Little Tree Review, Genre 1, Picture Books

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Raschka, Chris. 2001. LITTLE TREE. Poem by E.E. Cummings. New York, NY: Hyperion Books. ISBN 0786807954

2. PLOT SUMMARY
This book begins with the poem Little Tree, by E.E. Cummings. The poem describes a plain tree in the forest which is chosen to become a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The story Little Tree, by Chris Raschka is his response to the poem. The story follows the tree’s journey from the forest to the tree lot in the city. The tree is chosen for its attributes by a specific family. The tree and the family are a perfect match. The family takes the tree home and decorates it for their very own special Christmas tree.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This story is a warm your heart Christmas tale. The little tree dreams of becoming special and his dreams are realized when he is chosen by the perfect family. The family transforms the little tree from an ordinary pine tree into a spectacular Christmas tree which is the center of attention. This story brings back warm memories of when my family would go to the mountains and choose our own perfect tree.

4. The illustrations are beautifully detailed. Each page has many details which add information to the story as to what is going on in the journey of the little tree from the forest until he finally arrives at the apartment of his perfect family. The illustrations are bold in that they are made mostly from the primary colors and different shades of green. The shapes are very geometric.

5. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Booklist- “A pleasant little story about a perfect little tree.”
School Library Journal- “Inspired by Cummings’s poem, which is presented in its entirety at the beginning of this beguiling book, Raschka’s story echoes and expands on its themes of families and belonging.”

CONNECTIONS
* This book can be used when teaching units on holiday’s and holiday traditions.
* This book is useful in reinforcing the sight word “little”.
* Young children can find different geometric shapes in the illustrations.
* Students can create their own special decorated “little” tree or create ornaments for their Christmas trees.