The Littlest Solstice Tree

by Lisa Varchol Perron, Ahya Kim (illustrator)

Deep in the forest, where giant pines grow . . . Eager, young Sapling stood covered in snow.

Every winter solstice, one evergreen is crowned Tree of the Year, and this year, Sapling wants nothing more than to win. Her chances are as small as her stature, but when she befriends an overlooked neighbor, she wonders if they might reach new heights together.

Poetically told from the point of view of a small tree in the forest, The Littlest Solstice Tree brings together themes of intergenerational friendship, challenging the status quo, and youth bringing about change--all within a charming, cozy tale about holiday celebration.

An author's note brings more context to the story, highlighting how trees have been used in winter solstice--and Christmas--celebrations for centuries.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 23, 2025

Reviews

[Havelah McLat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the story! The message is genuine and sweet. A beautiful reminder for all of us that kindness matters. The illustrations are beautiful. Perfect read for the holidays!

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Reading Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A darling book about a contest for best solstice tree. This book teaches great sportsmanship, teamwork and having a winning attitude. I think it would be a nice addition to your holiday reads.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: The Littlest Solstice Tree by Lisa Varchol Perron, with illustrations by Ahya Kim

Rating: 5 Stars

I just finished The Littlest Solstice Tree by Lisa Varchol Perron, with illustrations by Ahya Kim, and I am completely charmed. This little book is a cozy, wintry hug of a story — the kind you’ll want to read aloud by lamplight with hot cocoa and a blanket.

The story is told from the perspective of a tiny Sapling who lives deep in a forest of towering pines. Every year, the woodland community chooses one evergreen to be the Tree of the Year for the winter solstice, and Sapling desperately hopes this will finally be her year. She’s the smallest of the bunch, though, and winning seems almost impossible... until a new friendship begins to change everything. When Sapling reaches out to an overlooked neighbor, they discover that together they might reach new heights and challenge tradition in the sweetest, most heartwarming way. The narrative gently explores themes of friendship across generations, rethinking who gets to lead, and how youthful hope can spark change — and there’s an author’s note at the end that beautifully connects the story to centuries-old solstice and holiday tree traditions.

I have to gush about the look of this book — that cover drew me in immediately. Ahya Kim’s illustrations are nothing short of gorgeous; the solstice scenes glow in purples, golden yellows, and blues that make every spread feel warm and magical. The art perfectly complements Lisa Varchol Perron’s poetic, tender voice and gives the whole book a timeless, storybook feel.

This is the kind of picture book that will become a family favorite. It’s heartfelt and festive but focused on the quiet, meaningful rituals of the season. I can already picture cozy read-aloud nights where everyone leans in for the next page. If you’re building a holiday library (or just want a sweet little solstice story), do yourself a favor and pick this one up — five stars from me.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Alyssa Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Littlest Solstice Tree by Lisa Varchol Perron is a beautifully illustrated holiday picture book about hope, self-worth, and the joy of sharing light with others. It follows a young sapling who dreams of being chosen as the village's solstice tree, celebrated and decorated to "keep the darkness at bay" on the longest night of the year. Despite being cautioned about her small size, the sapling's optimism leads to a story of intergenerational friendship and finding unexpected value in overlooked strengths.

The book takes place deep in a winter forest, where every year, one evergreen is crowned Tree of the Year for the solstice celebration. The protagonist, Sapling, is eager for the honor, even though her small stature seems to work against her. Instead of giving up, she befriends an older, unchosen tree. Through their friendship and mutual support, both trees discover they can reach" new heights together," sharing themes of encouragement, challenging the status quo, and the power of youth bringing about change.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Broadleaf Books through NetGalley.
A lovely reminder about friendship and community. The littlest tree wants to be the Solstice Tree but knows the villagers will choose one of taller trees. Beside her, the ancient tree also shares that it has never been chosen and knows it never will be. I love that the small tree reaches up and out to touch the ancient tree and stand together. The children notice this and want to choose both. The elders are against this as it has always been one tree. The other trees speak and share that traditions can change and younger people need to be listened to. The darker tones for the illustrations when the book begins make the later ones stand out even more for their brightness.

[Cuppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Lisa Varchol Perron and illustrator Ahya Kim bring us The Littlest Solstice Tree, a picture book for the Winter Solstice. The story opens in the forest where a small tree is yearning to be chosen as the celebrated, decorated Solstice Tree. An old tree cautions them not to get their hopes up too high. The. small tree realizes that the older, wiser tree has been waiting far longer to be chosen. This is a joyful story with lovely artwork that celebrate friendship and community. This could be a good addition for a holiday collection that needs some diversity. Thanks to Beaming Books and NetGalley for providing a galley for me to review.

[Carrie Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Varchol Perron writes beautiful books in masterful rhyme, and this might be my favorite yet! A small sapling longs to be chosen as this year's solstice tree, but realizes that she's not the only one with big dreams. Her charming solution will warm your heart - not just on the shortest, darkest day of the year, but every other day too! This book's solstice night is gorgeously illustrated by Ahya Kim in rich blues and purples, with golden pools of light from stars and lanterns bringing even more warmth and heart to each page. A book that is destined to become a family favorite read-aloud!

