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The Beautiful Christmas Tree
A new edition of a Christmas classic, featuring striking new illustrations, shows how Mr. Crockett saves a thin little tree that the neighbors have rejected and raises it into a healthy pine that improves life for everyone.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1972
57 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Zolotow
101 books79 followersCharlotte Zolotow was a distinguished American writer, editor, and publisher who made a lasting mark on children's literature. Over her career, she authored around 70 picture book texts and edited works by prominent writers including Paul Zindel, Robert Lipsyte, and Francesca Lia Block. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she studied writing at the University of Wisconsin Madison and later joined Harper & Bros in New York, where she worked her way up from secretary to publisher. Her own books were published by over 20 houses, and she became known for her poetic and emotionally insightful texts. Zolotow’s most celebrated works include When the Wind Stops, William’s Doll, and River Winding. Her story "Enemies" was featured in The Big Book for Peace alongside other notable authors. She lived for many years in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Her legacy endures not only through her own writing but also through the Charlotte Zolotow Award, established in 1998 to honor outstanding picture book texts. Her contributions helped shape modern children's literature with sensitivity, elegance, and enduring relevance.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 26, 2017
Miss Six gives it five stars. It's a bit long with some detailed botanical descriptions that felt tedious. Also, not really Christmassy, but sweet. I give it 3.5 stars.
December 24, 2021
so maybe it is lacking in some plot details and development, ok yes, i agree, but it gave my Grinch-ish little heart a hug this holiday season and so we are pals now, this book and i.
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(three stars for lost potential but five stars for the completely adorable illustrations. *melts*)
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(three stars for lost potential but five stars for the completely adorable illustrations. *melts*)
January 30, 2014
Reading Level: 3.1
There is an old saying Mr. Crockett imparts, “Beauty is as beauty does.” This charming picture book recommended for K-2 audiences can be enjoyed by all. This story has a melodic rhythm that matches the pace and patience of a long journey unfolding-- that being of a spindly, unwanted tree found in an obscure corner of a flower shop that grows into The Beautiful Christmas Tree. The Christmas aspect takes a backseat role, barely peeking through at the end; the focal point of the story itself is the diligence, patience, and tender love & care that the protagonist Mr. Crockett shows in all aspects of his life. Mr. Crockett creates the beauty & magic around him by investing his time and energy into cultivating the ground, feeding the birds, maintaining his home, and building community relationships. Beautifully and stylishly illustrated, the artist elaborates upon the message by selecting poignant details that support the narrative the author is weaving. Reminiscent of vintage postcards, the inked watercolors add to the tale of a familiar but not too distant past that reminds the reader of childhood nostalgia.
If you are looking for a book to add to your classroom library, I would highly recommend this wonderful story to illustrate the author’s craft for any K-6 classroom at various stages in the writing process. The author has a clear narrative arc that can be traced from beginning, middle, and end. The man’s journey parallels the growth of the sapling into a magnificent tree as the “peculiar” stranger moves into an abandoned fixer-upper and ultimately becomes a beloved member of the community. An instructor or observant reader can note how frequently the author varies his sentence structure, placement of dialogue, and word choice. Track all the moments she uses words like “suggested” or “went on” in place of the high-frequency and oft blaring word to teachers the world over, “said.”
The author also demonstrates a fond love of word-play and uses language in a vibrant and visual way. There is so much rich detail to discuss and a lesson on nearly every page! Some highlights regarding the author’s craft are her high use of:
• action verbs: “the bell tinkled,” he “shrugged,” it “clung” etc.
• simile: “the white world sparkled like a crystal”
• alliteration: “the snow-tipped tree bright with birds”
• onomatopoeia: “with a fluttering of wings” [emphasis added]
• homonyms: “it was plain that he was not fashionable” [ " ]
• sensory: “the smell of spring blew in on the soft country wind”
Overall, as an interactive reading, upper-grades independent reading, or lower grades read-aloud, I think this is a lovely book to share with students.
