Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
The Last Christmas Tree
Illustrator: Pascal Campion
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Penguin, 2014 ISBN: 978-0803737570
Christmas is a month away when the Christmas trees arrive in trucks and are unloaded in the lot. Soon the space is “bursting” with firs, spruces and pines. In amongst all the tall, elegant, fragrant trees there is one tree that is rather small. It isn’t as full as the other trees, and it definitely lists a little to one side. Though it is not as grand as its neighbors, the little tree is “filled with the spirit of the season.” Surely this is all that matters.
Unfortunately, people do not see the spirit within the tree, they only see its small size, sparse branches, and its list. The other trees in the lot are bought and taken away until, on Christmas Eve, the little tree is the only one left. A sign with the word “FREE” is hung on its branches, and yet no one wants the little tree that has so much hope in its heart.
In this charming picture book we meet a little Christmas tree who never gives up hoping that someone will take it home and decorate it. Children will find themselves warming to the little tree, and they will be delighted when they see what happens to it.
