If the Tree Could Speak: The Story of the Cross That Saw It All

by Tim Tebow, Rommel Ruiz (Illustrator)

Discover fresh hope as you see the miracle of redemption through a new set of eyes.

In If the Tree Could Speak, New York Times bestselling author Tim Tebow invites you into the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, told from the perspective of the closest thing to Jesus on that day—the wooden cross. This captivating poem portrays the journey of Jesus all the way to His crucifixion and resurrection. You’ll see His death and His humanity in a new light.

When a large tree is cut down, it hopes to be made into something the whole world would admire. But after being stripped and beaten down into two beams, the tree is aghast at its new shameful form—a cross used to execute only the worst of criminals.

Follow the cross to Golgotha and meet Jesus with fresh eyes as the cross discovers that it holds the King of kings, who has redeemed the tree’s shameful form to become a symbol of hope for all of humanity. Filled with striking illustrations from Rommel Ruiz, If the Tree Could Speak

Is a compelling narrative written in rhyme from the perspective of the cross, making the crucifixion story accessible for all readers and levels of faithIs a perfect gift for Lent and Easter, baptisms, or for someone curious about or new to the Christian faithIs a great choice for churches to read from the pulpit, in Sunday school classes, or in small groups 

Come to the cross and embrace the love and redemption that Jesus offers to everyone who believes.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith

128 pages, Hardcover

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

Tim Tebow is one of the most accomplished players in college football history. A two-time winner of the NCAA National Football Championship with the University of Florida, Tim is also the first-ever sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. He then went on to become a two-time winner of the Maxwell Award for the nation’s top football player, while also winning the Davey O’Brien Award for the nation’s best college quarterback and the James E. Sullivan Award for the most outstanding amateur athlete in any sport. He is the founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation which was started to bring faith, hope, and love to those needing a brighter day in the darkest hour of need, and in April 2010, Tim was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He lives in Colorado.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But sometimes, we need unexpected voices to help us rediscover a truth we may have heard many times before." p 123

Aesthetically laid out, the simple poetic composition is deeply moving and beautifully profound. Highly recommended!

[Louisa aka the bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful poem that looks at the Easter story from a completely different angle. It was an amazing read and so good to remember again what our Lord did for us when He died and rose again. I think it would be a fantastic poem to read at an Easter service and to show the amazing illustrations in the book. Just so thought provoking! Would absolutely recommend it!

[Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: Five Crosses

A good poem about Jesus of Nazareth from the Tree's point of view.
Bittersweet and nicely illustrated. Quick read.

[Tiffani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up at the library... long form poem with beautiful illustrations and wonderful creative perspective from the tree that became the cross for Jesus' crucifixion. I would love to have my own copy!

[Katelynn Burwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a reverent, engaging retelling of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Aimed at children but impactful for all ages, it looks at Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection through the eyes of the tree that was used to make Jesus' cross. The writing and illustrations do not shy away from the brutal suffering Jesus endured, but it is still very age-appropriate. I highly, highly recommend this book for both children and adults!

[Chloe Hoop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poem and veautiful illustrations!

[Leah Delcamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this story when it popped up as a Goodreads suggestion and am really glad I did.

It is a an illustrated and rhythmic retelling of the gospel from the perspective of a tree that was turned into the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The illustrations were phenomenal, however, they may be a bit intense for sensitive children. I was surprised not only by how beautifully profound this is, but also how it moved me to tears. To quote the author’s note: “sometimes we need unexpected voices to help us rediscover the truth we may have heard many times before.”

The greatest story ever told is re-told here in a way that brings about humble gratitude and is a unique way to share The Good News with people of all ages.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So amazing. What a sweet perspective of the crucifixion of Christ. And what a blessing to read on Holy Saturday, the day of waiting between his death and resurrection. A day of sorrow, anticipation, and grief…but not for long!

If anyone wants to borrow, please lmk! It’s maybe a 20-30 minute read of beautiful poems and illustrations that honestly reminded me of a lot about the Easter story and got me thinking and researching a good bit! And ofc it’s by our legend Tim Tebow so no surprise it’s awesome.

[Kassidy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written and illustrated. It’s simple enough for my 4 year old to understand and powerful enough to bring tears to my eyes. Highly recommend

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very inspirational. A suggested read for everyone.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple little tale that leaves a profound impact on those who read it and absorb it's lesson.

[Samantha Sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and imaginative truth-based re-telling of Jesus’ Christ’s loving crucifixion for all of humanity.

[Teresa Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poem relating the Easter Story from a unique perspective. Brilliant!

[Havyn Oberkrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and imaginative retelling. Beautiful artwork and straightforward but poetic story telling.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

[Max Bloomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

man. I love everything about this. highly encourage to read if you have 12 minutes.
and if your eyes are dry after, read it again.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 stars -- Illustrations are beautiful, and takes you through Jesus' death and resurrection from the perspective of the cross. I'm just not the biggest fan of rhyming poetry!

[Sue Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a Blessing from Tim Tebow

Although short it speaks the truth and reinforces our belief that GOD so Loved the world that he sent his only Son to forgive our sins and give us eternal life in Heaven!

[Valerie Earnest · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

I absolutely loved this book. I honestly thought it was a normal book with pages of writing and no pictures. I was shocked to discover it was more like a children's book but for everyone, not just children.

I've known the story of Jesus, but there were a few things that I didn't remember, and it was amazing to be taught some new things.

I really enjoyed the point of view from the tree on which Jesus was hung. 🙌

I recommend this book to everyone! Thank you Tim Tebow for this masterpiece!

God Bless.

[Patricia Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a religious person but wanted to read this because I was curious about this unique perspective.

[Lisa Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had heard the hype about the book and I thought with Easter coming this book would hit the shelves in my small town. It didn’t. So, I purchased it from Amazon and I’m not disappointed. I love Tim Tebow’s wit and Bible knowledge. I’ll definitely keep this book for one day when I have grandchildren or next Easter I’ll read it to our youth at church.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

the tree

This vantage point has never been explored in a more creative way than this one. Instant appeal and eye opening message that I believe will reach kids at the youngest of ages. Thank you Tim for trusting the Lord to help you write this book. This is one I will read to my daughters for the rest of their lives.

[Michelle Teles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book!
The perspective of the tree that became the cross carried by Jesus was wonderful.
I highly recommend this examination of how this lonely tree must have felt being made to Carry Jesus Christ, the king of the Jews.

[Mary Goracke · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read for Holy Week. Simple, impactful and real.

[Cristian Marrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book! Quick read, just make sure to take it slow. Save the life of this tree and the amazing colorful artwork. An Easter poem with a purposeful angle. Read this book every year. A treasure and a gift to share with everyone at any age!

[Eileen Carlopoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound

This wasn’t something I was going read, but am extremely happy that I did. It gives a perspective that I believe everyone would get something from. It is an AMAZING read!!!!

[Katie Beiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful perspective yet simple enough to capture both my 4 and 6 year old’s attention spans. I appreciated the thought of how the symbol of the cross began as shameful but because of Jesus we now see it as a symbol of grace.

[My Cozy Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I thought would be a simple keepsake book,turned into tears running down my face and a need to buy this book for everyone that I love. Tim Tebow has created a masterpiece of the week leading to the crucifixion to resurrection....from the view of the tree that became the cross.

Every house needs this book and the true reminders of Jesus' love for us.

[Chantell Sain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Read & Illustrations

Beautiful read that anyone can enjoy. Whether you are a middle schooler or an adult, you can slow down and allow yourself to read and explore both the words and illustrations on the page to take in the story of the resurrection from a perspective that we may never thought of before. So sit back, get some tea, and take your time to read slowly through this book. It will bless you.

[Michele Renee Renaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first thought before getting the book was "wow" why hasn't anyone thought of writing this perspective before now? Upon getting my copy, and reading, the wow factor multiplied. The story of the cross has never been put into words the way Tim Tebow has done with beautiful illustrations and insights that will make you think about the tree that became the cross that Jesus was crucified on. It is a heartwarming story that every believer or non beliver, and family should add to their library.