The Trees of the Dancing Goats (Aladdin Picture Books) (Paperback)

~ (Author, Illustrator) "AT OUR FARM just outside Union City, Michigan, we didn't celebrate the same holidays as most of our neighbors . . . but we shared..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Polacco has a warm, colorful illustrative style that has enriched her numerous other works such as Babushka Baba Yaga and I Can Hear the Sun. Here she applies it to what at first seems the simple story of a Jewish girl, Trisha, and her Christian neighbors, whose bout with scarlet fever at Christmas threatens to ruin Trisha's Hanukkah. Trisha and her family respond with a loving gesture that is rewarded in kind. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Publishers Weekly

Polacco's (Babushka's Doll) warmhearted memoir can easily be pressed into double duty for both Hanukkah and Christmas reading. On the family farm in Michigan, Trisha and Richard watch as Babushka and Grampa prepare for Hanukkah in their native Russian way, hand-dipping the candles, carving the children gifts of little wooden animals, cooking the latkes. When scarlet fever debilitates their neighbors, Trisha's whole family pitches in to make and deliver holiday dinners and Christmas trees (decorated with the children's wooden animals). Polacco's characteristically buoyant illustrations embody the joy of holiday traditions even as her robust storytelling locates the essence of that joy in sharing and friendship. While this work should have broad appeal, it is in particular an excellent choice for families seeking to mingle Jewish and Christian traditions. Ages 5-10.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin; Reprint edition (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689838573
• ISBN-13: 978-0689838576
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.3 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #115,865 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #7 in	Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Family Life > Multigenerational > Nonfiction
  #20 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( P ) > Polacco, Patricia
  #30 in	Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Festivals > Jewish > Hanukkah

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite Polacco story., July 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Trees Of The Dancing Goats, The (Hardcover)

This book is a rare find. Patricia Polacco grabs the readers interest with her usual warmth. The story tells of a winter on the farm when most of the rest of the families in the village have come down with Scarlet Fever. As Trisha and her family prepare for the upcoming Hanukkah celebration, they realize that the other families will not be well enough to celebrate Christmas. Trisha's family decides that they will take a special holiday dinner and decorations made from their Hanukkah presents to the other families homes to surprise them. The example of unselfish giving is one every child should be exposed to.

I have read this book to my first grade class each year for the last three years. Each time I read it, there will be at least a couple of children who begin to cry. I cannot read this story without getting a lump in my throat. I recommend this book to EVERYONE!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have, September 1, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Trees Of The Dancing Goats, The (Hardcover)

This lovely tale of goowill and friendship between Christians and Jews is a must for every elementary media center and public library collection. Never preachy, Polacco's theme is clear to children as the touching story unfolds. You should have this one

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful for Christians and Jews, alike!, December 6, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Trees Of The Dancing Goats, The (Hardcover)

This is my favorite new book of this holiday season. Here is a story for Christians and Jews alike...a story that celebrates the spirit of humanity. Through her rich, lively paintings, Polacco brings us a message of love, through the friendship of two young girls, who although they do not share the same religion and traditions, they in fact DO share this one particular holiday season. Warm your heart with joy as you read this story of two families and how we truly are all one.