Legend of the Christmas Tree, The [Hardcover]

Pat Matuszak (Adapter), Rick Osborne (Author), Bill Dodge (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Series: Legend of S., No. 11

On a visit to a tree lot, the Johnson family sees three beautifully decorated trees standing in the center of the lot. A mysterious silver gift-wrapped box is under one of the trees. The old lot owner notices their intrigue and what he tells them, not only marks the beginning of a new family tradition, but also brings meaning and understanding into their Christmas celebration. In The Legend of the Christmas Tree, children ages 4 to 8 will discover the wonderful story of how the evergreen tree first became a symbol of Christmas and a way to tell people about God. The beautiful illustrations by Bill Dodge add a wonderful richness to the story and help bring meaning to one of our best-loved traditions---decorating the Christmas tree.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Also new to board book, The Legend of the Christmas Tree by Rick Osborne, adapted by Pat Matuszak, illus. by Bill Dodge, explains how the evergreen tree became associated with Christmas and how it can be used to teach people about God. Ages up to 4.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Board book edition.

From the Back Cover

On a visit to a tree lot, the Johnson family sees three beautifully decorated trees standing in the center of the lot. A mysterious silver gift-wrapped box is under one of the trees. The old lot owner notices their intrigue and what he tells them, not only marks the beginning of a new family tradition, but also brings meaning and understanding into their Christmas celebration. In The Legend of the Christmas Tree, children ages 4 to 8 will discover the wonderful story of how the evergreen tree first became a symbol of Christmas and a way to tell people about God. The beautiful illustrations by Bill Dodge add a wonderful richness to the story and help bring meaning to one of our best-loved traditions—decorating the Christmas tree.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310700434
• ISBN-13: 978-0310700432
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 11.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #533,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every page spread has charming text, October 17, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Legend of the Christmas Tree, The (Hardcover)

Rick Osborne's The Legend Of The Christmas Tree: The Inspirational Story Of A Treasured Tradition is a delightful kids' book, for which every page spread has charming text on the left and a full-color, realistically painted illustration by Bill dodge of a family celebrating the joy of Christmas on the right. The story is about the legend behind the tradition of searching for a Christmas tree, which dates back to the Reformation: when Martin Luther brought a tree into his house, he set candles on it to celebrate Jesus, the Light of the World. The Legend Of The Christmas Tree is in many ways about the need to make Jesus Christ a larger part of Christmas. Since the Biblical foundations of Christmas are often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of rampant consumerism that marks the season, The Legend Of The Christmas Tree is a very good introduction for young Christian readers to the holiday's origin. Also very highly recommended are the other fine books in this educational series: The Legend Of The Candy Cane (0310212472, $14.99), The Legend Of The Easter Egg (0310224470, $14.99), and The Legend Of The Valentine (0310700396, $14.99).

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Choice for Classroom Reading Guest, November 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Legend of the Christmas Tree, The (Hardcover)

I purchased this book for two reasons. It brings to light the true meaning of Christmas...Jesus and sharing love. This story provides another format to talk about the birth of Christ to your children aside from the traditional manger story. There's a light introduction to the biblical significance of Christmas, in addition to the treasure of family unity. I found that this book helps reinforce the values which I am trying to emphasize in my own family, while also cherrishing old time family traditions. In case you were concerned, I don't think it dilutes the truth of the bible...Also, as a mother of two young elementary school-aged children, I also have the opportunity to be a guest reader in the classroom. It is totally appropriate reading for public schools, even though there is biblical reference. This book offers a refreshing change from the fantasy holiday stories and commercialization of Christmas. It will be a special story to your family and it will set a warm-hearted atmosphere to your tree-decorating festivities.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Could this book have a few more adjectives?!, December 15, 2007

By 

H. Spencer "Army Wife and Mom" (Fort Belvoir, VA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Legend of the Christmas Tree, The (Hardcover)

I'll save this one and read it every Christmas, BUT it is extremely heavy on the adjectives, and totally corny. I would skip this one if I were you, for me it's not worth the money to send it back!!