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A Perfect Tree: Thai - English Story Version

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DeeDee doesn't mind finding that her new home is oh-so-tiny, like the size of a dollhouse, but then her new school friend lies and tricks her for the one present with DeeDee's name on it. She is faced with the question of how to find Christmas joy, but now to top it off, there isn't any space to even set up a Christmas tree! She is getting so angry!

40 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2018

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Denise Dunham

2 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for La Coccinelle.
2,259 reviews3,568 followers
December 3, 2019
When a book is this overtly Christian, it has to be very strong for me to like it. Sadly, this is a very weak holiday offering with problems such as incorrect and inconsistent grammar, a poor layout, a confusing narrative timeline, and lacklustre illustrations.

DeeDee moves with her family into a new house (apparently sight unseen, as even her parents are surprised by its diminutive size). She looks forward to celebrating Christmas in their new home. One day at school, the kids have a gift exchange, but DeeDee doesn't get anything (except the emergency present her teacher kept on hand). Then she finds out that their house is too small for a Christmas tree. So she prays to God, and a tiny Christmas tree blows off the back of some guy's truck. Hallelujah!

Aside from the Christian propensity to attribute everything good to God, the story didn't impress me in other ways. When DeeDee and her family move in, we only see her and her parents. Then the book talks about a dining table that seats six, and I was confused. Turns out, DeeDee has three sisters! They're not even mentioned until the ninth page. The next confusing bit came with the tree. The book says that one of the family's traditions is to hunt for a perfect tree. The illustrations show them out in the woods, doing just that. Then DeeDee talks about her memories of decorating the tree, and there's an illustration of the family with their Christmas tree. So, naturally, I assumed that the tree had been acquired and decorated. But ten pages later, Dad tells the girls they don't have room for a Christmas tree that year! The other part that could cause some confusion is the gift exchange at school. It's not really explained how it works, so when Evelyn tells DeeDee she got her a Barbie, and then Santa hands out the presents, I assumed that every kid was assigned a giftee to buy for. But Evelyn didn't buy anything, leaving DeeDee to try to be grateful for the hat and scarf her teacher gives her. (A couple of problems I see here. Maybe this was based on what really happened, but what kind of clueless teacher buys a hat and scarf as an emergency present? And why was this gift exchange not monitored more closely so horrible little brats like Evelyn couldn't torment the kids they didn't like?) The story ends abruptly after a tiny tree is serendipitously gained, and the reader is tossed onto a page with an author's note about God and praying.

The layout of the book isn't very good. There's one page that has what looks like placeholder text layered under the actual text (hopefully, this has been corrected in other editions), and one page's background is so busy that it's difficult to read the text at all. The illustrations themselves are kind of rough, and the characters suffer from perspective issues.

This could have been a good story about a childhood incident if the narrative hadn't been so confusing. Events and characters needed to be mentioned earlier (or just mentioned, period) for the story to have a more cohesive flow. Right now, I just have too many questions about the story that are still bothering me: Why didn't the parents know that the house they were moving their family of six into was so tiny? Why wasn't the school's gift exchange monitored more closely by the teacher? Why didn't the teacher have an age-appropriate present on hand? Why was Dad so averse to cutting the branches off a little tree to make it fit in the house (he did know the whole trunk was cut, right)? These questions are distracting, and they didn't need to be. With some tighter storytelling, most of these issues could've been resolved to make the story flow more smoothly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Capture Books for providing a digital ARC.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,875 reviews185 followers
January 29, 2020
A Perfect Tree is based on a true story of DeeDee and her family. They moved into a tiny house (mom, dad, and four children) with barely enough room to live. Tables are put away until it is time to eat, beds are rolled up during the day, but they are happy and spend great times together. It is nearing Christmas and DeeDee's father tells them that they will not be able to get a tree that year. It is one of DeeDee's favourite things to do during the festive season. Dad tells them there just isn't room for a tree unless it is tiny and squashed on the back to fit in the only spot they have. DeeDee is so sad, but she prays that there will be a way to get a tree.

As stated in the blurb, this book will show children how to deal with feelings of disappointment, loss, and anger. It is an early introduction to a child's feelings of betrayal offering a solution with a happy ending. Above all that, this is a faith-building story that emphasizes the power of prayer. It shares the important Christian message—that God hears our prayers, knows our circumstances, and works in a way that is best for us, even though we might not think that at the time. I was not all that impressed with the illustrations. They were okay, cut did not grab my attention. I read this to my grandson before Christmas and he was surprised that six people lived in such a tiny house. He also felt really bad for DeeDee about being teased at school. We talked about being grateful and about prayer, but he was ready to move on. I think if the illustrations were geared more to young children, it might have held his interest more. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Profile Image for Linda Galella.
1,111 reviews111 followers
December 19, 2021
Big changes for youngsters cause feelings of hurt and anger.

