea of showing change over time in the different ways the family used the tree over time and how it became a fixture in the house. Also it's got one of those sad but happy endings. A nice story, but as someone who loves trees it just didn't resonate with me as much as I'd hoped.
My 4 year old enjoyed it but didn't tend to choose it for bedtime, which is my usual benchmark of how much she likes something. Feels like a solid 3 overall.
My 4 year old enjoyed it but didn't tend to choose it for bedtime, which is my usual benchmark of how much she likes something. Feels like a solid 3 overall.
May 2, 2023
Why am I, a grow adult, emotional about this tree named Steve. Man. Must mean it's a good book.
Lost one star as I'm not sure I understand the ending. I read it a few times and not sure what they meant by "in another tree across rhe yard". Is it a joke that all trees are the same? Because it kind of defeats the message that Steve was a "special tree".
Either way the book ended kind of sad for a kids book. If I could have seem a sprout grow from Steve's stump of something it would have felt less sad and more bittersweet.
Lost one star as I'm not sure I understand the ending. I read it a few times and not sure what they meant by "in another tree across rhe yard". Is it a joke that all trees are the same? Because it kind of defeats the message that Steve was a "special tree".
Either way the book ended kind of sad for a kids book. If I could have seem a sprout grow from Steve's stump of something it would have felt less sad and more bittersweet.
December 4, 2017
Genre: realistic fiction
Grade:Primary
This is one of the best books i have read about a kids and there friendship with a tree. In this book the kids are nice to the tree while in other books (the giving tree) the kid ends up cutting it down for there own profit. As i read i could truly see the fondness the children have for the tree and I was a little sad when a storm killed it. I would recommend this book
Grade:Primary
This is one of the best books i have read about a kids and there friendship with a tree. In this book the kids are nice to the tree while in other books (the giving tree) the kid ends up cutting it down for there own profit. As i read i could truly see the fondness the children have for the tree and I was a little sad when a storm killed it. I would recommend this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews