What do you think?
Rate this book
Red and Lulu
Separation and miles cannot keep a determined cardinal from his loved one in an ode to serendipity and belief that is destined to be a new Christmas classic.
Red and Lulu make their nest in a particularly beautiful evergreen tree. It shades them in the hot months and keeps them cozy in the cold months, and once a year the people who live nearby string lights on their tree and sing a special song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree. But one day, something unthinkable happens, and Red and Lulu are separated. It will take a miracle for them to find each another again. Luckily, it's just the season for miracles. . . . From Matt Tavares comes a heart-tugging story combining the cheer of Christmas, the magic of New York City, and the real meaning of the holiday season: how important it is to be surrounded by love.
Red and Lulu make their nest in a particularly beautiful evergreen tree. It shades them in the hot months and keeps them cozy in the cold months, and once a year the people who live nearby string lights on their tree and sing a special song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree. But one day, something unthinkable happens, and Red and Lulu are separated. It will take a miracle for them to find each another again. Luckily, it's just the season for miracles. . . . From Matt Tavares comes a heart-tugging story combining the cheer of Christmas, the magic of New York City, and the real meaning of the holiday season: how important it is to be surrounded by love.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2017
5 people are currently reading
789 people want to read
About the author
Matt Tavares
37 books143 followersMatt Tavares was born in Boston, and grew up surrounded by books and reading. From the time he was very young, his mother read to him every night, and his family made countless trips to the public library. Years later, as a studio art major at Bates College, he rediscovered his love for picture books, and decided to try to make his own.
For his senior thesis project, Matt wrote and illustrated a story called Sebastian's Ball, which eventually became Zachary's Ball, Matt's first published picture book. Zachary's Ball went on to win a Massachusetts Book Award Honor, and was named one of Yankee Magazine's 40 Classic New England Children's Books.
Since then, Matt has published eighteen more books and has won several awards, including three Parents' Choice Gold Awards, an Orbis Pictus Honor, and two ALA Notable books. His artwork has been exhibited at the Museum of American Illustration, the Brandywine River Museum, and the Mazza Museum of Picture Book Art.
When Matt's not working in his studio on his latest book project, he travels the country speaking (and drawing) at schools, libraries, conferences, and bookstores. He has presented at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Eric Carle Museum, the White House Easter Egg Roll, and he's even done a few book signings at Fenway Park.
Matt lives in Maine with his wife, Sarah, and their two daughters.
For his senior thesis project, Matt wrote and illustrated a story called Sebastian's Ball, which eventually became Zachary's Ball, Matt's first published picture book. Zachary's Ball went on to win a Massachusetts Book Award Honor, and was named one of Yankee Magazine's 40 Classic New England Children's Books.
Since then, Matt has published eighteen more books and has won several awards, including three Parents' Choice Gold Awards, an Orbis Pictus Honor, and two ALA Notable books. His artwork has been exhibited at the Museum of American Illustration, the Brandywine River Museum, and the Mazza Museum of Picture Book Art.
When Matt's not working in his studio on his latest book project, he travels the country speaking (and drawing) at schools, libraries, conferences, and bookstores. He has presented at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Eric Carle Museum, the White House Easter Egg Roll, and he's even done a few book signings at Fenway Park.
Matt lives in Maine with his wife, Sarah, and their two daughters.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
February 25, 2020
My youngest daughter and I have read this book multiple times since last year and we never tire of it.
Red and Lulu, a male and female cardinal, live in a beautiful evergreen tree where it's perfect and safe year round; they love it and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. One day while Red is off looking for food, the tree is taken down and sent away on a truck with Lulu still inside. As Red flies after the tree, he wonders if he'll ever see Lulu again.
The story is captivating and the illustrations are stunning. I love the theme, but perhaps my favorite part of the book are the educational notes in the back. It's a story for all. Simply lovely...
5*****
Red and Lulu, a male and female cardinal, live in a beautiful evergreen tree where it's perfect and safe year round; they love it and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. One day while Red is off looking for food, the tree is taken down and sent away on a truck with Lulu still inside. As Red flies after the tree, he wonders if he'll ever see Lulu again.
The story is captivating and the illustrations are stunning. I love the theme, but perhaps my favorite part of the book are the educational notes in the back. It's a story for all. Simply lovely...
5*****
December 15, 2017
Red and Lulu are a pair of cardinals that live in large Norway spruce. The birds love wintertime and enjoy listening to the people sing about “their tree.” One day Red is out looking for food and returns to find the tree loaded onto a huge truck. He follows the truck to the city but loses sight of it. He, then, must embark on search to find the tree and Lulu.
