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A Christmas Tree in the White House [Hardcover]

Gary Hines (Author), Alexandra Wallner (Illustrator)
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)


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Book Description

October 15, 1998 4 and up
When President Theodore Roosevelt announces that there will be no White House Christmas tree because cutting down trees is against his conservation efforts, his youngest sons, Quentin and Archie, are deeply disappointed. They can't imagine Christmas without a tree. The two determined boys enlist the help of their aunt and sneak a small tree into their bedroom. When the president finds out, he takes the boys to see the chief forester in hopes of teaching them a lesson. But the chief forester says cutting down smaller trees will help the taller ones grow. "Isn't that bully!" says the president, and the boys shout, "Hooray for the tree!"

Gary Hines and Alexandra Wallner bring this story, based on actual events, to life in a light-hearted text matched with bright, cheerful art. Young readers will enjoy this humorous episode in history and relish the children's "victory" over their father. At the end of the book, there is a photograph of the Roosevelt family and an author's note on Roosevelt, his children, and the real Christmas tree.

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3?A delightful story that's part fact and part fiction, set during the Teddy Roosevelt administration. Christmas is just around the corner but the president refuses to cut down an evergreen to decorate the White House. Although his six children beg for one, the commander in chief believes that his conservation efforts are too important to compromise. Nevertheless, his two youngest sons conspire with their aunt and sneak a small tree into their bedroom closet. Snappy dialogue, lots of action, and a small conspiracy quickly move the plot along. Underlying the playfulness, however, is the portrayal of a man who is adamant in his beliefs. Hines ends the account with brief notes characterizing Roosevelt and explaining what actually occurred. Charming gouache illustrations give the book a folksy appearance. Additionally, Wallner subtly shows varied textures through skillful use of lines. This well-done presentation may inspire readers to find out more about Roosevelt, his conservation efforts, and his family.?MMH
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5^-7. Loosely based on a true event, this picture book recalls the story of President Theodore Roosevelt's refusal to allow a Christmas tree in the White House because having one would conflict with his conservation program: "It's not good to cut down trees for mere decoration. We must set a good example for the people of America." When Roosevelt discovered that his sons Quentin and Archie had sneaked a small tree into their room, he marched them over to see his chief forester, who informed them all that if done right, cutting some trees is a good idea, as thinning a forest allows smaller trees to grow. After that the Roosevelts had a small tree each year. A black-and-white photograph of the Roosevelts follows the story, accompanied by some information about the family and the events on which the story is based. Wallner's gouache illustrations capture the dress and decor of the times, making this an interesting historical piece as well as a book for any Christmas collection. Helen Rosenberg

Product Details

  • Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); 1st edition (October 15, 1998)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0805050760
  • ISBN-13: 978-0805050769
  • Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8 x 0.4 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,768,183 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

4 Reviews
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4 star:
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Average Customer Review
4.8 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Good job of "personalizing" a White House Christmas, November 1, 1999
This review is from: A Christmas Tree in the White House (Hardcover)
This book was excellent for 4-8 year olds to personalize Christmas at their house and at the first family's house. It also introduced a real life president and how carrying out his duties affected his home life. My son saw this as his first 'history lesson' of sorts. As an extra bonus it just so happens that one of President Roosevelt's sons was named Quentin. My son will remember this fact because that's his name and my husband, his dad's name happens to be Theodore!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible Story Weaving Christmas and History, December 13, 2000
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This review is from: A Christmas Tree in the White House (Hardcover)
This is an interesting Christmas book for young children. The story is played against the backdrop of the Roosevelt White House (Teddy's), and an apparently true story involving the conservationist president's decision not to allow a cut tree into the White House because he want's to be a good example for Americans.

Of course TR's notoriously rebellious brood tries to outfox their dad by secretly procuring a pine tree and stashing it away, decorated, in a bedroom closet. When discovered, TR marches the boys down to speak with Gifford Pinchot, his head of the US Forestry service. Pinchot says that sometimes cutting small trees can actually be beneficial to forests as it gives room for other trees to thrive and grow.

With that OK, the live tree (although a small one in keeping with the chief of forestry's direction) is again welcome into the White House and is part of a festive christmas celebration.

This story interests my children. Besides the Christmas hook, it involes the president and the White House, concepts they are familiar with. It also teaches a conservation lesson. Good book for the 4-7 set.

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4.0 out of 5 stars quick response, September 29, 2011
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This review is from: A Christmas Tree in the White House (Hardcover)
I ordered this book for a school project so I was relieved that it came so quickly. Condition is okay for a used book.
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President Roosevelt dashed down the hallway, his six children tumbling behind him. Read the first page
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White House, President Roosevelt
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