Thankfulness is found thru prayer, God’s grace and loving parents who are laying a proper foundation. The young girl in this story feels like she has lost most of what’s important in her life; her familiar home, most of her stuff and now she finds out that getting a Christmas tree is going to be impossible in their new TINY house. She’s devastated, especially after the TERRIBLE day she had at school!

Mom is patient, loving and points her to God, prayer and questions her ability to find thankfulness in her heart for the things she DOES have. A very loud knock on the door gives a much needed dose of encouragement to this young heart.

Based on a true story, this simple story with deep reaching truth and charming artwork will touch hearts of young and old alike. A quick read good for family reading time, bedtime story time or just because; good for sparking conversation out of your older kids who think they’re too old📚
Profile Image for Larissa Van.
Author 12 books
October 14, 2021
I love the messages that are brought to you throughout the book; being grateful, saving and sharing with others, how to cope with hardships in life as a christian and being a loving family.

I do see room for improvement, like shared in other reviews but I also see this is a first time author who shared a story that was close to her heart.

For me the messages are ones I'd love to share with my kids and we'll definitely read this one for Christmas this year. I think how the family is looking at life events with a positive mindset is amazing and is a good example to a lot of us who are sometimes too fast in our judgements.

I really like the illustrations and the style used.

I was happy to receive a free pdf version to write a review. I'm a gentle person who believes in investing in people and peoples growth. But if I had paid for the book I probably wasn't as happy as I am now after reading the book. I would definitely want to see more from this author and illustrator, especially after they have worked with all the precious feedback they can gather and learn from.

In life we meet superficially mean people (like Evelynn from the story) when sometimes there's more going on beneath... I think most of the reviewers here took their time to help out the author/illustrator/publisher by providing good points to work on for future books, instead of just bullying...

Please keep on writing!
Profile Image for Tracy Marie.
96 reviews23 followers
November 9, 2019
This was a sweet cute little book, but with holiday sadness. It's hard to read about others that don't have even a tree for Christmas, but it does help you feel like you should be more grateful for what you have, This book teaches that your prayers are sometimes answered.

I guess my issue with it is when you have that many kids you somehow get a tree. I know my family goes and gets the perfect tree each year from the woods.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
#AperfectTree #NetGalley
Profile Image for Tonya Blessing.
Author 4 books142 followers
Read
January 25, 2019
This book is written in both English and Thai. It is a lovely short story about how tiny places provide big dreams.
670 reviews
September 28, 2019
A Perfect Tree is a lovely story about a girl called DeeDee who is disappointed with Christmas not going how she'd have liked from the new tiny house they move into to the Christmas tree they can't have as it's too big for the house.

I think this is a really lovely story to show children how important it is to be grateful and appreciative of what you have. I liked that we got to see DeeDee having a hard time at Christmastime as a lot of the time Christmas picture books only focus on the good but it can be the hardest time of the year when expectations from yourself and everyone else are so high and wanting to make the perfect day. I think because of this it made DeeDee a very relatable character but it was also great to see how supportive her family were as it's important for children to see they are still loved and supported by family even if others or situations make you unhappy.

The illustrations are a nice way to see how DeeDee and her family are feeling and it's lovely to see some bright and colourful illustrations to keep the children's interest. I think the most beautiful page has to be the tree and the sentiment behind it, such a lovely way to show that you should still have faith.

A Perfect Tree is a very nice story with a great message for children to learn, a great way to show children that you should always try to be appreciative and make the most of the situation however hard it may be.
214 reviews4 followers
November 11, 2019
This simple story tells the tale of DeeDee and her family who move to a new, smaller house. As they prepare for Christmas, DeeDee reminisces about Christmas in their old house and wonders what it will be like this year. After a bad day at school, her dad tells her that they won't have room for a Christmas tree this year. As the family gather for devotions DeeDee struggles to be thankful for the things she has and says her own prayer. As she heads to bed, there is a knock at the door. Will the visitor bring an answer to her heartfelt prayer?

I liked that this story acknowledges to young readers that sometimes it can be hard to show gratitude for the things we have when we suffer disappointment. This is recognised out loud by her parents and in the prayer that she expresses silently.
The bright, simple pictures would quickly engage young readers and the accessible language used can be understood by all.
Although aimed at a Christian audience, I think this story could easily be used with children from other faiths and none to encourage them to be thankful for the things they have, even when they are disappointed.

