Customer Reviews

Our Tree Named Steve

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I bought this book for my little sister and found myself enjoying it as much as she did during her story time. Explaining loss to a child is never easy but the author has found a way to do so using language a child can understand. The book focuses on the memories that we make with the important people and things in our lives and reminds us that they are never really gone. The book also reminds us that every act, whether it is a family barbeque or a simple game can help bind a family together. I recommend that every parent buy this book it helps turn a difficult topic into something uplifting.

With Steve, Alan Zweibel accomplishes quite a feat.

On the one hand, the story of Steve is so specific, so personal, and told in such detail that it cannot help but be unique. The storytelling is masterful; I was convinced time and again that this was indeed a letter from a father to his children, a glimpse into one man's means of comforting his family while himself coping with loss. It is this specificity that distinguishes this story from the trite tales that plague many books in this genre.

On the other hand, the story's specificity does not detract from its ability to make the reader care about Steve, and connect in a meaningful way with this family's loss. I know it evoked memories from my own childhood, as I'm sure it does for other readers. Steve the tree is like my grandfather's house, or like the creek that runs behind my mother's house that my six-year old niece just can't seem to get enough of. These things are actors in every child's life. Steve could also be a grandfather himself, a babysitter, a friend. It is memories of moments that would not have been possible without the quiet strength or even just the presence of a particular person or entity, that bind the reader to Steve. And though the story is certainly sad at a point, this complexity makes the work truthful and I believe it is a useful tool to introduce the concept of change, growth and loss to a young reader, or at the very least a delicate effort to help ease the sorrow of difficult times. For these reasons (and more!), Our Tree Named Steve is a permanent and welcome addition to my niece's library.

I will tell you right from the start that this is an emotionally powerful book and I can be and often in a tear jerker; especially if you are dealing with a sensitive child or have leanings in that direction yourself. I must admit that each time I read this work I get sort of teary eyed.

This is the story of a tree; a very special tree that has a special impact upon the family who lives in his shade. It stands at the children grow and many wonderful memories are attached to this magnificent member of the family; and indeed, Steve the tree is a member of the family...have no doubt.

Through the years many happy memories are associated with this tree and to be frank, Steve's ultimate end in a storm does pack an emotional blow.

But all that being said, there are many, many wonderful messages in this little book. The meaning of family, the joys of nature and being involved with her, the ability of dealing with loss and the lesson of hope and renewal. While it is a sad story, the getting to the sad part is a pure joy. You will find yourself not only smiling quite often, but also actually laughing. The wonderful and quirky art work by David Catron is a pure joy to behold.

The text is written in the form of a letter from a father to his children who have obviously left home and started life on their own. The text is simple yet extremely profound and touching. Now I have lost several special trees in my life and the experience is quite like loosing a member of the family or beloved pet. The author catches the essence of this perfectly.

I personally don't feel this is the best of "bedtime" stories for the little one as they are bound to have Steve the tree on their minds, but as an overall read, it is one of the best. It gives parents and grandparents the perfect vehicle to bring up the subject of loss and to discuss it with their children.

This is a good book and most certainly belongs in your child's library.

Don Blankenship

The Ozarks

My 8 year old checked this book out at the school library and had to have it. She read it over and over! Good book for any family that may be dealing with the loss of something or someone special.

I picked up a copy of Our Tree Named Steve at my grandson's school and knew I had to purchase a copy for myself, and recommend it to others.

An old tree of obvious character was discovered on the site where a family's new house was to be built.The youngest child could not say "tree"; it came out "Steve", and after enough begging by the children,the father told the builder to spare it. The story of Steve is a letter written by the father to the children who are visiting their grandmother.It recaps how Steve, without speaking, seeming to think or in any way behaving other than a tree should, was so much a part of their family, and how he will continue to do so.

This is a touching story, but the only 'sap' here is in old Steve.The quirky illustrations enhance the modernity of the story, but I believe that the book is timeless.

I love this book.

This book was recommended to us by a friend and has quickly become one of our favorites!

I purchased this book to read to my Pre-K class. While the other reviews gave me ample warning, I still found myself tearing up and struggling to read the last few pages aloud. The first grade teacher walked in as I closed the book and wiped my eyes. I handed it to her and soon I heard her say, "Oh gee, thanks alot" as she was overcome by the book's lovely ideals and heart-warming emotions. The book was then passed to both of the kindergarten teachers, the other Pre-K teacher and the school's director. Each time it was finished with a smile and a tear-stained cheek. (By the way, the kids liked it too!)

While it is not the classic that Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree is, I would liken it to that book in that emotion and a powerful message can co-exist simultaneously. We must appreciate what nature has given to us, and enjoy these gifts while we can. This lesson applies not only to the tree itself, but to family.