This is such a beautiful book. The artwork is absolutely fabulous. I loved the iconic images of New York City. This may be a children’s book, but it will be enjoyed by people of all ages. The final page offers some interesting facts about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Many thanks to Candlewick Press for my copy.
This is such a beautiful book. The artwork is absolutely fabulous. I loved the iconic images of New York City. This may be a children’s book, but it will be enjoyed by people of all ages. The final page offers some interesting facts about the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
Many thanks to Candlewick Press for my copy.
November 14, 2017
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Red and Lulu were a pair of Cardinal birds. They lived in a huge evergreen tree in the front garden of a little house. The pair loved each other as well as their home. They enjoyed life and were very happy together.
Every Christmas their home would be decorated with lights and the birds loved listening to the people singing below. Then one year the unthinkable happened, as Red went out to fetch breakfast and Lulu stayed behind, their tree was cut down and taken away.
Red tried to follow the truck, but he couldn’t fly fast enough. He has lost his home and Lulu too, what was he going to do?
Red and Lulu is one of the most gorgeous children’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading. The story is so poignant and beautifully told. It is also very emotional too.
What really makes this book stand out from the crowd is how spellbinding the illustrations are. They capture the emotions of the story perfectly. The snowy scenes are just exquisite, and look very Christmassy. I especially love the last picture with the Rockefeller tree and the ice rink.
This is a book that will be adored by little children, and one I can see being asked to be read over and over again. I also love that Matt Tavares has added information at the back about the annual Rockefeller tree.
Red and Lulu were a pair of Cardinal birds. They lived in a huge evergreen tree in the front garden of a little house. The pair loved each other as well as their home. They enjoyed life and were very happy together.
Every Christmas their home would be decorated with lights and the birds loved listening to the people singing below. Then one year the unthinkable happened, as Red went out to fetch breakfast and Lulu stayed behind, their tree was cut down and taken away.
Red tried to follow the truck, but he couldn’t fly fast enough. He has lost his home and Lulu too, what was he going to do?
Red and Lulu is one of the most gorgeous children’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading. The story is so poignant and beautifully told. It is also very emotional too.
What really makes this book stand out from the crowd is how spellbinding the illustrations are. They capture the emotions of the story perfectly. The snowy scenes are just exquisite, and look very Christmassy. I especially love the last picture with the Rockefeller tree and the ice rink.
This is a book that will be adored by little children, and one I can see being asked to be read over and over again. I also love that Matt Tavares has added information at the back about the annual Rockefeller tree.
December 4, 2018
a Heart Warming Story!
I love Cardinals - red is my favorite color, so why wouldn't I. I love cardinals in the snow as they are so beautiful and I love books that can touch that warm place in your heart and make it glow with feeling.
The artwork was beautiful in this book. The story is wonderful in this book. It's about a couple, a bird couple Red and Lulu, and a Christmas Tree. I don't want to say a whole lot about it because it is such a fantastic story and you need to experience the whole thing for yourself. Just rest assured that your children need to read this story this Christmas. It really is lovely.
The kids in this house also feel in love with this sweet and heart-warming story. They both gave it 5 stars and this is one of our house favorites now. The Niece had to read it to her parents she liked it so much.
I love Cardinals - red is my favorite color, so why wouldn't I. I love cardinals in the snow as they are so beautiful and I love books that can touch that warm place in your heart and make it glow with feeling.
The artwork was beautiful in this book. The story is wonderful in this book. It's about a couple, a bird couple Red and Lulu, and a Christmas Tree. I don't want to say a whole lot about it because it is such a fantastic story and you need to experience the whole thing for yourself. Just rest assured that your children need to read this story this Christmas. It really is lovely.
The kids in this house also feel in love with this sweet and heart-warming story. They both gave it 5 stars and this is one of our house favorites now. The Niece had to read it to her parents she liked it so much.
November 14, 2019
Hmm, I'm really waffling between three and four stars for this. I think quality-wise it is definitely a four-star book. The illustrations are lovely, and I really enjoyed and appreciated how even the illustrations on the pages before and after the story proper actually help build the story. Those who have read The Carpenter's Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree will already be familiar with the traditions and history of the Rockefeller Center tree though the author's note here is appreciated and certainly valuable for those not already familiar with the background.