I would not hesitate to use this story in school with a class of primary children when exploring the value of thankfulness and inviting children to think about the things they are grateful for.

I received an eARC of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
1,056 reviews9 followers
October 2, 2019
A Perfect Tree is a lovely faith build story by Denise Dunham. I must say by the end it brought tears to my eyes to see how God would answer this young girl’s prayers and no doubt her sisters, too. At the end, it states the this is a story of true events in a little girl’s life. Over the years I have heard so many testimonies of similar events as God builds our faith. What a wonderful example of what I think of as “BUT GOD… He is able” experience.

The story is simply told with simple draws that enhances the text without competing with it. The build up to getting the Christmas tree is wonderfully done. Appreciation and positive attitude are strong in DeeDee but hard times can be a challenge which is clearly shown here in this child’s book. Yet there are many unanswered questions that can be used for discussion, such as why did they have to move to that little house? Another is why did the girl whisper anything to DeeDee, let alone what she did whisper? Then there are the questions at the end of the book to also be discussed.

A Perfect Tree is such thought provoking book for the young and the not so young that I now plan to purchase a hardcover copy as a holiday book gift for children I know and love.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
Profile Image for coala.
1,533 reviews6 followers
September 23, 2019
Small book, important message

DeeDee is moving with her parents to a new home - a tiny house. First, she experiences the tiny house, her “dollhouse”, with childish excitement. They play outside anyway and the tiny house is quite cozy. But a classmate makes false promises to DeeDee and she is confronted from now on with several losses.
 
This tiny book is providing a wonderful message about being thankful about what you have. It is delivered through a heartwarming story about a tiny Christmas tree. And it is a true story, what makes it even better. Small children can for sure relate to DeeDee in this story and will learn the lesson for sure. In addition, the book provides a cozy Christmas feeling. The gig colorful illustrations are perfect for the story told and are easily recognizable for small ones. Short sentences are easy to read and understand. A good opener for parents to speak about the importance of gifts and what really matters. There is as well a Christian aspect on the story, which is good, but not too impactful.
 
A nice little heartwarming story telling the right message with bold great illustrated words. Perfect for small ones to read alone or togehter.
Profile Image for C.E. Hart.
Author 8 books43 followers
October 18, 2019
A Perfect Tree reveals the importance of prayer, faith, and being thankful. I was surprised to learn that the story was inspired by true events and I was stirred by the author’s note at the end of the story.

When DeeDee and her family move into a tiny house the limited space encourages a closeness with her family. She enjoys the dollhouse-like appearance, the nestled furniture, and their bedtime Bible readings. But as Christmastime approaches some unexpected disappointments come her way, such as not receiving an expected gift, and having too little space to place a traditional Christmas tree.

I love that this story shares such an important Christian message—that God hears our prayers, knows our circumstances, and works everything together for our good. Even when times are tough, whether our problems are great or small, we can turn to Him and He hears our concerns.

This is a faith-building story. The illustrations are modest and fun, the message is meaningful, and the ending is sweet.

Source: I received a complimentary copy from BookCrash. I was under no obligation to post a positive review.
Profile Image for Kasey Gilbert Poindexter.
75 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2019
DeeDee and her family move into a new home. It is too small, but they make due and are happy. Until Christmas rolls around and DeeDeed doesn't get the gift she was expecting at her school Christmas party. To make matters worse, Dad tells DeeDee that they don't have room for a Christmas tree in their new home.

This book teaches a good lesson, to be grateful for what we have, even if it isn't what we wished for. It also has a strong family that makes the most of a less than perfect living situation.

I am a bit confused by the title of this book, because the story has very little to do with a Christmas tree. In fact, I feel like the tree was an afterthought, and the conclusion was very anti climactic. I also thought the several instances of prayer and devotions was too much for a casual reader. This is a book I would only recommend to families looking for Christmas stories with a strong Christian message.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an e-copy in exchange for my honest review.*
Profile Image for Finley Farmer.
32 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2019
This book was a really cute story about a family that moved to a very small house. The little girl in the book, Deedee, found many things to enjoy about the new house, but as Christmas (her favorite season) begins to arrive, she faces a few disappointments. The main one being that her family cannot get a Christmas tree because the house is too small. God answers her prayers in an unexpected way.

The book is heartwarming and I really enjoyed the illustrations. I recommend this book to all faith-based homes.

