Customer Reviews

A Tree for Peter

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

... and I write about children's books. I grew up reading my mother's copy of this book, and I can truthfully say that it has helped form my world view. I am sure that I am a more compassionate person, less judgmental, and more socially activist because of this book. The illustrations are every bit as compelling as the story. I am now reading to my daughter from the copy my husband paid several hundred dollars for. A few years ago, when I heard from used bookstores that many people tried to find the book, I tried to interest some children's book publishers in the book. One wrote back to say that the book was "too dated" and "too narrow in its viewpoint." I think they were referring to the Christ-like character that Peter meets. Although I am not myself a practicing Christian, I find *their* view far too narrow, and I fear that one of the best children's books of all time will remain out of print until that view changes. By the way, my mother told me that this book was a runner-up for the Newbery Award when it was first published. Not sure if that's true and would love to find out.

Like some of the other fans of Kate Seredy here, I read this book in class when i was in Grade 4...sometime around 1981 or so..
I immediately fell in love with the touching story of a young boy living in a shanty town...watching how the town slowly rebuilds itself and pulls itself up by it's bootstraps...
the story of course centres around the young child, and how his life is forever changed by an old man that plants a tree for him..
but the wider story of a group of outcasts banding together to make a better life for themselves, and the way you see how one small event can change the lives of so many ...
well, to say it's inspirational is a huge understatement...

and thanks to the power of Amazon.com, i now have a great copy of it, at long last, and after years of searching...

a few small clicks, and i found it here ....

if for nothing else, i love amazon for returning this book to my life after 20+ years...

cheers

"It is a story. A long one. About a lame boy, a little red spade, a tiny Christmas tree, and ... a man nobody knew." This is a tale full of warmth, charm, and MIRACLES. Kate Seredy's words and lovely illustrations evoke the Depression Era without being depressing. In this time of material prosperity in America, so many of us have no experience of those days when a few moments of kind companionship, a new spade for a fatherless little boy, or the gift of a small tree might all be treasures which could change the world. The light, and love and joy in these pages will remain with you long after you've finished reading.

This is such an outstanding book, the question is: "Why is it out of print?" My children request it regularly. It would make the perfect gift, if only the publishers would reissue! So many other Seredy titles are currently available, why not this one?

Like others who have written here, I was first introduced to this book as a child. I remember being told by my grandfather, who was a professor of education, that A Tree for Peter was a runner-up for the Newbery Award in the year it was published. I've never checked on that, but I believe it.

A few years ago, after the book I read in childhood was passed on to my brother (his name is Peter), leaving me without a copy, I contacted several publishers trying to get them interested in reissuing the book. The only publisher that got back to me (and will remain nameless here) said that the content was too outdated. I believe they were referring to the overt Christian imagery. Although I'm not a practicing Christian, I was infuriated by this implication. I hope some enterprising publisher reads these reviews and reissues the book.

I first read this treasure of a book in a children's literature class in college. It has been 50 years since this book came into my life and it is still one of my favorites. The story and the illustrations are gifts to be cherished. WON'T SOMEONE PLEASE PUT THIS TREASURE BACK INTO PRINT?!

I read this book for the first time when I was in the fourth grade (34 years ago!) and was instantly captivated with the story and illustrations. I checked it out constantly throughout the next two years (the librarian wondered if I was wearing holes in the pages!) marveling anew at the tender and inspiring story and the wonderful illustrations each time. In fact, this book is the main reason I am now a professional illustrator/designer. I have never forgotten this book and have periodically sought for it without luck. Someday I hope to find a copy of my own again.

I first read this book when I was in 3rd grade, and the impression it has left on me is unforgettable. With it's beautiful images and bitter-sweet tale, it will delight young and old. Set during the depression, it tells the tale of a young boy that befriends an old man. The old man teaches the youngster the true value of friendsip, spirit and what it means to be human.

I was first introduced to this book 25 years ago in a childrens lit class and fell in love with the illustrations as well as the tender story of the relatioship between a young boy and a wise old man. Have searched since then to locate it. It's one of those timeless pieces.

I am also from Utah. This book was a tradition in our family, also. It is a book that helps children and adults see past appearances and stereotypes to see the image of Christ in all of us. I would like to find and purchase this book to have and pass on to others that I love.

I started reading A Tree For Peter to my daughter when she was about 6 years old. I had heard a book review on it, and the lady who gave the review did such a good job, that I had to check it out from the library. This became a tradition for my daughter and me. Every year at Christmas time, we would start reading the book, and end it on Christmas Eve. As my daughter got older, and I didn't take the time to check out the book, she would feel really bad and ask why we weren't doing it. I now want to save up enough money so that I can buy her a copy of the book for her Christmas present this year. The story is SO GOOD, we both LOVE IT !