That said, I'm not quite sure what to think of this story being told from the birds' perspective. It's certainly a different take and I think many children will feel very empathetic to the birds. That may also be the potential problem with this book. It is disturbing to see the birds' home being taken down, the separation the birds experience, etc. etc. I'm just not really sure if this is done simply supposed to heighten our interest in the story or if it's meant to present a message that we shouldn't be cutting down trees? In which case (though I do consider myself an animal lover and conservationist) I am not entirely sure about that in this case... I do feel for the birds and I certainly do not advocate indiscriminate chopping down of trees or destroying natural habitats but this tree was in a private yard (and a non-native tree at that) and native trees are routinely cut down (often native trees) for building of houses, businesses, etc. which is far more disruptive. Moreover, birds are often forced to find new homes for natural causes. Personally, I think that the joy that thousands upon thousands of people feel when they see the tree in Rockefeller Center (many of these people children who may indeed feel inspired by the tree to go places to enjoy natural beauty and then feel inspired to conserve such spaces) is worth the removal of the tree in this particular case.
Again, maybe I am reading too much into the story here. There is a happy ending for the birds and maybe Tavares didn't meant to have any "deeper messages" in this beautiful picture book. But, I do think parents should be aware that some children reading this book may be disturbed and if having a live tree is part of your holiday traditions, this may raise questions about that.
That said, I'm not quite sure what to think of this story being told from the birds' perspective. It's certainly a different take and I think many children will feel very empathetic to the birds. That may also be the potential problem with this book. It is disturbing to see the birds' home being taken down, the separation the birds experience, etc. etc. I'm just not really sure if this is done simply supposed to heighten our interest in the story or if it's meant to present a message that we shouldn't be cutting down trees? In which case (though I do consider myself an animal lover and conservationist) I am not entirely sure about that in this case... I do feel for the birds and I certainly do not advocate indiscriminate chopping down of trees or destroying natural habitats but this tree was in a private yard (and a non-native tree at that) and native trees are routinely cut down (often native trees) for building of houses, businesses, etc. which is far more disruptive. Moreover, birds are often forced to find new homes for natural causes. Personally, I think that the joy that thousands upon thousands of people feel when they see the tree in Rockefeller Center (many of these people children who may indeed feel inspired by the tree to go places to enjoy natural beauty and then feel inspired to conserve such spaces) is worth the removal of the tree in this particular case.
Again, maybe I am reading too much into the story here. There is a happy ending for the birds and maybe Tavares didn't meant to have any "deeper messages" in this beautiful picture book. But, I do think parents should be aware that some children reading this book may be disturbed and if having a live tree is part of your holiday traditions, this may raise questions about that.
December 1, 2023
Somehow cutting down Red & Lulu’s home did not make me feel warm and cozy. I’m a fan of Matt Tavares’s illustrations and enjoyed the information at the end of the book about the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
December 6, 2018
Red and Lulu lived in a majestic evergreen tree in the country. They enjoyed their home in all seasons, but were especially fond of it in winter, when the local humans would decorate the tree and sing songs around it. Then one day, while Red was out hunting for food, the unthinkable happened - people came and cut down the tree, taking Lulu along with them as they carted it away. Red, flying frantically behind, eventually lost sight of both tree and beloved partner. Would he ever find them again, especially now that he'd come to this strange, confusing city...?
Having read a few picture-books featuring the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza - most notably, The Christmas Tugboat: How the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Came to New York City and The Carpenter's Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree - I was curious to see what author/illustrator Matt Tavares would do with the topic in Red and Lulu. All in all, I found his story engaging, and thought his artwork was simply beautiful. Red's quest makes for an involving and poignant story, and the reader will be rooting for him to find Lulu and their tree again. That said, the story does raise questions about the entire practice of cutting down trees for temporary holiday decorations, and some readers will (like me) come away thinking that although it's nice that Red found Lulu again, it would have been far better for him not to have lost her and his home in the first place. That concern aside, this was a lovely Christmas tale, one I would recommend particularly to those looking for holiday picture-books featuring wildlife, whether rural or urban, as well as to those who appreciate beautifully illustrated children's stories.
Having read a few picture-books featuring the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza - most notably, The Christmas Tugboat: How the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Came to New York City and The Carpenter's Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree - I was curious to see what author/illustrator Matt Tavares would do with the topic in Red and Lulu. All in all, I found his story engaging, and thought his artwork was simply beautiful. Red's quest makes for an involving and poignant story, and the reader will be rooting for him to find Lulu and their tree again. That said, the story does raise questions about the entire practice of cutting down trees for temporary holiday decorations, and some readers will (like me) come away thinking that although it's nice that Red found Lulu again, it would have been far better for him not to have lost her and his home in the first place. That concern aside, this was a lovely Christmas tale, one I would recommend particularly to those looking for holiday picture-books featuring wildlife, whether rural or urban, as well as to those who appreciate beautifully illustrated children's stories.
January 2, 2018
Utterly stunning art combined with a truly charming tale about a pair of cardinals and their beloved evergreen tree. A New York story without being too insider, a Christmas story that takes no sides (it's not about Jesus or Santa).
But seriously: that art!
A friend gave this to me as a present, and I can't stop looking at it!
But seriously: that art!
A friend gave this to me as a present, and I can't stop looking at it!
June 10, 2017
Thrilled to see a non-sport related offering by Matt Tavares. Beautifully illustrated, naturally. I particularly liked the last scene where the family planted a new tree in place of the old one.
January 4, 2018
Red and Lulu make their home in a big tree in a family's front yard. The book follows them through some seasons until one day, Red goes off to find some food and comes back to find the tree has been cut down and loaded onto a truck. He can hear Lulu and knows she is still in the tree, so Red flies and follows the tree as the truck drives away. After a while, Red can't keep up with the truck. He keeps flying though, and finds himself in a big city. While he is flying around the city he hears Lulu! He follows the sound of her song and finds her in their tree! Red joins her and they again make their home together in the big tree, until it is taken down one day. They decide to stay in the city, though, and continue to make their life there.
Two intersecting stories here, one of a pair of red cardinals and the other of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Though it is kind of exciting to have Red and Lulu's home become the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, it is upsetting when the home of these lovely birds is cut down, and even though a note at the end of story tells us the tree goes on to be processed and used to build homes for Habitat for Humanity, I feel that a slightly different perspective and this book would instead be about the destruction of these poor bird's home and how terrible it is that trees are cut down. Because of that, I am uneasy about this book. I think many children will feel sad when the tree is cut down and won't be made to feel better when the tree is decorated in NYC, or reassured when Red and Lulu decide to stay on in the city. Many pages at the beginning of the book focus on how lovely the tree is and how special it is to the birds. To just cut it down is heart-breaking.
Grades 1-4
Two intersecting stories here, one of a pair of red cardinals and the other of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Though it is kind of exciting to have Red and Lulu's home become the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, it is upsetting when the home of these lovely birds is cut down, and even though a note at the end of story tells us the tree goes on to be processed and used to build homes for Habitat for Humanity, I feel that a slightly different perspective and this book would instead be about the destruction of these poor bird's home and how terrible it is that trees are cut down. Because of that, I am uneasy about this book. I think many children will feel sad when the tree is cut down and won't be made to feel better when the tree is decorated in NYC, or reassured when Red and Lulu decide to stay on in the city. Many pages at the beginning of the book focus on how lovely the tree is and how special it is to the birds. To just cut it down is heart-breaking.
Grades 1-4
July 23, 2018
Whew. Beautifully illustrated, and with a heartwarming story about finding lost family for Christmas. But seeing Red try to frantically keep up with the truck as it drove away with his tree, AND HIS FAMILY, and then fail hit a little bit close to the bone as an adult reading. As a tiny thing I would have been just full devastation. Thankfully he finds her again, to the tune of O Tannenbaum.
December 30, 2017
What a beautiful book all around. I love the story and the illustrations are wonderful. This story made me tear up but in a good way! The kids loved looking for the tree on all of the pages while it made its journey.
November 14, 2017
Such a tragic beginning lead to a sweet ending. A winter book without being specifically about Christmas (even with the Christmas tree).
November 24, 2023
PRE👏🏻CIOUS👏🏻
December 20, 2025
This beautiful picture book about two cardinals is inspired by the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The two cardinals, Red and Lulu, lived in a huge evergreen tree. One day when Red is away from the tree, the tree is chopped down and is being moved to the Rockefeller Center in New York City. Lulu was inside the tree and stays with it. Red follows the moving tree and eventually Red and Lulu are reunited. This is a touching story that will be especially meaningful for readers who have or will see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City
From the note at the end of the story:
"When the holiday season is over, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is donated to Habitat for Humanity, a charitable organization that uses lumber from the tree to build homes for families in need."
From the note at the end of the story:
"When the holiday season is over, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is donated to Habitat for Humanity, a charitable organization that uses lumber from the tree to build homes for families in need."
October 5, 2017
STUNNING! I read this picture book three times in a row, and each time it still made me gasp. A male and female cardinal get separated when the giant tree they call home is cut down and hauled away. Red (the male cardinal) follows the truck to find Lulu (the female), but he can't fly that fast and loses sight of it. The countryside turns to a city scape, and that's where a reunion, traditions, and new beginnings are found. The words in the story are understated, as they should be, providing a frame for the wondrous, showstopping illustrations. I have a new favorite Christmas book!
