Who Would Like a Christmas Tree?: Great for Holiday and Christmas Reading or Gifting

by Ellen Bryan Obed, Anne Hunter (Illustrator)

Who would like a Christmas tree?
That all depends on when you ask.
In January, in February, in March, in April . . .
the black-capped chickadees, the field mice, the white-tailed deer, and the woodcock, come to claim the tree.
They want it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, for shelter and protection, for a place to start a new family.
Can a Christmas tree be all that?
Yes, and even more . . .
The year has just begun!

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Science, Holiday, Animals, Nonfiction, Nature

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Kathryn]

Interesting concept for a Christmas book. I liked that we see the different creatures that live in the trees on a Christmas tree farm throughout the year. It felt like a celebration of nature. However, the back matter, with the discussion with a Christmas tree farmer, explains the various things they do to *discourage* creatures from interacting with the trees, none of it particularly friendly toward animals or the environment. So, quite a disconnect. At least it's a springboard for discussion.

[Brian]

I enjoyed reading this book with my daughter and sharing with her the variety of value a tree offers to the world around it- from food to refuge. I was a bit perplexed by the author's intent. Its not an enviromental title- the story is about Christmas trees and takes place on a tree farm, but to see the tree adorned with decorations in the living room of the family that cut it down at the end puts the tradition in a different and not entirely pleasant light. I can chalk the effect up to reading books like Debi Gliori's Trouble with Dragons, but can't help wondering if this was a book about a cow, might we not end in a burger joint or steakhouse.

[Cheryl]

Ah, did those who gave this a glowing review read the quotes from the farmer at the end? They discourage the deer, spray the aphids, mow the wildflowers.... And of course kill each tree so ppl can decorate their homes.

Good science book *iff* educator and learner read the notes, do further research, and discuss.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin]

What a delightful introduction to all the plants, animals, and people that live in or visit this Christmas tree farm throughout the year: chickadees, field mice, white-tailed deer, woodcocks, robins, balsam twig aphids, wildflowers, monarch butterflies, black-and-yellow garden spiders, red foxes, wild turkeys, and many more, plus the family that picks out their Christmas tree. Detailed illustrations of the plants and wildlife show how a Christmas tree farm could support abundant life all year round—if they weren’t driven away by capitalistic profit motives. End pages include descriptions of the chores involved in caring for the trees and managing a Christmas tree farm, which tell the real story behind the romanticized version that we all want to believe.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian]

The question is asked every month, "who would like a Christmas tree?" Each month (except December) features a different animal who would use an evergreen. There is a main reply in bold text as well as a paragraph from the animal. I would use the bold text during storytime.

Reviewed from a library copy.

[Courtney Baird]

Even though this is a holiday book and I wouldn't be able to read this in my classroom, I think this is a very educational book to show how different animals use a Christmas tree. All different animals have a different purpose for a tree just like it shows how we use a christmas tree.

[Samantha]

A yearround look at a Christmas tree farm and the many creatures who benefit from the tree during the 12 months of the year.

Following the story there is a 12 month Tree Farm care guide put together by a Christmas Tree Farmer.

Watercolor and ink illustrations capture the seasons of the year and the distinct features of the animals included with detail and accuracy.

[Heather]

So I enjoyed the Twelve Kinds of Ice so much I researched what else she had written and found this one at the library. A great nature habit book on the relationship between trees and the animal world who live amongst them. And then of course, the humans who love their Christmas trees. Very, very nice.

[Gwen the Librarian]

This is a cool and unique concept for a book - what do "Christmas trees" do all year round? Birds nest in them, deer eat them, caterpillars build chrysalises in them. The book goes through each month describing a Christmas tree farm as a unique habitat.

[Tricia]

shelved in picture books, this title not only covers the concepts of the months of the year but also the ecosystem/animals who benefit from the tree throughout the year. girls really liked this title--would recommend for preschool and early elem.

[Susan]

This is a great book to showcase how non-fiction can look like fiction, tuck in a little holiday fun, and think about animals (and plants) and their habitats. Illustrations are cute and you can make a fun guessing/predicting game as you read aloud. Also reinforces calandar (months of the year).

[Lynn Davidson]

In every season of the year there is someone or something wanting the use of a "Christmas tree", such as chickadees, mice, deer, robins, aphids, and more, including people in December. Nicely illustrated, with more info at the end of each month from the tree farmer.

[Tina B]

"trees, ecology, Christmas, months"

[Shawn]

This picture book details the use of a Christmas tree in the wild by the wildlife around it. Great support for Gr. 1-3 non-fiction study.

[H. Givens]

A nice choice to teach kids about nature and all the animals that used the tree before Christmas, or to read post-Christmas if they're still feeling festive.