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The Queen and the First Christmas Tree: Queen Charlotte's Gift to England
The true story of the kind, unconventional queen who introduced the Christmas tree to her adopted country.
Queen Charlotte brought her family's festive holiday yule bough from Germany to England. While planning a Christmas Day party in 1800 at Windsor Castle for over 100 children, she realized a single bough isn't enough. So she brought in the whole tree instead, making it the first known Christmas Tree in England. This story tells a little known fact about a favorite holiday tradition.
Queen Charlotte brought her family's festive holiday yule bough from Germany to England. While planning a Christmas Day party in 1800 at Windsor Castle for over 100 children, she realized a single bough isn't enough. So she brought in the whole tree instead, making it the first known Christmas Tree in England. This story tells a little known fact about a favorite holiday tradition.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 6, 2024
"Charlotte wasn’t like other princesses.” So begins Nancy Churnin’s newest picture book biography, The Queen and the First Christmas Tree: Queen Charlotte’s Gift to England. Princess Charlotte is German royalty, but she prefers playing outside to the stuffier traditions expected of royalty. Each Christmas Charlotte brings in a yew branch and festively decorates it. But everything changes in 1761 when she is seventeen. King George III, the 22-year-old newly crowned monarch of England, proposes marriage to Charlotte, even though they have never met. Charlotte’s parents are eager to unify the two kingdoms, so Charlotte sails to England to become Queen Charlotte, even though she doesn’t speak English.
Queen Charlotte loves children. In fact, she gives birth to nine sons and six daughters. But she also loves all the children of England. At Christmastime in 1800, she wants to do something special for children, so she hosts a party for one hundred boys and girls. Remembering the decorated yew branches from her childhood, she brings in for the occasion a magnificent tree and decorates it with “almonds and raisins, fruits, colored papers, and small wax candles.” Her presents for the children are nestled in the tree’s branches, and the children are delighted when they arrive. Charlotte’s spectacular tree is the first Christmas tree in England, and just one of many generous public gestures Queen Charlotte makes on behalf of the children of England throughout her lifetime. Queen Charlotte’s Christmas tree becomes a tradition for families in England and eventually elsewhere.
Luisa Uribe’s beautifully colored illustrations, stylistically reminiscent of classic Disney or Little Golden Books, are simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. The warm backgrounds and friendly faces of the children and other characters effectively accent Nancy Churnin’s inviting prose. Churnin masterfully weaves charming details, intriguing questions, and dramatic facts to engage young readers who listen to this story or read it on their own. Charlotte’s down-to-earth personality and her love for children will also appeal to readers.
As in Churnin’s other picture book biographies (The William Hoy Story, Manjhi Moves a Mountain, Irving Berlin: The Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing, Charlie Takes His Shot), The Queen and the First Christmas Tree will provide readers with new perspectives on familiar topics. Knowing the story of how Queen Charlotte popularized Christmas trees will deepen the understanding of children from all backgrounds as they experience the holiday season. Some readers may also be familiar with King George III, Charlotte’s husband, from his role in the American Revolution and his portrayal in Hamilton and The Madness of King George. He is mostly in the background in this story, but those who know about King George III will make interesting connections after they learn more about his lovable wife. The back matter includes a more detailed biography of Charlotte with interesting details that fall outside the narrative scope of the story. (Guess who Charlotte, North Carolina is named after?)
Nancy Churnin’s The Queen and the First Christmas Tree: Queen Charlotte’s Gift to England is an excellent addition to classroom, school, and home libraries. For those who give Christmas books as early presents throughout the holiday season, consider adding Queen Charlotte’s story to your list.
This review is also posted in slightly different form on my What's Not Wrong? blog.
Queen Charlotte loves children. In fact, she gives birth to nine sons and six daughters. But she also loves all the children of England. At Christmastime in 1800, she wants to do something special for children, so she hosts a party for one hundred boys and girls. Remembering the decorated yew branches from her childhood, she brings in for the occasion a magnificent tree and decorates it with “almonds and raisins, fruits, colored papers, and small wax candles.” Her presents for the children are nestled in the tree’s branches, and the children are delighted when they arrive. Charlotte’s spectacular tree is the first Christmas tree in England, and just one of many generous public gestures Queen Charlotte makes on behalf of the children of England throughout her lifetime. Queen Charlotte’s Christmas tree becomes a tradition for families in England and eventually elsewhere.
