The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story

by Gloria Houston

Book Overview

This unforgettable tale, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Barbara Cooney, has become a seasonal classic-a touching and joyful story about courage and the power of family.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140558772
• ISBN13: 9780140558777
• Release Date: October 1996
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 9.3" x 10.4"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

the Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree

The Year of the perfect Christmas Tree is the most supreme book I've ever read. I think Gloria Houston is the brightest author to write this perfect book. This book was about a father who was sent out to war and will return on Christmas Eve. The little girl was forlorn because her father hadn't come back yet. So after the play they were having at church the little girls father was standing outside waiting for his little girl. This is the coolest book I've ever read. I like this book because it is about caring, giving, and love. I think that everyone in the world would love to read this awesome book.

A Masterfully Written Teaching Tool

As a teacher, I found this book so valuable as a teaching tool. It is a book that teaches the value of family, material things, memories, nature, and history. Life cycles, the seasons, and holidays are so important to the family in the book. It teaches how a family values relationships and plans for the future to insure those relationships. There is nothing hap-hazard in this masterfully written book. It is a true gem. I have found that it correlates to all subjects in primary grades and its historical value is supurb. The contribution of Gloria Huston's illustrations are a perfect blend with the text of the book. Text and illustrations hold each other's hands from beginning to end. I looked forward to using this book in my instruction each year. Few books have the perfection this one possesses. Buy it, read it over and over, and pass it on to posterity. Their lives will be richer for having experienced this book.

A tender story about real love to be read each Christmas

This book was brought home from school with my daughter in first grade. I was frantically trying to get ready for Christmas and was a little frustrated that at this particularly frantic moment, I was asked to read a book with so many words! With my daughter tucked in I began to read. After getting to the end, I couldn't wait to get downstairs and tell my husband about it. The peace and love that is Christmas is what this book so gently reminds you to focus on. It conjures in me the same emotions as when reading "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch. This book should not be missed!

A timeless Christmas classic

I enjoy reading this book every year around Christmas time. My mom first read it to me when I was little. I am sophomore in High School now and I still find delight in reading this classic Christmas story. Since I am older now, and have a deeper understanding of compassion, I have discovered a whole new meaning to the story. If you are putting together a Christmas story collection, "The Year of the Perfect Christmas" Tree should be one of your selections.