This book was provided to me through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for BreeAnn (She Just Loves Books).
1,453 reviews120 followers
October 5, 2019
A Perfect Tree was a really sweet story of a family moving into a very small house. The parents sleep on a fold out couch. The kitchen table has to be expanded only for meal times and they cannot get a tree this year. There is not room. The little girl prays for a tree and that night a truck passes their home and a tree falls off the truck. The driver offers them the tree and it is just the size to fit on a table in their home. This book was a well-written story for children. I wasn't a huge fan of the illustrations, but they fit the book well.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Alyson  LaBarge .
64 reviews24 followers
December 7, 2019
What a great book with an important message! This picture book shares how difficult it can be to be grateful, especially at the Holidays when we don't have things the way we expect them to be. It can be hard to say your prayers. It can be hard to be positive. But it also shares how blessings come sometimes when you least expect them and you can find gratitude for them. Although this book is aimed at little people, it has a big message for everyone.

5❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books326 followers
August 28, 2021
I was given a review copy of this children's picture book and thought it nicely done because it highlighted the importance of being thankful for what you have.

It showed that although you may want what you can't have, causing feelings of anger, why not step back and think - what is really important? Even if people are mean or that Christmas isn't what you hoped, doesn't love have the best value? And you never know what's around the corner.

Some lovely simple pictures help to put across this message.
3,334 reviews37 followers
August 30, 2019
DeeDee's having a rough Christmas season. The families new house is way to tiny, but they make do. Then, DeeDee gets a big disappointment during a gift exchange in her classroom. To add insult to injury, the families home is too small for a Christmas tree! DeeDee tries to be thankful, but it's really difficult. So she prays for guidance. Christian story. I think littles will enjoy it. Illustrations were nice.
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for Mary   Beth.
336 reviews53 followers
October 18, 2019
A beautiful story that reminds us to be grateful for what we do have and to not be bitter about what we don't have in our lives. It also reminds us that prayers can be answered when you're least expecting them to be. My daughter and I both enjoyed this short story with a big message. We are grateful to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read an ARC of this in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Belladonna.
14 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2019
A Perfect Tree was a wonderful story about faith and belief. About being thankful what you have even if it's not what you want. There is a Christian aspect to the book but it is not preachy.
Great for small ones to read alone or together.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#Netgalley #APerfectTree
Profile Image for thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books).
2,811 reviews120 followers
September 23, 2019
Beautiful told story with a hugely important message about being grateful for your blessings, beautifully illustrated and based on a true story, a beautiful tale that is perfect for little ones and not so little ones.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Profile Image for Deena Peterson.
1,240 reviews6 followers
August 28, 2019
Adorable story about Christmas, being thankful, trusting God, and dealing with disappointment.
Profile Image for Gladimore.
648 reviews20 followers
September 16, 2019
A sweet story of a little girl and her family trying to appreciate what they have and the miracles that God can perform in our lives if we just believe in him.
#aperfecttree #Netgalley
Profile Image for Catherine.
866 reviews4 followers
September 28, 2019
A very sweet book about a family going through hardship. The book teaches children to appreciate what they have and those around them. Personally I’m not religious but this book does touch on god but it doesn’t feel like religion is being forced on you.
Good moral to the story with great images to go alongside.
Profile Image for Julie.
1,534 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2020
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It's almost like this book was trying to hard to make a point. I wasn't a fan.
Profile Image for Amanda Stuntz.
Author 4 books13 followers
January 19, 2022
This was a cute story. It deals with having faith and praying. The illustration wasn’t the best but it was still an enjoyable book and my son liked it enough to want to read it more than once.
Profile Image for Laura Bartnick.
Author 2 books21 followers
December 26, 2019
The English version of this story is well-taken because it shows so much goodness and hope in a child's dire situation, ie. good teacher nurturing, good parent nurturing, and the child, when so very disappointed, has a choice of whether to stay very angry and disappointed or to offer a little heartfelt prayer to God.

It is a child's first prayer that is heard and how quickly surprises happen. At first, I wondered whether this little book may be purporting fantasy, but in my own experience, when I cry to God in my own unpleasant human situations, He answers...albeit, in a variety of ways.

I'm loving the transition in this story. It feels very real and also very helpful.
Profile Image for Kimberly Souza.
460 reviews19 followers
September 3, 2019
I love Christmas stories, unfortunately I didn't love this one. Although I do recognize that it has some good messages in it, I just don't tend to enjoy books that push religion on the reader. I also didn't really enjoy the artwork in this book. I do think that many people will want to share this story with their families, but it wasn't for me.
Profile Image for coffee.
472 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2019
This is a really cute illustrated story about having faith in God, being thankful, and finding the perfect tree. Good mini-story if you're looking for a religious take away
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,510 reviews55 followers
November 14, 2021
Love Christmas as it is so when you can sit down and get away from the craziness of the world it's always nice to be able to do so with a good book. And this one didn't disappoint!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews