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If the Tree Could Speak: The Story of the Cross That Saw It All – The Perfect Christian Gift for Lent and Easter
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.
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.
- GenresChristianNonfiction
128 pages, Hardcover
Published February 24, 2026
12 people are currently reading
2698 people want to read
About the author
Tim Tebow
33 books541 followersTim 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 8, 2026
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!
March 9, 2026
My Rating: Five Crosses
A good poem about Jesus of Nazareth from the Tree's point of view.
Bittersweet and nicely illustrated. Quick read.
A good poem about Jesus of Nazareth from the Tree's point of view.
Bittersweet and nicely illustrated. Quick read.
March 17, 2026
Beautiful poem and veautiful illustrations!
March 27, 2026
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!
March 24, 2026
Beautiful poem relating the Easter Story from a unique perspective. Brilliant!
March 26, 2026
A beautiful and imaginative truth-based re-telling of Jesus’ Christ’s loving crucifixion for all of humanity.
March 10, 2026
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.
and if your eyes are dry after, read it again.
March 6, 2026
Powerful
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ Stars
This book was such a refreshing and beautiful read 🌿✝️
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC
If the Tree Could Speak tells the story of Jesus’ crucifixion from the perspective of the cross itself—and wow, what a powerful way to experience the Gospel. Through poetic rhyme and heartfelt storytelling, Tim Tebow brings fresh eyes to a story we may think we already know ❤️
Seeing the cross wrestle with its purpose, only to discover it holds the King of Kings, was deeply moving. It perfectly captures how God redeems what looks broken or shameful and turns it into hope
✨ The message of love, sacrifice, and redemption is clear, Christ-centered, and incredibly touching.
This book would make a wonderful gift for Easter, Lent, baptisms, or anyone seeking encouragement in their faith journey. A gentle yet powerful reminder to come to the cross and embrace the love Jesus offers us all 🙏💛
This book was such a refreshing and beautiful read 🌿✝️
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC
If the Tree Could Speak tells the story of Jesus’ crucifixion from the perspective of the cross itself—and wow, what a powerful way to experience the Gospel. Through poetic rhyme and heartfelt storytelling, Tim Tebow brings fresh eyes to a story we may think we already know ❤️
Seeing the cross wrestle with its purpose, only to discover it holds the King of Kings, was deeply moving. It perfectly captures how God redeems what looks broken or shameful and turns it into hope
✨ The message of love, sacrifice, and redemption is clear, Christ-centered, and incredibly touching.
This book would make a wonderful gift for Easter, Lent, baptisms, or anyone seeking encouragement in their faith journey. A gentle yet powerful reminder to come to the cross and embrace the love Jesus offers us all 🙏💛
March 7, 2026
I'm not a very religious person and have been struggling in my religion journey lately. My mom requested this book as a birthday present and when it came in the mail, I noticed how short it is. I decided to sit and read it. It's short enough to finish in about 15 minutes.
I love a book with a unique POV. Hearing a story told so many times through the eyes of an inanimate object was really cool. The idea that the tree itself was a character in the killing of Jesus was a fun new perspective.
The story itself is told simply and not overdone which is what made it accessible to me, I think. I hate tragic stories. I avoid them like the plague. But this was a quick rendition with a unique twist from the tree that saw it all and I appreciated it.
I love a book with a unique POV. Hearing a story told so many times through the eyes of an inanimate object was really cool. The idea that the tree itself was a character in the killing of Jesus was a fun new perspective.
The story itself is told simply and not overdone which is what made it accessible to me, I think. I hate tragic stories. I avoid them like the plague. But this was a quick rendition with a unique twist from the tree that saw it all and I appreciated it.
March 13, 2026
I really don’t know what the best part of this book is—the words or the illustrations. Both are gripping. Of course I’ve read and heard the story of Jesus’ crucifixion many many times. This was a new, unique, poignant look. How about from the point of view of the regular ol tree that became the cross. The cross that He carried, the cross that he died on, the cross that we look to remember and praise Jesus Christ.
And those illustrations!! Wow. You don’t realize what an impact pictures in a book can make until they really do. The tone is set from the set up to despair to glory to hallelujah!, and it’s all marvelously shown in these illustrations.
I highly recommend this book. It’s not just for children, but would certainly make a wonderful Easter gift.
And those illustrations!! Wow. You don’t realize what an impact pictures in a book can make until they really do. The tone is set from the set up to despair to glory to hallelujah!, and it’s all marvelously shown in these illustrations.
I highly recommend this book. It’s not just for children, but would certainly make a wonderful Easter gift.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tim Tebow does a retelling of the Easter story with the cross telling its own journey. For example, the tree reflects being cut down and transformed into beams, feeling ashamed of its purpose but later feeling in awe of hold Jesus on it. I think this is a very unique and interesting way of telling the crucifixion and resurrection story in a very simple way.
The message of the book is clear as the story goes in the Bible. What makes this book interesting is the creative perspective which makes it meaningful for families and people of faith alike.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinion are my own.
The message of the book is clear as the story goes in the Bible. What makes this book interesting is the creative perspective which makes it meaningful for families and people of faith alike.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinion are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If the Tree Could Speak is a beautifully written, poignant reimagining of the crucifixion story. By giving a voice to the very wood of the cross, Tim Tebow manages to give the tree a voice, showing the emotions of shame and how that turned into one of awe.
The narrative stays remarkably true to the Biblical account while adding a fresh, emotional layer that makes the reader pause and reflect on their own purpose. It’s simple enough for a wide audience to understand but deep enough to leave a lasting impact. A must-read for anyone looking to see the Easter story through new eyes.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this ARC with me.
The narrative stays remarkably true to the Biblical account while adding a fresh, emotional layer that makes the reader pause and reflect on their own purpose. It’s simple enough for a wide audience to understand but deep enough to leave a lasting impact. A must-read for anyone looking to see the Easter story through new eyes.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this ARC with me.
March 3, 2026
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I don’t usually review (and count toward my challenge) shorter picture books but this one definitely deserves the recognition. It’s about 120 pages and I finished it in about 10-15 min but having had a child who went to Catholic school for 11 years, I feel that this book belongs in all Christian schools. This was so beautifully written and while the cross is already so symbolic and special, this interpretation of what it would have “felt like to be the cross” really touches the heart. Highly recommend reading this book. I’m so glad I came across it since Easter is only a month away, it was the perfect time to read it.
February 24, 2026
How incredibly touching & thoughtful this book was from a perspective I’ve never thought about before. ♥️
The sorrow I felt in my chest reading this, to in the end be reminded that the cross is now a symbol of peace instead of pain & fear. The depth of God’s love for humanity is immeasurable. 😭
Absolutely beautiful & I loved the illustrations so much.
It can be read in one sitting & would make a great Easter gift for both adults & children!
I also love how there is a scripture index at the end of the book to show where everything was taken from.
A must read in my opinion! 🤍
The sorrow I felt in my chest reading this, to in the end be reminded that the cross is now a symbol of peace instead of pain & fear. The depth of God’s love for humanity is immeasurable. 😭
Absolutely beautiful & I loved the illustrations so much.
It can be read in one sitting & would make a great Easter gift for both adults & children!
I also love how there is a scripture index at the end of the book to show where everything was taken from.
A must read in my opinion! 🤍
March 9, 2026
Absorbing, Cutting, then Uplifting
This is such a wonderful retelling of the story of Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection three days later! I was brought to tears by the simple language of a tree, the tree that was shaped into the cross on which He was crucified. This is the greatest love story and the greatest rescue mission of all time - past, present, and future - and Tim Tebow tells it perfectly.
This is such a wonderful retelling of the story of Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection three days later! I was brought to tears by the simple language of a tree, the tree that was shaped into the cross on which He was crucified. This is the greatest love story and the greatest rescue mission of all time - past, present, and future - and Tim Tebow tells it perfectly.
March 20, 2026
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.
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.
March 20, 2026
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.
February 28, 2026
Very Meaningful Message
The story of Jesus’ trial, passion and death has been told and retold for over 2,000 years. But Tim Tebow’s telling of this story from the perspective of the tree made into Jesus’ cross gives the reader a very meaningful message of hope during this Lenten time. The illustrations are stunning and complement the written words beautifully.
The story of Jesus’ trial, passion and death has been told and retold for over 2,000 years. But Tim Tebow’s telling of this story from the perspective of the tree made into Jesus’ cross gives the reader a very meaningful message of hope during this Lenten time. The illustrations are stunning and complement the written words beautifully.
March 13, 2026
Outstanding!
Powerful!
Scripture based.
The triumphant Story of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, His Resurrection - His Rescue Mission - Life for all who believe - told & illustrated in a unique & engaging poem - from a new perspective.
Read it! It’s a quick read - read it aloud this Easter season!! - in Sunday School, Bible Study, Small Group!
Powerful!
Scripture based.
The triumphant Story of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, His Resurrection - His Rescue Mission - Life for all who believe - told & illustrated in a unique & engaging poem - from a new perspective.
Read it! It’s a quick read - read it aloud this Easter season!! - in Sunday School, Bible Study, Small Group!
March 24, 2026
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.
Every house needs this book and the true reminders of Jesus' love for us.
March 24, 2026
I read this, then thought I could read it out loud to my book club. I actually made it to the last page without my voice cracking, but I had tears streaming down my face from before half way. So did those I was reading to.
March 26, 2026
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.
March 29, 2026
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!!!!
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!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I cried almost from start to finish. This book is a perfect read for Easter, explaining the love and sacrifice of Jesus as he went to the cross. Beautifully illustrated, beautifully told.
March 1, 2026
Great read
This is a great book. It really makes you think. I am the reason
Jesus died on that tree. Thank you God for loving me and sending your son Jesus.
This is a great book. It really makes you think. I am the reason
Jesus died on that tree. Thank you God for loving me and sending your son Jesus.
March 1, 2026
A quick and imaginative retelling. Beautiful artwork and straightforward but poetic story telling.
March 2, 2026
Thank you Lord
A very honest and beautifully written book God Bless Jesus Christ and Tim Tebow for writing such a meaningful piece of literature
A very honest and beautifully written book God Bless Jesus Christ and Tim Tebow for writing such a meaningful piece of literature
March 3, 2026
Excellent Message
This book wasn’t what I expected, but there were parts that gave me chills. This is a great book, and I highly recommend it. This is perfect for Lent.
This book wasn’t what I expected, but there were parts that gave me chills. This is a great book, and I highly recommend it. This is perfect for Lent.
March 4, 2026
Great Book!!! so good!
Really great book, the artwork was amazing. Made me cry while I read it to my daughter. ♥️
Highly recommend!!
Really great book, the artwork was amazing. Made me cry while I read it to my daughter. ♥️
Highly recommend!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews