The Great Spruce
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $5.99
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
Together with his grandpa, a young boy finds a way to save his favorite tree in this heartwarming Christmas tale
Alec loves to climb trees—the little apple trees, the wide willow trees, even the tall locust trees. But his favorite is the great spruce, with its sturdy trunk and branches that stretch up to the sky. Alec’s grandpa planted it as a sapling years and years before Alec was born, and every Christmas, Alec and his grandpa decorate the tree together, weaving tinsel and lights through its branches, making it shine bright.
But one day, a few curious men from the nearby city take notice of Alec’s glistening great spruce, and ask to take it away for their Christmas celebration. Though it’s a huge honor, Alec’s heartbroken at the idea of losing his friend. With great courage and creativity, Alec comes up with a plan to save his favorite tree in this joyful holiday tale.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Alec loves to climb the spruce tree his grandfather planted years ago, but this year men arrive hoping to use it as a centerpiece in a city holiday display. Distraught, Alec suggests a compromise: "You can borrow the tree instead!" Alec, his grandfather, and members of their community dig up the tree in order to preserve its roots before it travels to the city via tugboat and horse-drawn sleigh. Gibbon's (The Bee Who Spoke) images of a countryside speckled with cottages and snowy cityscapes recall the work of Ludwig Bemelmans, amplifying the sweetly nostalgic mood of newcomer Duvall's story. The city isn't identified, but visual cues suggest it to be New York City, and a closing note discusses how live trees were once used in Rockefeller Center and then replanted on Long Island a practice that has fallen out of favor, Duvall laments. Ages 5 8.
