It's been awhile since I pulled out a library read. That was my new change to this year's line-up, and I'll admit that I could have done better. So, I'll be putting an improved 'Library Read' post schedule on my New Year's resolutions list for 2025.
I ran across this one on Libby (the small town library does it's best, but inter-library borrowing definitely makes things much, much better) and thought it looked so lovely that I decided to give it a go. It's a fictive tale surrounding the Rockefeller Center Tree will, hopefully, have a tiny bit of history included and should awaken awareness for the Habitat for Humanity.
On a side note, I discovered the Habitat for Humanity just these last few months thanks to an attempt to save money on a house renovation for one of my sons. From what I've seen and experienced, it's a lovely organization.
Anyway, let's dive in and see how this story flows!
THE CARPENTER'S GIFT
A Christmas Tale About the Rockefeller Center Tree
by David Rubel
Illustrated by LaMarche
Random House
Picture Book
48 pages
This modern classic Christmas story teaches children the spirit of the season by bringing together two great New York City the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the neighbor-helping-neighbor program of Habitat for Humanity.
Opening in Depression-era New York City, The Carpenter's Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his father selling Christmas trees. They give a Christmas tree to construction workers building Rockefeller Center and celebrate together. Through the kindness of the construction workers and neighbors, Henry gets his wish for a nice, warm home to replace his family's drafty shack. He plants a pinecone from that first Rockefeller Center Tree. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone to become a Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. After bringing joy to thousands as the Rockefeller Center tree, its wood will be used to build a home for another family in need.
Written by children's nonfiction author David Rubel in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. Gorgeous illustrations crafted by Jim LaMarche.
Opening in Depression-era New York City, The Carpenter's Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his father selling Christmas trees. They give a Christmas tree to construction workers building Rockefeller Center and celebrate together. Through the kindness of the construction workers and neighbors, Henry gets his wish for a nice, warm home to replace his family's drafty shack. He plants a pinecone from that first Rockefeller Center Tree. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone to become a Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. After bringing joy to thousands as the Rockefeller Center tree, its wood will be used to build a home for another family in need.
Written by children's nonfiction author David Rubel in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. Gorgeous illustrations crafted by Jim LaMarche.
AND AT A LIBRARY NEAR YOU!
MY TIDBITS
These pages breathe the wonder of Christmas classics with the heart of giving and a touch of historic flair.
This tale was written with the Habitat for Humanity in mind and brings across the ideas of sharing and giving to others, especially in times of need. It is very loosely based on the history behind the Rockefeller Tree and includes small facts, here and there, to give the tale a founded base. It begins with a pull at the heart-strings as a young boy, Henry, joins his father in an attempt to sell Christmas trees to earn money for their struggling family. The economic problems of the period are kept clear, but friendly, positive attitudes follow right along to keep a lovely hum. The messaging slides in as Henry's family receives a huge, unexpected helping hand and stretches all the way to the Rockefeller Tree thanks to his planted pinecone. It's realistic, yet magical.
The illustrations are beautiful and each scene not only brings the time period across vividly but also captures the atmosphere with every page. The text is on the longer side, making this a great read-aloud. Readers who are very sure of their words can tackle it on their own. The historic tidbits demonstrate known and lesser known aspects (such as the helicopters) and add a special touch. The last pages of the book reveal the true story behind the Rockefeller Tree. I was surprised that the author took such a different twist for the story and am not sure why, since there are huge differences. But the 'real' story is a nice addition, especially for historical purposes.
There are books which can be read every Christmas season, and this is one of them. While it will impact those who know about the Rockefeller Tree differently than those who don't, it doesn't change the magic of the story. These pages hold traditional Christmas goodness, which warms the heart and reminds about the importance of giving.
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