The Christmas Tugboat: How the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Came to New York City

by George Matteson, Adele Ursone, James E. Ransome (Illustrations)

Nothing says Christmas like a Christmas tree, and the Rockefeller Center tree in New York City has said it beautifully since 1931. But how does the tree get there? One year, the tugboat captain (and author) George Matteson, his wife, and their daughter traveled by tug to fetch the giant tree. This dramatic picture book tells the story of their real-life journey up the Hudson River, and James Ransome's striking paintings capture the excitement of the trip and the pride of the young girl who helped steer the tug into New York Harbor.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Childrens, Holiday, Historical Fiction, Fiction, New York

48 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2012

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the subject of the glorious Christmas tree which appears every year at Rockefeller Plaza in central Manhattan has been explored before in the pages of the picture-book - see Julie Salamon's The Christmas Tree for the story of one individual tree that was destined to fill this role, or last year's The Carpenter's Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree , which offers a fictional account of the very beginning of the tradition - this is the first full-length story I have encountered that focuses on the process of getting the tree from its upstate starting point to New York Harbor. Opening early one morning, as a young girl gets up before the dawn and accompanies her father and mother to the Brooklyn pier where they all embark on a voyage up the Hudson River, The Christmas Tugboat chronicles one family's two-day journey to fetch the tree from Stony Point and return with it to the city.

Based upon a true-life incident from the lives of co-authors (and husband-and-wife team) George Matteson and Adele Ursone, this is an engaging story of family and of holiday traditions. It connects young readers, in a concrete and non-sentimental way, with the story behind the story, and with the hard work that is necessary in order to create the magic of that big, beautiful tree. The artwork, done in acrylics by James Ransome, brings the events being chronicled vividly to life, perfectly capturing the city and country landscapes, and the beauty of the starry sky, as the girl and her father steer the tugboat together. Recommended to young readers who have enjoyed the tree at Rockefeller Plaza, and who have wondered (or not) how such an arboreal giant found its way to the crowded city.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story of a tugboat family and their journey with the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Beautiful illustrations.

[Sarah Choquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations!

[Sarah McRoskey · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Christmas Tugboat" highlights the journey that takes place to get the infamous Christmas tree to Rockefeller Center every year. Authors, Matteson and Ursone, take us through the excitement that is felt by the tugboat captain and his family as they embark on this journey. This is such a monumental item that is seen around the world. The joy and anticipation of the spectators through New York City is depicted thought the vibrant colors and images nearing the end of the book.

A major theme that is outlined in this story is that of family. We see in this story such a special experience that's shared with a young boy and his parents. Through this we really get a feel of the love and joy that is shared between them.

I gave this book a 3/5 star rating. It was a great book but was a bit too wordy for my liking. Although, it does outline an exciting story full of happiness and joy.

I enjoyed this book because I felt as if I could relate to the happiness felt within the family. It made me imagine my own family doing something like this and made me smile.

I would recommend this book but more likely to an older audience. The audience must be able to stay engaged through the content, but all in all it is an enjoyable story.

[Gina Stovall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Tugboat is a story about how the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree came to New York City. The narrator is a little girl who's dad is a New York Harbor tugboat captain. She gets the chance to go on a trip of a lifetime and go pick up the Christmas tree with her dad and mom. The story goes on to express her two day journey on the tug boat and the process of delivering the Christmas tree to the proper place. The morning of the delivery arrives and the family wakes up to get to work. As they approach George Washington Bridge, there are helicopters everywhere and a huge barge filled with people. The tree is delivered safely and the little girl is given a pine cone souvenir for all of her hard work.
The theme of this story is a holiday/Christmas time story with a historical background.
I enjoyed this book because I like learning about where something came from originally and the history of an important holiday tourist attraction.
I recommend this book because although it is a sweet story about a family, it is also interesting to read and to learn about something new. It is a good Christmastime story.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite growing up on the Ohio River I never thought about what it was like inside a tugboat. This kids book was pretty interesting for me & my 10 year old. It definitely focused more on the tug boat than the tree it was transporting.

[Susan Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, not just of the Rockefeller Christmas tree coming to NYC, but also live on a tugboat. Good for upper elementary students; too long for most younger students, most likely. (Library)

[Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neat true story of a family that has the privilege and task of delivering the Rockefeller Christmas tree one year.

