The Snow Tree

I'm 11 years old and will read it to a group of 1st graders at my school. I really liked the book especially all the colors against a white background and bumpy texture of the pages. The pictures are great too. It shows how each of the animals gave gifts to make a Christmas Tree for them to share. I think the 1st graders will really like it, I did!

Caroline Repchuck has written a christmas fable for all religions, races or creeds. It is simple in it's form, but abundant in it's sence of wonder. Our 2 year old daughter insists on constant rereadings of it. It has become a real family favourite, and quickly takes on the characteristics of something much older and wiser than most modern childrens books. Buy it. Yes there is a serious tone, but speaking it aloud makes one feel like a wise old inuit shaman passing pearls of infinate and ancient wizdom down to his loved ones. A classic, and beautifully illustrated too.

This is a perfectly charming book for all ages - I see it as a plausible analogy of how decorated Christmas trees began. The heavy pages make them easy for small hands to turn, and the clear illustrations, along with the embossing, add both visual and tactile delight. The story line is simple enough for very young children to follow yet contains a haunting mythic quality appropriate for older people. While I've purchased this for two grandchildre, a number of my adult friends are also receiving it from me this year as an option to the standard ego-driven coffee-table book!

The Snow Tree has become a holiday favorite at our house. The textures and colors appeal to both my 18 month old son and four year old daughter. We love nature. The wildlife in three dimensions brings us right into the forest.

As a Youth Services Librarian, I have the privilege of viewing lots of great materials. This book, however, was a delight to feel as well as to see! A wonderful story about community at Christmas, Snow Tree reminds the reader of the importance of sharing and the beauty that can come from such sharing. The pages of this book are textured and are a very inviting feature. Although there are lots of holiday books out there, I truly believe that Repchuk's Snow Tree is a worthy addition to holiday collections everywhere!