Luisa Uribe’s beautifully colored illustrations, stylistically reminiscent of classic Disney or Little Golden Books, are simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. The warm backgrounds and friendly faces of the children and other characters effectively accent Nancy Churnin’s inviting prose. Churnin masterfully weaves charming details, intriguing questions, and dramatic facts to engage young readers who listen to this story or read it on their own. Charlotte’s down-to-earth personality and her love for children will also appeal to readers.
As in Churnin’s other picture book biographies (The William Hoy Story, Manjhi Moves a Mountain, Irving Berlin: The Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing, Charlie Takes His Shot), The Queen and the First Christmas Tree will provide readers with new perspectives on familiar topics. Knowing the story of how Queen Charlotte popularized Christmas trees will deepen the understanding of children from all backgrounds as they experience the holiday season. Some readers may also be familiar with King George III, Charlotte’s husband, from his role in the American Revolution and his portrayal in Hamilton and The Madness of King George. He is mostly in the background in this story, but those who know about King George III will make interesting connections after they learn more about his lovable wife. The back matter includes a more detailed biography of Charlotte with interesting details that fall outside the narrative scope of the story. (Guess who Charlotte, North Carolina is named after?)
Nancy Churnin’s The Queen and the First Christmas Tree: Queen Charlotte’s Gift to England is an excellent addition to classroom, school, and home libraries. For those who give Christmas books as early presents throughout the holiday season, consider adding Queen Charlotte’s story to your list.
This review is also posted in slightly different form on my What's Not Wrong? blog.
December 13, 2019
An engaging picture-book biography of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the Queen Consort of King George III of England, this lovely title explores its eponymous royal's role in introducing the Christmas Tree to England. Raised in northern Germany, Charlotte was not like other princesses - she enjoyed the outdoors, and didn't care too much about messing up her fancy clothing. Married to the King of England at a young age, she struggled to find her feet in this new country, where she didn't at first speak the language. It was through her love of children - Charlotte established hospitals and orphanages to help the unfortunate, and is widely credited with making charity work an essential part of royal duties - that she first brought the German Christmas tradition of decorating evergreens to England. Through her, and through her children and grandchildren (particularly Queen Victoria), the custom was popularized, spreading also to America...
King George III doesn't get much good press in the United States, for obvious reasons, and I don't think I've ever run across a children's book about his wife (even though Charlotte, North Carolina is named for her), so I picked up The Queen and the First Christmas Tree: Queen Charlotte's Gift to England with quite a bit of curiosity. What I discovered was that Charlotte was an interesting and in many ways admirable character. As I read the story here, I kept thinking that her life would make for an excellent television miniseries, given the "fish out of water" aspect of her coming to live in a foreign country, and marrying a man she had never met. Leaving that aside, if nothing else, I'm certainly glad that we have Christmas trees, through her good actions! Author Nancy Churnin's narrative here is engaging, and she provides an interesting afterword, with more information about her subject. The artwork from illustrator Luisa Uribe is colorful and appealing, ably complementing the story. All in all, a lovely little picture-book biography and work of history, one I particularly recommend for holiday reading!
King George III doesn't get much good press in the United States, for obvious reasons, and I don't think I've ever run across a children's book about his wife (even though Charlotte, North Carolina is named for her), so I picked up The Queen and the First Christmas Tree: Queen Charlotte's Gift to England with quite a bit of curiosity. What I discovered was that Charlotte was an interesting and in many ways admirable character. As I read the story here, I kept thinking that her life would make for an excellent television miniseries, given the "fish out of water" aspect of her coming to live in a foreign country, and marrying a man she had never met. Leaving that aside, if nothing else, I'm certainly glad that we have Christmas trees, through her good actions! Author Nancy Churnin's narrative here is engaging, and she provides an interesting afterword, with more information about her subject. The artwork from illustrator Luisa Uribe is colorful and appealing, ably complementing the story. All in all, a lovely little picture-book biography and work of history, one I particularly recommend for holiday reading!
January 4, 2022
Another winner in Children’s Nonfiction from author Nancy Churnin! Beautiful illustrations accompany an elegantly told story about Queen Charlotte and her contribution to the celebration of Christmas in her adopted home of England — a celebration later expanded upon by Prince Albert and Charlotte’s granddaughter, Queen Victoria.
It’s because of these royals that we have many of the annual traditions we have today, such as Christmas trees and Christmas gifts. And their influence meant that we also have classic literature like Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL. (See Churnin’s DEAR MR DICKENS for more about him!)
It’s because of these royals that we have many of the annual traditions we have today, such as Christmas trees and Christmas gifts. And their influence meant that we also have classic literature like Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL. (See Churnin’s DEAR MR DICKENS for more about him!)
December 28, 2018
Holiday tale meets biography in this surprising and delightful history of how Queen Charlotte created England's royal Christmas tree tradition. Also highlights Charlotte's love of nature and her commitment to helping orphans and expectant mothers. I'm not usually drawn to stories about royalty, but the details of Charlotte's childhood in Germany, how she came to England, and her family life after marriage, accompanied by approachable water color illustrations, made both Charlotte and the time period feel relatable and real.
October 22, 2018
A delightful and well researched children's book about how Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III, brought the first Christmas tree to England. Charlotte was an unconventional princess and queen who preferred spending time in her garden to becoming a leader of fashion at court and the book shows how she made an unique impact on British history with her support for orphanages and hosting children's parties with Christmas trees. The book includes a historical afterword about Queen Charlotte and her legacy. Beautifully illustrated and highly recommended.
November 22, 2018
This is a non fiction picture book biography of Queen Charlotte.
Charlotte was born in Germany and was known to be unlike other regular princesses. She loved being outdoors and had a natural curiosity about things around her. Most of all she loved her yew trees and decorated them with candles and colored paper, nuts and fruits every Christmas.
She went on to become the Queen when she married King George and luckily she found that they both had a lot in common. Queen Charlotte went to have 15 children of which 13 survived. She wanted to do something special for the children. That's when she decided to have a very unique party and make her Yew tree central to the celebration.
A lovely picture book, beautiful illustrations and gentle narrative features this beloved Queen in all her glory. Definitely recommend reading this one for the holidays!
Charlotte was born in Germany and was known to be unlike other regular princesses. She loved being outdoors and had a natural curiosity about things around her. Most of all she loved her yew trees and decorated them with candles and colored paper, nuts and fruits every Christmas.
She went on to become the Queen when she married King George and luckily she found that they both had a lot in common. Queen Charlotte went to have 15 children of which 13 survived. She wanted to do something special for the children. That's when she decided to have a very unique party and make her Yew tree central to the celebration.
A lovely picture book, beautiful illustrations and gentle narrative features this beloved Queen in all her glory. Definitely recommend reading this one for the holidays!
December 1, 2018
Lovely book. I had always assumed it was Queen Victoria with the German husband who brought the tradition of the Christmas tree to England, what a delight to learn of this story from 2 generations earlier. The story is mainly about the year with the tree but there's enough history here to give us the full picture of Charlotte plus the back matter tells us how this Christmas tree fits in the larger picture of Christmas history. With beautiful illustrations nature lover Charlotte would appreciate. Thrilled to have this in the holiday book collection.
February 28, 2025
The book starts with "Charlotte wasn't like other princesses" and goes on to explain that she preferred being outdoors to getting ready for balls. Charlotte's mom tells her that she will soon have to act like a queen and Charlotte's lip trembles, "but for now, I think these will look pretty with our yule bough" she continues. "And just like that, Charlotte was happy again." The book tells readers that Charlotte was born "before hardly anyone had heard of a Christmas tree" but the title calls Charlotte's tree the "first" Christmas tree; I would have preferred the title be "The Queen and Her Christmas Tree: Queen Charlotte's Gift to England" instead. Anyway, the book explains that Charlotte had never met George and "didn't know if she'd like him" but had to board a ship to her new home in 1761. Churnin also tells readers that Charlotte didn't speak English and that she once "caught" the ladies who waited on her "muffling laughter when they walked in on her darning a pair of stockings!" Only six hours after arriving in London, Charlotte was married! "To Charlotte's delight, she found that George didn't care for balls either. Instead they spent many happy hours walking together. He gave her a cottage in Kew Gardens where she could grow things." Churnin tells readers that the pair had 15 children, but that two died when they were little. In 1800, with the excitement about the start of the next century, Charlotte has her gardeners drag an entire tree into the great hall and then she celebrates with one hundred children. Churnin tells readers that Charlotte had orphanages built, as well as improving hospital conditions so that more women would survive to care for their children; the book ends with telling readers that Charlotte "is remembered and honored as one of the kindest and most beloved queens." I love that the back of the book shares more about Charlotte, including that "she made charity an expected and honored part of royal duties" and that she "opposed slavery and refused to put sugar in her tea because sugar was harvested by [enslaved people]. She didn't live to see England's Parliament abolish slavery in 1833 but her steadfast opposition helped change hearts and minds." I liked the book and think it would be fun to read if taking children to Buckingham Palace in December, but I do not think I will include it in my Christmas lesson plans as I had originally thought I might.
December 8, 2022
My self-contained SpEd class is studying different holiday traditions right now. Realizing Christmas is always a focus, I was tempted to leave it out but it is also what most of them celebrate...
Probably because of this most of them gave this book 5 stars. However, despite their rating, I can only give it 3 stars because even a quick internet search will reveal that Queen Charlotte's tree was not the first Christmas tree. It is a good story about this kind and benevolent queen who cared about children, improved conditions in orphanages and hospitals - but it is not, as it claims, a story about the FIRST Christmas tree.
*Sidenote - one of my students also thought she looked like Little red riding hood in her red cloak. =)
Probably because of this most of them gave this book 5 stars. However, despite their rating, I can only give it 3 stars because even a quick internet search will reveal that Queen Charlotte's tree was not the first Christmas tree. It is a good story about this kind and benevolent queen who cared about children, improved conditions in orphanages and hospitals - but it is not, as it claims, a story about the FIRST Christmas tree.
*Sidenote - one of my students also thought she looked like Little red riding hood in her red cloak. =)
December 12, 2023
I learn so much from children's literature! Queen Charlotte of England was actually a German. And "she made charity an expected and honored part of royal duties." Also she brought the first Christmas tree to Windsor castle.
This historical picture book is necessarily brief but introduces the reader to an obscure person and time in the past--the latter part of the 18th century. The pages about Charlotte's engagement and marriage to George III of England are a bit unclear for young students.
Nevertheless, the story shows an unusual young queen making the best of a difficult situation and leading her city (London) in caring for women and children and in opposing slavery.
This historical picture book is necessarily brief but introduces the reader to an obscure person and time in the past--the latter part of the 18th century. The pages about Charlotte's engagement and marriage to George III of England are a bit unclear for young students.
Nevertheless, the story shows an unusual young queen making the best of a difficult situation and leading her city (London) in caring for women and children and in opposing slavery.
May 22, 2024
A well-researched historical fiction children’s picture book by Nancy Churnin about the first Christmas tree in England, starting with Charlotte’s love of nature. Charlotte wasn’t like other princesses, or even noble ladies. She preferred the company of plants to princes and high fashion balls. But as the consort to King George III, she brought her love of trees and plants into the royal realm. She even incorporated Christmas trees in her social endeavors supporting orphanages and hosting parties for underprivileged children. Luisa Uribe’s watercolor illustrations fit perfectly with the Churnin’s words. Highly recommended for the elementary classroom and school libraries.
December 23, 2024
This picture book was so sweet! I enjoyed learning about Charlotte whom I knew very little about save her connection to King George III (ringing a bell, American Revolutionist enthusiasts?).