October 19, 2017
3.5 stars--This is a sweet Christmas story that introduces New York City landmarks and promotes compassion for the small wild creatures we so often take for granted. The sweet story of a bonded pair of cardinals encourages young readers to stop and look around them--there are little lives all around us, and they want safety and companionship just as we do.
September 30, 2017
Beautiful, touching story about perseverance and love. Home is with loved ones, no matter the place. Interesting to make connections to families who have had to immigrate or move because their homes were destroyed or taken away....
December 1, 2017
Make this part of a new holiday tradition. This beautiful book soars with its gorgeous artwork and hopeful story of love and miracles. Includes some notes about Rockerfeller Center Christmas Tree tradition.
January 9, 2018
Beautiful illustrations about the journey of two birds and their tree. I learned all about the NYC Christmas tree.
March 26, 2018
Super charming book at a pair of Cardinals who follow the pine tree taken from their yard all the way to Rockefeller center in NYC
December 11, 2018
Beautiful illustrations!
December 16, 2018
I loved this book. The journey of Red and Lulu is lovely. It is a story about Christmas and the tradition of the tree in Rockefeller Center during the winter season. I loved the art work and how some pages are done in panels rather than just one image.
December 9, 2025
The illustrations are beautiful!
January 8, 2022
This is a really special and beautiful Christmas children's book destined to become a classic. Makes a lovely Christmas gift.
October 29, 2017
This book absolutely deserves every one of those five shiny stars awarded to it - it's beautifully illustrated, a lovely story and I really enjoyed the little bit of information at the back about the Rockerfeller Centre Christmas Tree. If you need a book to get you and the little ones into the Christmas spirit, this ticks all the boxes.
The story is told in quite a mature manner, but has two little birds at its heart - Red and Lulu. They live in a beautiful, enormous tree (you can perhaps guess which tree this one might end up being!) and love their lives as Cardinals. Until the tree is chopped down and shoved onto a lorry, with Lulu still inside it! So unfolds Red's journey to follow the lorry and find Lulu.
The illustrations are some of the most realistic, whilst still beautifully colourful, that I have seen in a while in a picture book. They completely made the story for me in fact and the vibrancy of each page definitely will grab any small childs (and adults!) attention.
I absolutely recommend it - this is more than just another christmas picture book.
ARC provided free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told in quite a mature manner, but has two little birds at its heart - Red and Lulu. They live in a beautiful, enormous tree (you can perhaps guess which tree this one might end up being!) and love their lives as Cardinals. Until the tree is chopped down and shoved onto a lorry, with Lulu still inside it! So unfolds Red's journey to follow the lorry and find Lulu.
The illustrations are some of the most realistic, whilst still beautifully colourful, that I have seen in a while in a picture book. They completely made the story for me in fact and the vibrancy of each page definitely will grab any small childs (and adults!) attention.
I absolutely recommend it - this is more than just another christmas picture book.
ARC provided free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2018
A nice enough story. Artwork is lovely and having cardinals for the birds works wonderfully for the pop of red amongst the more muted colors used on most pages. The family who had the tree in their yard makes an appearance on the ice skating rink, taking a photo with their tree in the background. By the way, the family has a white mom and black dad, showing the world as it is for many.
It's sad to see the giant tree come down and I imagine children will be sad too. I appreciated the note with the history of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree at the end. Makes me feel better about long-lived trees being cut down, knowing the wood is donated to Habitat for Humanity after the holiday.
It's sad to see the giant tree come down and I imagine children will be sad too. I appreciated the note with the history of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree at the end. Makes me feel better about long-lived trees being cut down, knowing the wood is donated to Habitat for Humanity after the holiday.
December 24, 2017
Cardinals are my favorite birds and I absolutely adore Rockefeller Center at Christmas. What could be better than a story that combines the two. Red and Lulu are a pair of cardinals who accidentally end up in New York City at Christmastime when a their tree is selected to be the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Lovely illustrations that bring New York City at Christmastime to life and celebrates the annual Christmas tree tradition at Rockefeller Center.
March 12, 2018
I wasn't blown away by the story, but really enjoyed the back matter. I didn't know that construction workers started the tradition of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. That the Nowary Spruce usually chosen is not native so it's usually from someone's yard. The star on top weighs 550 LBS (not sure how that works) and 45,000 multicolored lights are used. However, I was delighted to learn that the tree is donated to Habitat for Humanity after it is taken down.
October 10, 2017
What a fabulous book! It is the story of two cardinals separated one day when their tree is taken down. They look all over NYC for each other.....and the ending is wonderful!
Having been to the great tree in Times Square - it makes it even more meaningful! Will be a treasure!
Having been to the great tree in Times Square - it makes it even more meaningful! Will be a treasure!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews