A Christmas Tree in the White House (Hardcover)

by Gary Hines (Author), Alexandra Wallner (Illustrator) "President Roosevelt dashed down the hallway, his six children tumbling behind him..." (more)
Key Phrases: White House, President Roosevelt

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3?A delightful story that's part fact and part fiction, set during the Teddy Roosevelt administration. Christmas is just around the corner but the president refuses to cut down an evergreen to decorate the White House. Although his six children beg for one, the commander in chief believes that his conservation efforts are too important to compromise. Nevertheless, his two youngest sons conspire with their aunt and sneak a small tree into their bedroom closet. Snappy dialogue, lots of action, and a small conspiracy quickly move the plot along. Underlying the playfulness, however, is the portrayal of a man who is adamant in his beliefs. Hines ends the account with brief notes characterizing Roosevelt and explaining what actually occurred. Charming gouache illustrations give the book a folksy appearance. Additionally, Wallner subtly shows varied textures through skillful use of lines. This well-done presentation may inspire readers to find out more about Roosevelt, his conservation efforts, and his family.?MMH
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 5^-7. Loosely based on a true event, this picture book recalls the story of President Theodore Roosevelt's refusal to allow a Christmas tree in the White House because having one would conflict with his conservation program: "It's not good to cut down trees for mere decoration. We must set a good example for the people of America." When Roosevelt discovered that his sons Quentin and Archie had sneaked a small tree into their room, he marched them over to see his chief forester, who informed them all that if done right, cutting some trees is a good idea, as thinning a forest allows smaller trees to grow. After that the Roosevelts had a small tree each year. A black-and-white photograph of the Roosevelts follows the story, accompanied by some information about the family and the events on which the story is based. Wallner's gouache illustrations capture the dress and decor of the times, making this an interesting historical piece as well as a book for any Christmas collection. Helen Rosenberg

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); 1st edition (October 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805050760
• ISBN-13: 978-0805050769
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,018,911 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good job of "personalizing" a White House Christmas, November 1, 1999

By	Darnell Edwards-Allen ([e-mail]) (Marietta, Georgia) - See all my reviews

This book was excellent for 4-8 year olds to personalize Christmas at their house and at the first family's house. It also introduced a real life president and how carrying out his duties affected his home life. My son saw this as his first 'history lesson' of sorts. As an extra bonus it just so happens that one of President Roosevelt's sons was named Quentin. My son will remember this fact because that's his name and my husband, his dad's name happens to be Theodore!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible Story Weaving Christmas and History, December 13, 2000

By	Wayne A. Smith (Wilmington, DE) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is an interesting Christmas book for young children. The story is played against the backdrop of the Roosevelt White House (Teddy's), and an apparently true story involving the conservationist president's decision not to allow a cut tree into the White House because he want's to be a good example for Americans.

Of course TR's notoriously rebellious brood tries to outfox their dad by secretly procuring a pine tree and stashing it away, decorated, in a bedroom closet. When discovered, TR marches the boys down to speak with Gifford Pinchot, his head of the US Forestry service. Pinchot says that sometimes cutting small trees can actually be beneficial to forests as it gives room for other trees to thrive and grow.

With that OK, the live tree (although a small one in keeping with the chief of forestry's direction) is again welcome into the White House and is part of a festive christmas celebration.

This story interests my children. Besides the Christmas hook, it involes the president and the White House, concepts they are familiar with. It also teaches a conservation lesson. Good book for the 4-7 set.