Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree

by Robert E. Barry

Book Overview

Give the gift of holiday spirit with this classic picture book that celebrates how one Christmas tree brings joy to a whole forest of critters

Christmas is here and Mr. Willowby's tree has arrived. There's just one big problem: The tree is too tall for his parlor He cuts off the top so it will fit, and soon the top of that tree is passed along again and again to bring holiday cheer to all the animals in the forest.

Kids will love watching the tree move from home to home, and families will appreciate the subtle message of conservation and recycling, as the tree top spreads joy to all.

This heartwarming story, in print since 1963, is the perfect way to start the yuletide season, and a warm addition to any family's festive holiday traditions.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385327218
• ISBN13: 9780385327213
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.7" x 11.2"
• Age Range: 3 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

What a beautiful and fantastic book. We need more books like this.

Rhyme and Christmas! Plus sweet families all getting excited for Christmas Eve

Reading this is a new Christmas tradition

What a delightful book! It's a satisfying rhythmic read with beautiful illustrations. It's an extra cozy bed time read with my son. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a new warm, holiday book to add to their collection.

My favorite children's Christmas book

This is a Wonderful Whimsical story of how many get to enjoy Christmas trees because of Mr Willoughby.

Beautiful Book!!

This is a beautiful book such a delightful story and illustrations! I remember it from my childhood and just had to buy and read to my children.

Mr Willowby Brings in the Holiday Season.....

"Mr Willowby's Christmas tree/Came by special delivery./Full and fresh and glistening green-/The biggest tree he had ever seen." So big, in fact that when it stood in place in the parlor, it not only touched the ceiling but "bent like a bow." Mr Willowby realized that something must be done, and had his butler, Baxter, chop off the top. And what happens to that tree top, makes for a wonderful and endearing Christmas story..... Originally published in 1963, Mr Willowby's Christmas Tree is just as fresh and magical today, as it was all those years ago. Robert Barry's rhyming text is lyrical and joyous, and complemented by his delightful and expressive artwork. Perfect for youngsters 3-8, this is a charming and simple treasure of a book that really captures the holiday spirit, and is a lovely read-aloud story the entire family will want to share again and again, year after year.

A Childhood Treasure finally Found!

As many of the other reviewers, I loved this story as a child. I am one of 8 children, though, and as our childhood books were being given to us as adults, the only copy we owned went to one of my older sisters who originally owned it. For years the rest of us have been searching in vain to find copies for ourselves, and I was tickled pink today to discover that it has been re-printed! It is a classic tale of the spirit of Christmas that will forever be my favorite Christmas story. I have already emailed my siblings to let them know the good news, and I intend to get copies for my nieces and nephews this year! You'll be making a great choice if you select this book!

My favorite christmas book

As a child of about 6 or 7, my parents got me Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. I would make my mom read it to me over and over as well as hearing "Captain Kangaroo" read it every year on his show. Now, I am a 41 year old mother of three, and I still have my original copy, as well as copies for my three children and am ordering a copy for my brand new nephew. Reading Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree has become a family tradition at my house. Of course, I don't have to read it - I have been able to recit it word for word for years!! This is a wonderful "snuggle up with a child in your arms" book that you will enjoy reading for years. Maybe it will become a family tradition at your house too!

Wonderful story for all ages

I loved this book as a child and am still enchanted today! My children want me to read it year round. Five stars are not enough for this book. Not only is the story entertaining, but it teaches recyclying on a young childs level. If you want a book to pass down through many generations, I strongly recommend Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree!

My favorite children's book of all time.

I am 29 years old and have never forgotten the story of Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. I cherished the book as a child and have a special place in my heart for it still today. This book is enjoyable to read any time of year not only at Christmas. I enjoy giving hardcover versions of my favorite childhood stories as treasured gifts. This book deserves more than 5 stars. I do not wish to give a summary of this story, but encourage you to please read and ENJOY!!!