Check out the full review on The Nerdy Hammy Blog which includes content warnings, recommended resources, and much more!
Check out the full review on The Nerdy Hammy Blog which includes content warnings, recommended resources, and much more!
November 28, 2018
Fabulously illustrated, this is a wonderful story about Charlotte who became Queen of England and introduced the first Christmas tree. She had a great love for children and did all she could to make things good for them. This is a story about a queen who became a very loved lady and who did much to make positive change happen.
May 6, 2019
What a super sweet little story, and the illustrations were just gorgeous. I always thought/heard it was Charlotte's granddaughter, Victoria, that had brought the Christmas tree to England, but that's not so! I think little girls will like how Charlotte wasn't a prefect Princess all the time, and even as an adult still got her gowns dirty sometimes!
January 3, 2020
In honor of ringing in a new century, the year 1800, Queen Charlotte brought a tree into the palace and decorated it. This was the start of the beloved tradition of decorating a Christmas tree. Queen Charlotte is presented in a way that is relatable to young children. The charming illustrations complement the text perfectly. A wonderful read aloud for Christmas or any time of year.
December 26, 2018
Interesting story about an unfamiliar to me member of the British royal family. Back matter gives further details, including a resource that sounds intriguing - Raising Royalty: 1000 years of royal parenting.
March 6, 2019
A picture book biography of the history of Christmas tree as it interesents with Queen Charlotte of England. Elementary and up. I really liked this and found it wasy to follow and loved the follow up about the legacy
February 10, 2020
Really enjoyed reading about this real princess who became queen and who didn't act like a "perfect" princess. Loved hearing how she made the tradition of Christmas trees. Very enjoyable and the illustrations are gorgeous.
February 27, 2020
Wonderful book about Queen Charlotte and how the Christmas tree tradition started.
The book also discusses Queen Charlotte's dedication to helping children, mothers and other charitable causes.
Backmatter at the back gives additional information.
The book also discusses Queen Charlotte's dedication to helping children, mothers and other charitable causes.
Backmatter at the back gives additional information.
March 6, 2020
Queen Charlotte brings a bit of Germany to England. In a Christmas celebration for 100 children, she put up the first Christmas Tree. Originally decorated with nuts, raising, fruit, paper, and candles the tree has become such an iconic part of Christmas.
December 24, 2020
Excellent story about Queen Sophia Charlotte of Mecklenburge-Streliz who married King George III of England and how she made the Christmas tree a part of the holiday season. She loved children’s and left a legacy of service.
December 9, 2021
Interesting. I have heard two different stories on how Christmas trees came to be. The oldest by far is the one in the movie Why Do We Call it Christmas with Buck Denver. So this was interesting reading this idea when it might have already existed it was just not popularized yet?
January 25, 2023
I didn't know much about the history of decorating Christmas trees or about Queen Charlotte and this book taught me so much. It was wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated. A great addition to any library collection!
February 24, 2024
Interesting story about how Queen Charlotte brought the Christmas tree to England after her marriage to King George. The illustrations are beautiful and the facts seem accurate. Recommend for a Christmas story! :)
December 14, 2024
The story of Queen Charlotte who married King George. She created a Christmas tree to entertain the children of England. She shared it with his son, Prince Edward. He shared it with her daughter Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert.
Fourth-grade reading level.
Fourth-grade reading level.
October 17, 2018
I really liked this book! I enjoyed the illustrations as well and the story is one I had never heard before.
November 7, 2018
I enjoyed this story. It has interesting, entertaining information that will certainly captivate children.
November 26, 2018
I'm a huge fan of Nancy Churnin's work, and this story of Queen Elizabeth's first Christmas tree doesn't disappoint. The research Nancy does is very much appreciated as you'll see in the end pages.
November 28, 2018
Beautiful illustrations. I read this with my 5th grade private English lesson and we researched a short biography on Queen Charlotte. My student enjoyed the story!
December 20, 2018
An interesting history story.
12/19/18 Read with Julia.
12/19/18 Read with Julia.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews