One Splendid Tree

by Marilyn Helmer, Dianne Eastman (Illustrator)

With Daddy away fighting in the Second World War, Hattie, Junior and Momma have had to move to the city so Momma can take a factory job. Money is tight, and this year a Christmas tree is a luxury the family cannot afford. But Junior finds an abandoned plant in the hallway, and in his eyes, it holds the promise of Christmas magic. If he can only convince Hattie, maybe they can have a tree after all! Marilyn Helmer's tender story and Dianne Eastman's richly detailed photocollage art bring this Christmas past to vivid life. Includes instructions on how to make your own snowman decoration!

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, World War II, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I found the illustrations a little strange for my liking, the story was sweet. No the real reason for Christmas isn't mentioned, but I love how one plant and two children inspire an entire apartment to celebrate Christmas even during a war.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new-to-us book this year. The setting is during the years of WWII, and a small family has relocated to a cramped apartment in the city where their mother got a job working in a factory while their father is away at war. They weren't able to bring all of their Christmas decorations with them, so this story illustrates how they make do. Using a large potted plant left behind by a previous tenant as a "tree," they decorate it using handmade ornaments. In so doing, they bring the spirit of Christmas and a heightened sense of neighborliness to their apartment building and its tenants. My children were inspired by the handicrafts, and would like to give some of those homemade ornaments a try themselves. I loved the message of creating your own magic and the optimism one can find more happiness in embracing. The illustrations are done with a unique photo collage, and really capture the feel of that era.

[Joan Almond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so impressed by this picture book that I donated it to an non- profit organization called Kidsability. It seemed an appropriate way to commemorate the 75 Anniversary of the end of World War ll. Beautifully written with exquisite illustrations! Teachers and librarians and parents will want to include it in their resource libraries.

[Loretta Benenati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copyright 2005
Historical Fiction

This is such a beautiful story of childhood determination. Daddy is away at WWII and Momma has had to take a job in a factory in order for the family to survive. With things so tight, there is no way the family can afford a Christmas tree this year. However, Junior comes up with a plan and brings Hattie in on it to provide their family with a Christmas tree after all. The illustrations are lovely photocollage and students love scanning them endlessly. Especially this time of year, it is a nice reminder about what is important.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Splendid Tree is a touching work of historical fiction about a family making do with what they have in a time of rationing during World War II. Daddy may be away at war but he had already instilled the magic of Christmas in his two children, who spread that magic to the neighbors in their apartment complex.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book about the Christmas spirit, taking place during WWII. It's message is just as relevant today.

The illustrations are stunning. And I did tear up at the end.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a long picture book but one of my favorites to read every year.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story, wish the pictures matched.