The Story of the Walnut Tree

by Don H. Staheli, Robert Barrett (Illustrator)

Inspired by President Gordon B. Hinckley’s account, The Story of the Walnut Tree tells a tale of how the wisdom, nurturing, and vision of the prophet of God, the “man who loves trees,” transformed a struggling walnut tree into a focal point of the majestic Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With lessons reflecting President Hinckley’s lifetime of teaching his children and grandchildren, this touching narrative tells of the inner beauty and potential inherent in all God’s creations.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Lds, Religion, Realistic Fiction, Biography, Church

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Stephanie Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story that I have heard told many times, but it seemed more impressive to me when it was accompanied by beautiful illustrations. It is a short story with many powerful messages--messages of work, love, and dedication, and messages of enduring, believing, and giving. There are all sorts of themes that make this story meaningful for many different reasons among all readers. It can be applied to all people at various stages in their lives. They might be the kind man, or the playful child. They may be the newly planted tree, the growing tree, or the dying tree. Countless comparisons and applications can be taken from this story and I recommend it to all who are looking for a short, inspiring read.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize this book was telling the story of the pulpit in the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah until quite a few pages in. I heard President Hinckley tell the story himself and revere him as a prophet. He was the prophet of my youth, my college years, and my early marriage. Much of my testimony was formed while he gave counsel. I really enjoyed reading this book to my children and hope to purchase it to have it in our home.

[Laina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favorite picture book of mine. It has sentimental value as my dad gave it to me for my eigth bithday. Absolutely wonderful, based on a true story President Hinckley told. Timless, beautiful, with amazing pictures.

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goodreads recommended this book based on my reading The Tale of Three Trees . This story is also about trees, but not trees that think. This is the story of President Gordon B. Hinckley, who grew the walnut tree that later became his pulpit. There is a very moral section in the middle about patience, inner beauty, and generosity. Related Scriptures in the back include passages from Isaiah 53, Matthew, Mark, Job, and LDS texts (Alma, Doctrine and Covenants, and Mosiah).

Some articles on Mormonism:
https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar...
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https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/...
https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar...
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ar...
https://www.firstthings.com/article/2...
http://www.albertmohler.com/2013/10/2...

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit that when I picked up this book I judged it by its quaint cover. As I was reading I thought that the story seemed familiar, but I couldn't figure out why. The pictures were beautiful and once I saw the illustration of the face of the man who planted the walnut seed I realized it was one of my favorite stories of President Gordon B Hinckley!

[Jonelle Tiffany Boulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite an interesting little story about the Church Pulpit in the conference center.

[Robert John]

The tree grew walnuts and everybody wanted them. The people would try and chop the branches down to get the walnuts. Be kind to those who are giving.

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of the importance of being our best self and not comparing ourselves to others. Each individual has value, and some of the greatest value isn't obvious at first.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrated by my professor, Robert T. Barrett. :) The beautiful true story about how the LDS Conference Center pulpit came to be.

[Chelsie VanDerwerken]

"Sometimes the things that ake the longest to grow turn out the best"

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grand kids loved this book.

[Reana Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Staheli, Don H., and Robert Barrett. The Story of the Walnut Tree. Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft/Deseret Book, 2000. Print. The story of the Walnut Tree tells the story of Gordon B. Hinckley’s walnut tree. In this story the reader learns not to look on the outside but the inside. Despite the fact that the walnut tree wasn’t loved, in the end it became something beautiful after being sick. This is a story that could be used to teach children that from trials, we grow and become stronger than we were before. This is a book that I would keep at home to have children read on the Sabbath. The illustrations in this book are vibrant and pleasing to the eye. They don't tell the story completely, but give the reader an idea of what to picture. The reader still has plenty of room to create the story in their mind.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars This is a great true story about a tree and a man I admire. It has a great message for those who aren't member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or have never heard of Gordon B. Hinckley, it is still a lovely story. The reason I can't give it a 5 star is the book binding is terrible. I know that isn't the author and illustrators fault, but a book with this quality of story and pictures should not be held together with cheap glue and poor and poor binding. But Deseret Book is known for their cheap binding. They aren't meant to last..it is just too bad!!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I read this beautiful story, I'm reminded of President Gordon B. Hinckley's love of trees and gardening. He taught his children that there is an inner beauty and potential in all God's creations. "Often the things that are not so pretty outside are the most beautiful inside", "The best things in life give all they have, even if it isn't very much" are two of my favorite quotes from the book, and important truths to remember.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Story of the Walnut Tree has always been one of my favorites. Whenever I read it I can hear President Hinckley's voice and I remember all the wonderful stories that he told. He was truly an inspirational man. I love that this book captures a bit of the kind and persistent man that he was. Knowing the story of where the pulpit comes from makes me miss President Hinckley so much, but I am grateful that we have the amazing story of his life to remember him.

