Library Intern Book Reviews
Publisher
Scholastic Press
City
New York, New York, United States of America
Date of Publication
2021
ISBN
9781338829273
Date of Review
2023
Disciplines
Library and Information Science | Modern Literature | Reading and Language
Keywords
Children's literature, reviews, library, Christmas
Recommended Citation
Chandler, Alexis, "Review of The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson" (2023). Library Intern Book Reviews. 385.
https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/intern_book_reviews/385
Files
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Included in
Library and Information Science Commons, Modern Literature Commons, Reading and Language Commons
Review
With beautiful illustrations and rhyming lines, The Christmas Pine follows a pine tree from forest to city square as it becomes a Christmas tree. The final page includes an explanation of the book. Originally written as a poem commissioned by the UK Poetry Society in 2020, The Christmas Pine celebrates a tradition stretching back to 1947 where Norway gifts a prized pine tree to England every year as a thank-you for supporting them during World War II. The tree sits in Trafalgar Square in London. The language and rhymes in the book are simple and clear but well-written and pleasing to the ear, making it ideal for young readers. The bright, colorful illustrations are engaging and not overwhelming or busy. My favorite is the picture of the pine tree in the forest under the Northern Lights. With the final page, readers will learn some history regarding this long and storied tradition. By presenting the story from the tree’s point of view, readers may also appreciate their own Christmas trees more. This book would be a great fit in a public library and a natural addition to a Christmas book display. However, use will likely be limited as it is a holiday-themed book. Recommended. Alexis Chandler, Centennial Library Intern.