Our Tree Named Steve [Paperback]

Alan Zweibel (Author), David Catrow (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: February 15, 2007 | Age Range: 5 and up

Dear Kids, A long time ago, when you were little, Mom and I took you to where we wanted to build a house. . . . I remember there was one tree, however, that the three of you couldn’t stop staring at. . . .

After the family spares him from the builders, Steve the tree quickly works his way into their lives. He holds their underwear when the dryer breaks down, he’s there when Adam and Lindsay get their first crushes, and he’s the centerpiece at their outdoor family parties. With a surprising lack of anthropomorphizing, this is a uniquely poignant celebration of fatherhood, families, love, and change.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3–When a storm fells a favorite tree, Dad writes a letter to his children, who are visiting their grandparents, to tell them the bad news. He reminds them of the day the family surveyed the piece of land where their new home would be built. Trees had to be cleared, but this giant, dubbed "Steve" by the youngest who couldn't pronounce "tree," was spared. Through the years, Steve became the family swing, third base, laundry line, campground, and even a first love's trysting place. The pencil-and-watercolor cartoons feature Catrow's familiar round-faced children and their comical dog. They extend the spare text with many visual jokes. A cheery palette gives way to dark magenta and blue when the tree dies, a melancholy dog sprawled across its stump. Zweibel attempts to give the story a hopeful twist at the end, but, overall, it is a bittersweet and genuinely sad slice of life.–Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community College, CT
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

Zweibel and Catrow have created a faultless piece of bibliotherapy for children working through loss. (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin; Reprint edition (February 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142407437
• ISBN-13: 978-0142407431
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 0.2 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #74,893 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderous and heartfelt April 27, 2005

By Camille VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

The emotional punch that 32 pages of illustrations and text can deliver never ceases to amaze me. "Our Tree Named Steve" is so funny and so touching that upon finishing it for the first time I immediately reopened the book and read it again and then again to savor the humor and the beautiful story. Steve is the name a family gives to a special tree in their yard. Over the years it holds swings and hammocks, turns jump ropes, acts as third base, appears in family photos and shelters their home. The tree watches over the family as the children grow and change. Steve's "last trick" will make you gasp in dismay. There is solace for the family (and us) as Steve's spirit lives on.

David Catrow was exactly the right person to design this book. His illustrations are a perfect balance of humor and pathos. I love the dog. Alan Zweibel is a gifted television comedy writer but this is his first children's book. He must be congratulated. He has crafted something quite wondrous and fine.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Destined to become a classic! April 12, 2005

By Jennifer R. Scharf

Format:Hardcover

I'm not sure who loved this book more - me or the kids! Set around one very special tree, "Our Tree Named Steve" traces the life of family and the changes that they go through. But through all of the changes, one thing remains constant - Steve's presence in their lives. The family quite literally grows up around Steve, the tree that greeted them in the yard as they moved in. This story, told with earnest simplicity, teaches children about the "roots" of family and how to cope with loss. This book is filled with humor, warmth and heart. Children of all ages will love "Steve" - and parents will love reading it to them.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless May 19, 2005

By A. E. Joynt

Format:Hardcover

With infinite grace and deep understanding, Alan Zweibel imparts this tale of tradition, growing up, and the enduring spirit of family. Steve is more than just a tree- Steve is a vital part of the family, and the deference accorded him is both heartwarming and very realistic.

This book meant a lot to me because I had a climbing tree like Steve when I was growing up. My Steve aged over many years of Western New York winters. My parents ultimately had to pay a tree surgeon (I didn't know they existed either) to prolong the tree's life by a few more years. Now all that remains of the tree are memories. For me, this book captures all of what I remember of that climbing tree, and happy memories of growing up.

Alan Zweibel has done an amazing job of weaving together timeless themes in a new and touching package. This book is a must read!