[Sasha Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story because of background behind it. I didn't recognize the story at first, but when I flipped the page and saw a drawing of an old man who looked exactly like Gordon B. Hinckley, I instantly remembered the talk he gave about this story. I think the moral of this story is really good and reminds us that not everything is beautiful or usefully right that very second, sometimes we just have to learn to be patient and realize that things can become beautiful over time.

[Lindsay Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good and I had no idea that it was about President Gordon B. Hinckley. I think I enjoyed it so much because it teaches us to dig deeper into the roots and not just see it for it's outward appearance. Although the children didn't think much of the tree at all, they couldn't climb it, it didn't provide much shade, in the end the tree became a beautiful piece seen by thousands, maybe millions around the world.

[Ashley Whiteley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very descriptive book with a lot of metaphors. The man is the perfect example of optimism. When the children don't believe that the tree will make it, the man sees its potential. It is a great story of wisdom. Teaches that we are all beautiful and we can be something great. A very touching story.

[Nicole Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading this story I thought it was going to about a young man growing old watching the trees and understanding that they need love to grow. But as I kept reading I relized that it was bout what we can do when we take our time and grow really , we will turn into something that we never thought we could. I think that is a imporatant message for young children.

[Ashlee Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

When first reading the book I didn't realize the book was about the LDS prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. This book had a great uplifting message that people who aren't even LDS can enjoy. I think that you create a great discussion from this by asking questions like: Are there things that are special to you in your life that you have spent time taking care of?

[Alissa Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this book, by far, one of my favorite books because it allowed me to understand more about trees and something very special. I can not tell you or it may spoil the ending. I believe this story would allow children to think more about nature And how precious it is. Their minds can think on how they can climb trees, what they can do out doors rather than just in doors, and etc.

[Madi Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this sweet story of the walnut tree. Gordon B. Hinckley is such a phenomenal man and in this book he teaches a great lesson. We need to love and care for everyone. Patience is a virtue. Sometimes when things don't work out as planned then greater things come of it. I think that anyone can learn from this book and enjoy the nice messages.

[Dan Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading this book to my kids. I loved president Hinkley and I love planting trees! It is a great story for all even if it is a childrens book. I would also encourage anyone interested looking up the conference talk where President Hinkley talked about the tree and the pulpit it was built into.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by an account given by President Gordon B. Hinckley, this tale tells of how he transformed a struggling walnut tree into the beautiful pulpit of the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a true story in which the words have been simplified for young readers. The story will bring tears to your eyes.

[Jacalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite picture books. I know it's silly to be in my 30's and love a picture book, but there's just a few that really are just that great. I read this one at least once a year. :)

[Lauren Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing pictures and amazing message. It is important to remember that good things are worth waiting for and to be patient. Every time I watch General Conference I will remember Gordon B. Hinckley and the patience he had while growing his walnut tree. I am going to read this book to my children.

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it had a lot of good themes in it. It teaches readers that things aren't always what they appear and that we each have talents and ableities that help to beautify the world.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great moral to the story. Not only did it teach an important lesson, I was able to apply it to my life. I really enjoyed the pictures and had no idea that this had to do with our church and I never knew the importance of the pulpit but now I know.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story of Pres. Hinckley's walnut tree that grew in his yard and was cut down to make the pulpit in the conference center.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

You cant help but like this book about the tree which became the pulpit of the Conference center, and about Pres. Gordon B Hinckley.