Little Tree [Hardcover]

E. E. Cummings (Author), Chris Raschka (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

"Hardcover: 32 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.41 x 11.36 x 10.14 Publisher: Hyperion; 1st ed edition (September 3, 2001) ISBN: 0786807954 Ages 4-8 ""Little tree/ little silent Christmas tree/ you are so little/ you are more like a flower/ who found you in the green forest/ and were you very sorry to come away?"" So begins e.e. cummings' beloved tribute to the tiny evergreen tree, taken away from the cold forest to be decorated and adored by two children in their home at Christmas. Simply and sensitively told from the innocence of a child's eyes, e.e. cummings' little tree comes to life as the children bestow upon it their heart-felt promises of comfort and love. Artist Mary Claire Smith's whimsical, contemporary illustrations capture all the joy and magic of this cherished Christmas favorite. A truly affecting book that should be under every family's Christmas tree."

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this exquisite riff on Cummings's classic poem, Raschka uses lyrical cadence and gentle repetition to trace the journey of a tree who dreams of Christmas splendor from country obscurity to city stardom ("The little elevator carried the little family and the little tree up, up, up to the little family's little home"). The patchwork watercolors, an artful arrangement of line and color and framed in geometric shapes that echo the triangular tree, resemble modernistic stained glass; subtle spot illustrations hint at Santa's role in fulfilling the tree's wish. All ages.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-Inspired by cummings's poem, which is presented in its entirety at the beginning of this beguiling book, Raschka's story echoes and expands on its themes of families and belonging. Delicate tiny vignettes decorate the text pages, which face full-page illustrations. Loose, geometric lines, skewed multiple perspectives, and childlike representations of people characterize these intricate, energetic watercolors. The story takes the little tree from his faraway forest home, via a little truck and a little train, "past the farms and little towns to the little big city," where he is purchased by a loving little family. In an engaging sideline, Santa appears in small scenes pulling on his boots, skiing, listening to music, and drinking a glass of wine at a caf‚. Final pictures reinforce the connection between the poem and the story. Visually, and as a simple, sweetly old-fashioned read-aloud, Little Tree embodies the warm sense of love and belonging that for many defines the true meaning of Christmas.-S. P.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; 1st edition (September 4, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786807954
• ISBN-13: 978-0786807956
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 10.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #358,942 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

E. E. Cummings (1894-1962) was among the most influential, widely read, and revered modernist poets. His many awards included an Academy of American Poets Fellowship, two Guggenheim Fellowships, and the Bollingen Prize. Among his many volumes are The Enormous Room and Tulips & Chimneys.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Tree as a true symbol of life, November 30, 2000

By 

"rncjung" (New York State) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Little Tree (Hardcover)

It is difficult to put into words the complex beauty of this book. If you are not familiar with the poetry of E.E. Cummings, this book will make you a surefire fan. The verse is sensitive, gentle and intimate. Beautifully paired with the whimsical, delicate and ever-bright illustrations by Mary Claire Smith, this book will sing to you and your child's hearts.

There are very few stories about Christmas which capture the essence of what all the decorations and packages truly represent. This is one of those few. The illustrations bring us back to a time when family and friends, hand-made gifts and music together were what were truly valued. Where Christmas was a festival which celebrated warmth, light, life and love.

For those who are sensitive to the masses of trees which are erased from our earth each Christmas, please take a look at this book. I especially appreciate that the angel who takes the tree from the forest to the child carries the tree with roots intact and then, through Ms. Smith's illustrations, the tree is pictured potted. The tree in this book is a true symbol of Life.

This book is one our family will treaure for generations to come.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars E,E,Cummings fan, July 5, 2011

By 

A. S. Carty "Nolan Ryan fan" (TX and MA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Little Tree (Read to a Child!: Level 2) (Paperback)

If you enjoy E.E.Cummings, you'll enjoy this. It's one of those fairy Tales written for children, and best understood by adults!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful simple and different Christmas book., January 9, 2011

By 

Red Eye (Augusta,, Georgia United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Little Tree (Read to a Child!: Level 2) (Paperback)

I enjoyed this so much because of the quiet simplicity of this Christmas book. It is so different from most of the stories of Christmas children are exposed to today. It had the quite beauty of poetry, accompanied by beautiful paintings.