Everett Green: The Not-So-Christmas Tree

by Freddy Wexler, Fanny Berthiaume (illustrator)

Celebrate friendship, giving, and the true meaning of Christmas with Everett Green, the palm tree with plenty of personality!The tiki torch is lit, the hula dancers are ready, the stage is set. It's...Christmastime in Hawaii!Everett Green is a singing, dancing palm tree waiting for his big break. He dreams of being a star, yet has no idea how to make it happen--until he sees the Rockefeller Tree on TV. Determined to become the most famous Christmas tree ever, Everett is ready to hightail it out of Hawaii and make his big debut in the Big Apple.But it's not all clear skies for Everett when a New York snowstorm grounds his flight.Stuck in the airport with hundreds of disgruntled travelers, Everett must dig deep for holiday spirit if he wants to become a real Christmas tree!From grammy-nominated songwriter Freddy Wexler comes a modern Christmas the story of a would-be Christmas tree who comes to see that Christmas is not what or where you are, but who you're with.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Holiday, Friendship, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always wanted to see a picture book where unconventional trees get a moment to shine at Christmas. This was the case with Everett, being a plastic Christmas tree! It's really cute!

A great book to remind children to make the best of every circumstance. And that they are special just the way they are.

[Skye Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adorable!
I can really relate to this story

[Elizabeth]

Palm trees are the best Christmas trees!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exuberant, brightly colored Photoshop illustrations that fit the protagonist's personality perfectly will keep readers' eyes engaged with this picture book. Not every Christmas tree is a pine, a cedar or a spruce, and for Everett Green, a palm tree, his ambition to become a Christmas tree, one that is noticed by everyone, consumes him. Leaving behind the venue where he sings but no one pays attention, he sets off for New York City where Christmas trees get quite a lot of attention. With the help of Bird, he navigates the airport, but his plane never takes off due to a winter storm in NYC, leaving him and the other passengers stuck there. But Everett is a true performer at heart, and somehow, he manages to grab the attention of the other stranded folks, leading them in an impromptu singalong with a play, some jokes, and dancing, filling everyone's hearts with joy and Christmas spirit. This story will have readers and listeners going, "AW!" while also realizing that sometimes it's possible to find and be yourself right where you are, without needing to go very far at all.

[Rick Matisse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I'm from a "tropical" area (hint, Will Smith had a hit song about my hometown LOL). So speaking from my POV, it's so rare that my kids get to read an Xmas book about where WE'RE from!! It's always, NYC this, Rock Center that... but no, Everett is a PALM TREE and he loves the sunshine!! Just like my son and daughter. So funny and definitely recommended to parents of little kids who love christmas but don't get to see the snow (LMAO!)

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever holiday story about a small plastic palm tree that aspires to be a Christmas Tree in the big city of New York. The plan gets sidetrack when weather cause Everett to be stranded in the airport unable to get to New York. It is in the airport with other trapped passengers that Everrett discovers the true meaning of Christmas and finds identity in spreading joy wherever he is. It is an engaging story with bright bold illustrations. Wexler cleverly weaves in puns along the way.

[Wilson Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched my heart in the most unexpected way! Everett Green is the kind of character that stays with you long after you turn the last page. Magical AND relatable . And what a cute little guy! Wexler has created a Christmas classic for the modern age. Highly recommended for readers of all ages (not just the little ones)!!

[Ali Hudstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK... I cried reading this to my kiddos. It’s got that classic Christmas warmth, but with a modern twist. The airport setting was genius—unexpected and unexpectedly WARM (as opposed to how awful we all know airports can be)! Will be rereading every year.

[Tony Ontario · Rating 5 out of 5]

bought this book for my nephew, but I ended up loving it too. Everett’s journey is really fun and inspiring. humor, heart, it's got it all. and perfect for the holidays coming up. Highly recommend!

[Y.Poston]

a very off-beat cute Christmas Tree story