[Diana Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, lyrical text tells a heartwarming story with a deeper meaning about friendship, challenging traditions, and competition. And I love how how empowering it is. No matter how small you are or how young you are, you can make a difference just by asking questions and being thoughtful in your actions. Truly lovely!! Perfect story to keep readers cozy on a chilly winter night. The illustrations are equally warm and inviting. Hooray for Sapling! This book would be fun to pair with The Little Red Sleigh.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story with a beautiful message and adorably cozy illustrations. Sapling, just a little tree, is incredibly hopeful that she can become the village's Tree of the Year! But Ancient, a wiser and older pine tree, lets her know how things have always been: the taller trees are always picked instead. But with a little teamwork, Sapling finds a way to make a change bigger than she could've expected.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Megan Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute little story about accepting yourself how you are and the true meaning of friendship. I love that the book revolves around the winter solstice instead of Christmas or any other winter holidays. The illustrations are beautiful and my daughter absolutely loved them as well as the rhyming prose. I would recommend this book into the rotation of stories to read during wintertime.

I received this book complimentary from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

#TheLittlestSolsticeTree #NetGalley.

[Ana Siqueira · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Lisa's books are full of information, the perfect books to promote discussions, but this one is also a sweet fictional story about friendship and team work, love and pride, believing in yourself, all through the eyes of little tree that believed it could. Filled with information about this beautiful Solstice tradition, a heartfelt rhyming text, and gorgeous art, this book should become a tradition in everyone's house.

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Littlest Solstice Tree by @lisavperron is a wonderful, inspiring, and kind read! On the Solstice when one special tree is chosen by the villagers it highlights a young tree full of hope and an old tree with no hope left. This heartfelt read got me fairly emotional. I love the subtle message that some traditions are worth breaking in order to show a little extra kindness. This is truly a special read!

[Jenna Waldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and heartwarming book! Perron's skilled rhyming matching perfectly with Kim's lovely art, as we experience a special Winter Solstice tradition. My favorite part was when the little sapling and the big ancient evergreens team up instead of competing against each other. I wasn't expecting this turn, and it made me smile! A perfect addition to your wintertime picture book collection!

[Rebecca Gardyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful heartfelt story about unconditional friendship and being brave enough to challenge outdated rules. The rhymes are perfect and the illustrations are cozy. Back matter provides additional information about the winter solstice and traditions. A perfect excuse to snuggle and read with your little ones.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Littlest Solstice Tree
Lisa Varchol Perron and Ahya Kim
showing that living your dreams does not have to be alone. although tradition said their can be only one. The littlest solstice tree attempts to share the special holiday with its oldest friend. a holiday book that shows the nature of giving and receiving.

[Kirsten Pendreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A darling story of a little tree yearning to be chosen for decoration on the winter solstice. Readers will delight in the unexpected twists and turns in the narrative, and the simple messages of friendship and being open to change. Highly recommend!

[Suzy Levinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning story about what it means to truly care for those around us, set in a cozy forest during the winter solstice! I actually got a lump in throat while reading this, it's so beautiful and good-hearted. Gorgeous rhyming text by Lisa Varchol Perron, lovely art by Ahya Kim! An instant classic!

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and lyrical filled solstice celebration highlighting the beauty in traditions and the idea that these same traditions can evolve and change over time. The illustrations bring the emotion of the text to life and I love how the author told the story from the point of view of the trees.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book is a wonderful way to kick off winter. The gorgeous text and images also celebrate good sportsmanship, self esteem, sharing, generational relationships, nature, and hope. I recommend reading it over and over again to find all of the lovely layers.

[Megan Litwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and timeless tale, told in the kind of classic rhyme that is pure joy to read aloud. It is a story of hope, friendship, teamwork, and change – all wrapped up in a magical book that is perfect for the winter and holiday season. It will warm your heart!!

[Ann Koffsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely tale, from the tree's point of view.

[Monica Acker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Littlest Solstice Tree is a sweet winter story of friendship, kindness, and how traditions may change. Told in lyrical verse with soft illustrations, the Littlest Solstice Tree is a big winner.

[Stephanie Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming solstice tale celebrating friendship and kindness over competition. The charming story and message of inclusivity will shine brightly for young readers.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book for the winter holidays! This is especially great for families that may not be religious but still love to get into a festive spirit.

[Blair Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story by Lisa Perron!

[Elizabeth (Miss Eliza) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful wintery tale about sharing the spotlight and how together we are better than alone.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet story about celebrating friendship rather than competition. It would be a great addition to any family's holiday collection.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are very few winter holiday books that acknowledge, let alone explain, ancient rituals like celebrating winter solstice. It's cute, simple, and sweet.

[Caroline Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about a small tree who dreams of being crowned 'Tree of the Year', with a delightful ending that will warm readers' hearts. The art is charming and inviting, perfectly complementing Perron's masterful rhyming text. Highly recommended as a celebration of Winter Solstice, and for any time of year!