There is an old saying Mr. Crockett imparts, “Beauty is as beauty does.” This charming picture book recommended for K-2 audiences can be enjoyed by all. This story has a melodic rhythm that matches the pace and patience of a long journey unfolding-- that being of a spindly, unwanted tree found in an obscure corner of a flower shop that grows into The Beautiful Christmas Tree. The Christmas aspect takes a backseat role, barely peeking through at the end; the focal point of the story itself is the diligence, patience, and tender love & care that the protagonist Mr. Crockett shows in all aspects of his life. Mr. Crockett creates the beauty & magic around him by investing his time and energy into cultivating the ground, feeding the birds, maintaining his home, and building community relationships. Beautifully and stylishly illustrated, the artist elaborates upon the message by selecting poignant details that support the narrative the author is weaving. Reminiscent of vintage postcards, the inked watercolors add to the tale of a familiar but not too distant past that reminds the reader of childhood nostalgia.
If you are looking for a book to add to your classroom library, I would highly recommend this wonderful story to illustrate the author’s craft for any K-6 classroom at various stages in the writing process. The author has a clear narrative arc that can be traced from beginning, middle, and end. The man’s journey parallels the growth of the sapling into a magnificent tree as the “peculiar” stranger moves into an abandoned fixer-upper and ultimately becomes a beloved member of the community. An instructor or observant reader can note how frequently the author varies his sentence structure, placement of dialogue, and word choice. Track all the moments she uses words like “suggested” or “went on” in place of the high-frequency and oft blaring word to teachers the world over, “said.”
The author also demonstrates a fond love of word-play and uses language in a vibrant and visual way. There is so much rich detail to discuss and a lesson on nearly every page! Some highlights regarding the author’s craft are her high use of:
• action verbs: “the bell tinkled,” he “shrugged,” it “clung” etc.
• simile: “the white world sparkled like a crystal”
• alliteration: “the snow-tipped tree bright with birds”
• onomatopoeia: “with a fluttering of wings” [emphasis added]
• homonyms: “it was plain that he was not fashionable” [ " ]
• sensory: “the smell of spring blew in on the soft country wind”
Overall, as an interactive reading, upper-grades independent reading, or lower grades read-aloud, I think this is a lovely book to share with students.
December 28, 2013
This was a pretty solid book. While fairly secular in nature, the goodness of Mr. Crockett and his hard-working nature and patience and all great qualities to have. Plus, I'm rather a fan of championing the underdog plants, especially the unloved Christmas trees. It became special to others because the love that Mr. Crockett gave it (and, truly, his whole home) shone through.
My Favorite Picture:
The tiny tree in Mr. Crockett's window when he first took it home.
My Favorite Picture:
The tiny tree in Mr. Crockett's window when he first took it home.
October 25, 2018
Even more holes than most Christmas stories. Why do the neighbors think that Crockett is peculiar because he moved in and washed his windows? Why do their homes become run-down? Why feed the birds bread crumbs?
I do like the style of Yan Nascimbene's illustrations and will look for more by him.
I do like the style of Yan Nascimbene's illustrations and will look for more by him.
June 29, 2019
A great book to help a child see how someone who may be different can have a positive influence in the world around them. A look at the long-term outcome of having a nurturing attitude toward the natural world and developing a sense of empathy—a lovely message!
March 29, 2015
Wonderful. I don't know that it demanded new illustrations.
December 22, 2019
The illustrations in this book are bright and colorful but the story feels like an outline rather than a completed story. The author, Charlotte Zolotow, creates so many questions and leaves them unanswered. Why was the house empty for so long? Why did the neighbors dislike Mr. Crockett? Why didn't the neighbors notice anything? Why did the other trees not thrive anymore?...
Also the story and illustrations don't fit reality. The dirt in the hole in the sidewalk would not have been "good earth", it would have needed amending. An evergreen tree would not have thrived in a house all winter nor would it have grow that much over the winter. Planting an evergreen tree as a sidewalk tree rarely works because it gets too wide for the space...