[Rachel Yoder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I imagine this story adds to those about the Rockefeller tree. I liked the pictures especially.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing from personal experience really results in a better job as shown by this book written by George Matteson and Adele Ursone and illustrated by James E. Ransome. Matteson writes from his perspective as a tugboat captain in NYC about his experience of bringing the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree down to NYC from upstate by way of the Hudson River. Likewise James E. Ransome, a native of upstate NY, is very familiar with the Hudson River and NYC. Combined they created a delightful holiday book about an unusual subject. My only real disappointment with the book is that Matteson and Ursone did not include a page or two on the facts of the Rockefeller Center Christmas trees such as when the tradition began, species of trees chosen, height, number of lights etc. I did appreciate the last page which included Matteson and Ransome's personal comments on their connections to the story.

[Clare Rossetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by a tugboat captain, his wife and daughter some years after they actually did bring the Christmas tree to Rockefeller center in New York. It is told from a very personal point of pride in the tugboats and what they have accomplished on the water. It is a realistic view of the behind the scenes of what happens on a tugboat when it brings in cargo and in this case such an unusual one. The illustrations are well done. The tone is dark as it is early morning, before sunup, when the tugboat begins its mission. The colors become brighter as the day gets older, never truly bright as the whole mission is accomplished very early in the day-this truly set the mood for the hours this tugboat captain works. The little girl gets a pine cone from the tree to plant in their backyard and hopes to have a New York City Christmas tree right in her own back yard. We never know if this hapened but it would be a great story starter!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a neat story describing how one of the huge Christmas trees that grace New York City's Rockefeller Center at Christmas. Based on their own experiences, the authors describe how their family ventures out in a tugboat along the Hudson River to guide the tree to its rightful place of honor. The story highlights family love and how they notice everything along their way while the acrylic illustrations paint the city and the watery journey in eye-catching style, making the route back to NYC seem almost like a watery parade. I love books that tell little known stories, and given the size of traffic in the Big Apple, it stands to reason that the Christmas tree might have to arrive via boat. This would be a great--albeit a little long--readaloud as the holiday season draws near.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle to this book is How The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Came To New York City. I gave this book 5/5 stars. The illustrations are perfect and really help tell the story. The story itself is exciting and will keep any child entertained. At the end of the book there is a page with notes from the author and illustrator, make sure you read this page as well! I will add that the text in this book is longer than most picture books. It is a great story though and worth taking the time to read!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is one of the popular Christmas traditions in the United States. This book tells the story of the tugboat and its crew who brought the tree to New York City. It's told from the perspective of the tugboat captain's daughter and you can just hear their pride in their part in this tradition come through in the words. The illustrations are also gorgeous with the illustrator's use of color and light to show the sky from sunrise to night and show all that went into bringing the tree to NYC.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are like me, you haven't really wondered about where the Rockefeller Christmas tree comes from. This is a great story that gives readers insight into the tradition and how one family played a part in getting the tree to Rockefeller Center. With wonderful illustrations, readers travel along the Hudson with the family as they go and get the tree with their tugboat and deliver it safely to the shore just under the Manhattan Bridge.

[Donalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the authors' personal experiences picking up and delivering the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in their tugboat.

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fun to read and see how the tree was delivered to the anxiously awaiting people in New York City.

[Yoo Kyung Sung · Rating 2 out of 5]

chapter book like picture book...

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading true stories especially those written and illustrated so well you wonder how they could be real.

My full review:
http://bit.ly/UlVGGT

[Hapzydeco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told from a child's point of view, tugboat piloting is presented as both a responsibility and an adventure. A read to your child cozy.

[Beth]

How does such a Christmas tree make it to New York City? Find out with this book and discuss different boat terms.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great illustrations and a fun story for Christmas and family time together.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

too wordy for storytime

[Anna Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated! The story is fun and really sweet but the detail seems like a little much for children. Great book overall. Good way to discuss the City trees and how special they are.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting personal story about a tugboat delivering the tree to New York. Would have like a little more history and context (where did the tree come from? Why did it travel by boat?)

[Ms. Tongate, TLC Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read for NYC fans and learning how the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrives in NYC.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Attractive and appealing holiday story.