The Blue Spruce [Hardcover]

Mario Cuomo (Author), Gijsbert Van Frankenhuyzen (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 2011 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Rekindle the spirit of never giving up! When a strong wind blows over a magnificent Blue Spruce, Mario and Papa spend hours battling to save the tree that holds within its branches their secrets and dreams. 2001 National Arbor Day Foundation Award.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Papa told Mario that having a house with a yard and a tree to call our own was his very special dream. Papa was excited about moving his family to their new home, after living behind their grocery store for many years, and sharing his dream with them.

Papa and Mario loved the magnificent Blue Spruce that grew in the front yard of their new home, often sharing quiet moments in its cool shadow. Each year the Blue Spruce grew taller and stronger, holding within its branches their secrets and dreams.

Then, one evening, unusually strong winds began to blow as dark clouds filled the sky. Mario watched anxiously through the window as the Blue Spruce fought against the winds...

With colorful illustrations, Royal Academy of Arts graduate, Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen, captures this endearing life lesson between former Governor Mario Cuomo and his Papa.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press; First Edition edition (October 31, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886947767
• ISBN-13: 978-1886947764
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #319,271 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A heartfelt life lesson, January 11, 2000

By 

Ronni Sifer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Blue Spruce (Hardcover)

This book brought to my heart a flood of emotions that will not likely be forgotten. It is an absolute "must read" for every parent to their child and for themselves. A truly magnificent peice of literature... Bravo Your Honor!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great present, December 24, 1999

By 

carol (charleston,S.C) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Blue Spruce (Hardcover)

My son received this book as an early Christmas from his grandparents. We lived in New York for 11 years before moving out of state. Mom bought it to remind us of our old place. Our son was captivated by the beatiful pictures and the beautiful and inspiring story. He is at an age where stories like this affect him personally. After we read it together he asked if we could visit that tree when we go back to visit grandma and grandpa.In a child's simplicity he said,"see mom, if people try hard enough they can do anything" Thankyou Mr. Cuomo it is a beautiful story you share. Thank you Mr.VanFrankehuyzen for the illustrations that brought the message to life.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars super, November 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Blue Spruce (Hardcover)

This is a nice story. Nicer knowing that it is true and when children hear it will be inspired to follow their dreams and never give up. I was visiting New York at the same time Mr. Cuomo was signing his book. Word passed on down the line that he was donating all his proceeds to a charity. Anybody know which one he has generously donated it to? It is a lovely book with beautiful pictures and a beautiful sentiment.