Sadly I wonder if I should have rated it a 2?
Also the story and illustrations don't fit reality. The dirt in the hole in the sidewalk would not have been "good earth", it would have needed amending. An evergreen tree would not have thrived in a house all winter nor would it have grow that much over the winter. Planting an evergreen tree as a sidewalk tree rarely works because it gets too wide for the space...
Sadly I wonder if I should have rated it a 2?
January 8, 2018
I really love this book. It is slow paced and deals gently and simply with the ugly side of humanity—the reason we need Christmas. My 4yo and 5yo were able to follow along just fine, and we had plenty to discuss. Redemptive and hope filled.
December 12, 2017
Sweet story, not related to the Nativity but talking generally of "beauty is as beauty does." Text is long for most elementary students to stay interested. Could be an inspirational read-aloud.
October 13, 2018
Nice story. My brain kept trying to turn it into Mr. Pine's Purple House by Leonard Kessler, though.
July 20, 2024
The story of the underappreciated outlier in the community and the good things he did without communal recognition. This was a nice story, I've that will leave readers feeling thoughtful.
November 18, 2025
This was a childhood favorite and I recently found a great copy on Ebay with the beautiful illustrations by Ruth Robbins. It is a lovely, heartwarming story and it was special to be reunited with it.
November 15, 2014
My first read of this tale. Very good message of hope/stewardship. Also, of friendship and living as a positive example to the younger generations. I did, however, wish I could see the work of the first (1972) edition illustrator. This is not met to imply that Yan Nascimbene's work is lacking. On the contrary, perhaps what I'm, truly, saying is that I feel the hard cover edition of this, most likely showcases the bright tone and meticulous detail of the new (1999) illustrations more powerfully.
December 3, 2012
This is a heart-warming tale of the true meaning of Christmas. Mr. Crockett brings strange ways of doing things to the neighborhood. People look at him differently but his ways shine through in the end. His tree represents his love. His love makes a wimpy tree grow into a beautiful Christmas tree. I would recommend this book to anyone. It is a wonderful Christmas tale. I would suggest it for anywhere from second to fourth grade. This is definitely a Christmas classic!
June 30, 2015
I really enjoyed the first half of the story. I loved how the author showed the contrast between Mr. Crockett and his neighbors, and by doing so commented on the neighbors without being blatant. And having grown up on the Peanut's Christmas special, how could I not love the part about choosing a tree? I just found the end a bit flat in comparison.
December 18, 2013
I read the edition with illustrations by Ruth Robbins with a 1972 copyright. Love the story & the character of Mr. Crockett. He sees beauty and value where his fancy neighbors do not. Curious to see this newer version and compare them. Charlotte Zolotow remains a favorite author.
November 7, 2014
It's best if you can find the original edition of this lovely story with the illustrations by Ruth Robbins. To the best of my knowledge, the newer edition is an abbreviated version of the story and much of the original charm is lost.
December 18, 2008
A nice Christmas story of finding beauty in hidden places.
December 15, 2012
Beautiful story of the true meaning of Christmas and teaches the lesson of finding beauty in unexpected places.
December 15, 2012
A good story to encourage us to slow down and "live". It's also a comment on our busy society and what we value.
January 1, 2013
Lovely tale. Very inspiring. Wonderful message. Great Christmas story of faith. :)
May 8, 2013
Touching story
August 30, 2013
This was a sweet touching story.
December 24, 2013
Lovely story, but the ending wasn't enough for me, which is why I gave it 3 stars.
January 9, 2014
Always have loved this cute tale.
July 17, 2018
1.9.1997
4.12.1999 Alissa felt so sad about the way people treated Mr. Crockett. She especially liked the way the birds decorated the tree.
4.12.1999 Alissa felt so sad about the way people treated Mr. Crockett. She especially liked the way the birds decorated the tree.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews