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Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
A classic picture book celebrating all the joy a Christmas tree can bring.
Christmas is here and Mr. Willowby's tree has arrived. There's just one big problem: The tree is too tall for his parlor. He cuts off the top so it will fit, and soon the top of that tree is passed along again and again to bring holiday cheer to all the animals in the forest.
Kids will love watching the tree move from home to home, and families will appreciate the subtle message of conservation and recycling, as the tree top spreads joy to so many of the forest dwellers.
This heartwarming story is the perfect way to start your yuletide season, and a warm addition to your family's festive holiday traditions.
Christmas is here and Mr. Willowby's tree has arrived. There's just one big problem: The tree is too tall for his parlor. He cuts off the top so it will fit, and soon the top of that tree is passed along again and again to bring holiday cheer to all the animals in the forest.
Kids will love watching the tree move from home to home, and families will appreciate the subtle message of conservation and recycling, as the tree top spreads joy to so many of the forest dwellers.
This heartwarming story is the perfect way to start your yuletide season, and a warm addition to your family's festive holiday traditions.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1963
62 people are currently reading
3417 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 493 reviews
December 24, 2021
Fairly cute story about a Christmas tree spreading joy amongst people and animals alike.
December 18, 2020
Well now. I had never heard of this story before but it must have been one of THE children's book for Christmas once upon a time. How I know? Because The Muppets adapted the story!
The story is very simple as this is a book to be enjoyed with very young readers (or for the young at heart among us):
As every year, Mr. Willowby is having his Christmas tree delivered. there is just one problem - it's too tall!
Not to worry though, one can always trim it down to size, which is just what they do. Fortunately, the top parts isn't just thrown away but given to another inhabitant of the house and when it won't entirely fit in her room either, she again cuts off the top ... and so on.
In the end, the story comes full circle with the last "family" to get the very tip of it, so one and the same tree is lighting up many different homes.
I really liked this thoughtful look at the life of a Christmas tree and what we can do so as not to waste a bit of them. Considering the age of the story, I was all the more impressed with the message. Christmas traditionally is about spreading cheer after all.
Add to that the very cute illustrations as shown in this review and you will probably understand why I was thoroughly enchanted. :)
The story is very simple as this is a book to be enjoyed with very young readers (or for the young at heart among us):
As every year, Mr. Willowby is having his Christmas tree delivered. there is just one problem - it's too tall!
Not to worry though, one can always trim it down to size, which is just what they do. Fortunately, the top parts isn't just thrown away but given to another inhabitant of the house and when it won't entirely fit in her room either, she again cuts off the top ... and so on.
In the end, the story comes full circle with the last "family" to get the very tip of it, so one and the same tree is lighting up many different homes.
I really liked this thoughtful look at the life of a Christmas tree and what we can do so as not to waste a bit of them. Considering the age of the story, I was all the more impressed with the message. Christmas traditionally is about spreading cheer after all.
Add to that the very cute illustrations as shown in this review and you will probably understand why I was thoroughly enchanted. :)
September 1, 2016
An adorable children's story about a big Christmas tree that Mr. Willowby buys, but it's too tall for the room. The top part is cut off and given to the maid, where it's also too tall for her room. She snips off the top part and throws it away, but it's found by the gardener who takes it home. Then that top part of the tree is cut off and is found by a happy bear, and so on...
The book was first published in 1963 and it does seem like a classic Christmas story. I would highly recommend it for parents.
The book was first published in 1963 and it does seem like a classic Christmas story. I would highly recommend it for parents.
January 2, 2019
A delightful holiday story first introduced to me by my dear hubby's mom shortly after we got married. Mom-in-Law sent Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree as a Christmas gift for our first or second Christmas as a married couple and it's been a tradition ever since. As best I can discover it was published it 1963. In any event it was a story my husband heard growing up, my children were charmed by in their growing up years and I still like to pull out (almost) every Christmas!
Mr Willowby has no use for the top of his Christmas tree (it's too tall for his ceiling!) so he chops it off and discards it, but someone else finds his garbage a perfect tree . . . except that again it's just a bit too tall. And on goes the story. After a while you'd think there would be no more 'tops' left to cut off, but there is always just a bit more.
Cute, clever, sweet and fun for kids of all ages!
Thanks to Skylar for your review (all those years ago) which reminded me to add this book!
Mr Willowby has no use for the top of his Christmas tree (it's too tall for his ceiling!) so he chops it off and discards it, but someone else finds his garbage a perfect tree . . . except that again it's just a bit too tall. And on goes the story. After a while you'd think there would be no more 'tops' left to cut off, but there is always just a bit more.
Cute, clever, sweet and fun for kids of all ages!
Thanks to Skylar for your review (all those years ago) which reminded me to add this book!
December 7, 2009
4.5 STARS. It's easy to see why this little treasure remains to be a Christmas treat since its debut in the 1960s. The illustrations are gosh darn cute and have that vintage '60s feel without seeming too old-fashioned or the least bit passe. (I love that I am not the only one who thinks Mr. Willowby looks like the Monopoloy man!) It's the sort of cumulative tale kids love--when Mr. Willowby's gianormous Christmas tree is just a bit too tall for his mansion, he has the top chopped off and gives it to his maid. It's almost the right size for her room but, oops, the top is just a bit too high so off it comes. And so it goes on down to bears, foxes, rabbits and finally to a little mouse family. There were a few too many stages in the tree saga for me--the Grinchy Grown-Up in me rudely wondered exactly how the size ratio kept working!--but, who cares?! This is a fun, delightful holiday gem and I hope many current and future generations will enjoy it.
January 6, 2016
This was one of my favorite Christmas stories growing up. I was fascinated by how many animals were able to get a Christmas tree from pieces of this one tree, and how the trees and animals kept getting smaller and smaller. It's so nice to see this classic still in print, and to own it both in print and as an ebook. Highly recommended for the yuletide holidays!
December 12, 2017
What an enjoyable little book for the very young! This is one of the books I used to read to my children when they were little and I found it again as I was decorating...
Mr Willowby lives in a grand mansion and so, naturally, orders a grand Christmas tree. The problem? It's too grand -- being too tall for even his immense parlor. The butler solves the problem by cutting the top of the tree off. The maid is quite happy with the tree top, as it makes a perfect tree for her room, except for being a bit too tall. So, naturally, she cuts the top off.
It is quite charming as Mr Willowby's Christmas tree continues to be trimmed and trimmed by people and forest creatures until everyone has a tree that they are happy with and that fits. In a way, it symbolizes sharing the spirit and warmth of Christmas with the community, even unintentionally.
Fun, and with adorable illustrations!
Mr Willowby lives in a grand mansion and so, naturally, orders a grand Christmas tree. The problem? It's too grand -- being too tall for even his immense parlor. The butler solves the problem by cutting the top of the tree off. The maid is quite happy with the tree top, as it makes a perfect tree for her room, except for being a bit too tall. So, naturally, she cuts the top off.
It is quite charming as Mr Willowby's Christmas tree continues to be trimmed and trimmed by people and forest creatures until everyone has a tree that they are happy with and that fits. In a way, it symbolizes sharing the spirit and warmth of Christmas with the community, even unintentionally.
Fun, and with adorable illustrations!
December 19, 2024
Very sweet story.
Read
December 17, 2021What is Mr. Willowby to do? The Christmas tree is too tall for his parlor. The extra bit is chopped off and tossed aside, but not for long. That bit is given a home of its own, but alas, is also too tall. Off comes another bit. Time and again, the extra piece of tree is given a new home until it reaches the little mouse hole and the journey is finished. Fantastic messaging about sharing with others, recycling, and enjoying the beauty of a dressed up tree in the holiday season. A classic since 1964.
*Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
*Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
November 15, 2020
As soon as I started reading this, I realized that I had done so already. I still don't remember details, but it feels as if it was a childhood favorite, and that it influenced me to be the kind of person who uses thrift store, who repurposes, and salvages. If only more of the participants had actually tried to find the next person to hand over the smaller bit, it would be a true 'pay-it-forward' story and I would give it five stars.
December 10, 2025
A favorite from my childhood. Still as delightful as I remembered.
November 24, 2023
The way the story came full circle i’m SCREAMING
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2025
Un cuento muy bonito que viene acompañado de unas ilustraciones preciosas y que está narrado en forma de rima. Ideal para estas fechas navideñas.
July 12, 2018
Mr. Willowby's huge Christmas tree is delivered but it's too tall, so he snips off the top and gives the top to the maid. Everyone just keeps snipping the top off and discarding it until even the mice have a tree that suits them just fine.
December 16, 2015
To check out all my reviews: http://dancinginth3dark.blogspot.com
I have never heard of this Christmas book in my life until now and I am surprised how this is a classic and they even made a Christmas TV Special featuring the Muppets. I believe this classic should be read because I loved every moment of it from the illustrations to the craziness of the story.
Mr. Willowby's is getting ready for the arrival of his Christmas tree and when it arrives it is utterly marvelous in appearance and right for the occasion. Unfortunately the tree is too tall to fit inside the house so Mr. Willowby cuts off the top and throws it away. As the famous expression, "One man's trash is another man's treasure" truly takes to heart we see different people and animals deal with the same dilemma with the same piece of tree that Willowby cut. In the end you are wondering when will this constant drama end and I am happy to say that the ending was cute and simple.
I do not want to go more into the details of the book but I found it such a great read and put me in the mood of Christmas and the realization that nothing no matter how small is trash. I highly recommend this book for children or for the parents to read them this story because it such a heart warm and a true Christmas book. I haven't seen it yet but this was adapted in the 1990s with the Muppets and other iconic actors such as Robert Downey Jr. so I included the television adaptation down below! Enjoy!
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
I have never heard of this Christmas book in my life until now and I am surprised how this is a classic and they even made a Christmas TV Special featuring the Muppets. I believe this classic should be read because I loved every moment of it from the illustrations to the craziness of the story.
Mr. Willowby's is getting ready for the arrival of his Christmas tree and when it arrives it is utterly marvelous in appearance and right for the occasion. Unfortunately the tree is too tall to fit inside the house so Mr. Willowby cuts off the top and throws it away. As the famous expression, "One man's trash is another man's treasure" truly takes to heart we see different people and animals deal with the same dilemma with the same piece of tree that Willowby cut. In the end you are wondering when will this constant drama end and I am happy to say that the ending was cute and simple.
I do not want to go more into the details of the book but I found it such a great read and put me in the mood of Christmas and the realization that nothing no matter how small is trash. I highly recommend this book for children or for the parents to read them this story because it such a heart warm and a true Christmas book. I haven't seen it yet but this was adapted in the 1990s with the Muppets and other iconic actors such as Robert Downey Jr. so I included the television adaptation down below! Enjoy!
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
November 15, 2019
When Mr. Willowby has his annual Christmas tree delivered, only to discover that it is too tall to fit in his parlor, he has his butler lop off the top of it. This top - a small tree in its own right - is given to the upstairs maid, who in turn lops off its top, which is taken the next day by Timm the gardener. Timm's wife also lops of the top of their "tree," with this top being found by a local bear. And so it goes, as each new person or creature finds the lopped-off top and uses it as their own Christmas tree. The story concludes with the mice, back in Mr. Willowby's own house, enjoying a tiny, tiny tree, while their human counterpart enjoys his massive one...
Originally published in 1963, and reprinted in this edition from 2000, Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree is a picture-book I have long been aware of, but had never happened to pick up hitherto. I'm glad that I finally did, as I found Robert Barry's rhyming tale quite engaging, and his sweetly humorous illustrations appealing. I appreciated the circular narrative here, starting out at Mr. Willowby's house, going off into the wider world (including the forest), and then winding up back at Mr. Willowby's house again. Recommended to anyone looking for fun, sweet picture-books for the Christmas season, especially if their taste tends more towards the vintage!
Originally published in 1963, and reprinted in this edition from 2000, Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree is a picture-book I have long been aware of, but had never happened to pick up hitherto. I'm glad that I finally did, as I found Robert Barry's rhyming tale quite engaging, and his sweetly humorous illustrations appealing. I appreciated the circular narrative here, starting out at Mr. Willowby's house, going off into the wider world (including the forest), and then winding up back at Mr. Willowby's house again. Recommended to anyone looking for fun, sweet picture-books for the Christmas season, especially if their taste tends more towards the vintage!
November 16, 2022
This book is a hoot! If you're looking for a book to read while the tree is being decorated, grab this for some good, holiday chuckles!
I'm sure *You* have never had a tree that was too tall like Mr. Willowby, but if you happen to get one ...
Ages: 4 - 10
Cleanliness: "Oh good heavens," and "Jolly, by golly!" are exclaimed. Mentions Santa.
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I'm sure *You* have never had a tree that was too tall like Mr. Willowby, but if you happen to get one ...
Ages: 4 - 10
Cleanliness: "Oh good heavens," and "Jolly, by golly!" are exclaimed. Mentions Santa.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
December 12, 2009
When Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree arrives at his mansion, and is just a tiny bit too tall, there is only one solution: to cut off the top! But, Mr. Willowby realizes that the cut-off-top would make the perfect Christmas tree for his maid. The grateful maid soon realizes that the tree is a tad too big for her room, so she chops off the top and tosses it. But, the top is discovered... and so on.
A great little rhyming story with charming illustrations that are whimsical and warm. I had a few qualms with the proportions of the tree: a, how do all the trees maintain a triangular shape? and b, I would have liked there to be more distinct differences in size for the smaller trees. And, it would had been nice if more of the characters passed along the tree by choice instead of tossing it and the top being found... But really, that is *incredibly* picky and overall I thought this was a sweet story and very heartwarming. Definitely recommended!
A great little rhyming story with charming illustrations that are whimsical and warm. I had a few qualms with the proportions of the tree: a, how do all the trees maintain a triangular shape? and b, I would have liked there to be more distinct differences in size for the smaller trees. And, it would had been nice if more of the characters passed along the tree by choice instead of tossing it and the top being found... But really, that is *incredibly* picky and overall I thought this was a sweet story and very heartwarming. Definitely recommended!
December 30, 2024
Read to baby number two finishing up books we missed for her Kindergarten year (she's not reading yet herself, age 6) and reading "the top!" was perfect interaction for her! This really would be a perfect sequencing exercise book. The illustrations are fun and attractive. We enjoyed the giving without knowing aspect of the story and the conversations and discussions makes it all worthwhile. Definitely glad this one was recommended by Memoria Press Kindergarten.
Bought and owned for our home shelf.
Bought and owned for our home shelf.
September 1, 2015
This book is one of my favorites for the Christmas Season. I read it to my children since I loved reading it as a child. Sharing is of paramount importance in this book, but you are not knocked over the head with it. Joy for others can be found in the trash you discard. I recorded myself reading this to an MP3 player that was left with my third child in the NICU for 10 weeks. She was able to hear this story and others that were read by me and by my wife when we were not there to talk to her. Great memories all around for this book. Thanks Robert Barry!!
October 20, 2025
L'ALBERO DI NATALE DEL SIGNOR VITALE di Robert Barry. Un invito a non sprecare nulla, a godere di ciò che la vita ci offre e a festeggiare prescindendo dalla sontuosità degli addobbi natalizi. Da 4 anni ❤ Recensione di Daniela Bucci https://ilmondodichri.com/lalbero-di-...
#lalbertodinataledelsignorvitale #marameoedizioni
#lalbertodinataledelsignorvitale #marameoedizioni
August 27, 2016
One pine makes Christmas trees for many people and animals as it is trimmed smaller and smaller.
Not to memorable, but cute.
Not to memorable, but cute.
December 22, 2017
This is my favorite Christmas book, hands down.
December 9, 2021
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
B Robert E. Barry
This is one of my favorite Christmas books. Mr. Willowby sets up a Christmas tree that is to big in his home. He cuts off the top and from there on the book continues with the tree being to big so it keeps getting cut smaller and passed on to various persons in the mansion. I really like the graphic work for the book too.
Side Note: I love watching the Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree special with Robert Downey Jr. 🥰
B Robert E. Barry
This is one of my favorite Christmas books. Mr. Willowby sets up a Christmas tree that is to big in his home. He cuts off the top and from there on the book continues with the tree being to big so it keeps getting cut smaller and passed on to various persons in the mansion. I really like the graphic work for the book too.
Side Note: I love watching the Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree special with Robert Downey Jr. 🥰
January 15, 2019
Several years ago I began a tradition of reading children's Christmas books during the holiday season. This one was requested along with others from my library but turned out it was a straggler that showed up after Christmas. Even though we're well into January it was still a joy to read, it's a delightful story-in-rhyme with colorful fun illustrations.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
August 1, 2022
5 stars - English Ebook
Loved to read this to my grandkids. They do understand English and we can also read Englisb picturebooks to them.
This is a lovely storie about a christmastree.
Loved to read this to my grandkids. They do understand English and we can also read Englisb picturebooks to them.
This is a lovely storie about a christmastree.
December 16, 2023
Super cute story. Enjoyed by the whole family!
December 23, 2023
Lo que para unos es basura para otros es un tesoro, muy linda historia
November 26, 2023
First sentence paragraph: Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree came by special delivery. Full and fresh and glistening green--the biggest tree he had ever seen. He dashed downstairs to open the door--This was the moment he'd waited for.
I loved, loved, loved Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. It celebrates giving in a fun and playful way. Mr. Willowby starts off a long chain of giving when he chops off the top of his too-tall Christmas tree. A tree that is splendid in every other way. He gives the tree-top to the upstairs maid. She's delighted. Very delighted. How thoughtful! How cheery! But the tree is too-tall for her small room. The top must go! Chances are you can predict at this point how the story will go. But that doesn't mean it is in any way less delightful. This little tree-top gets passed down and re-trimmed again and again and again and again and again. And it's just WONDERFUL to see how much happiness and cheer it brings to others.
I loved the premise. I loved the writing. The rhyming was delightful. It worked very well for me! I think this one would make a great read-aloud. I also loved how uplifting it is. (After reading Baboushka and the Three Kings, I needed a cheery story!)
Why didn't someone tell me about this wonderful and charming picture
book?! Why?! Well, I am glad to have discovered it now!
Which Christmas books would you consider classic? Which would you recommend?
I loved, loved, loved Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. It celebrates giving in a fun and playful way. Mr. Willowby starts off a long chain of giving when he chops off the top of his too-tall Christmas tree. A tree that is splendid in every other way. He gives the tree-top to the upstairs maid. She's delighted. Very delighted. How thoughtful! How cheery! But the tree is too-tall for her small room. The top must go! Chances are you can predict at this point how the story will go. But that doesn't mean it is in any way less delightful. This little tree-top gets passed down and re-trimmed again and again and again and again and again. And it's just WONDERFUL to see how much happiness and cheer it brings to others.
I loved the premise. I loved the writing. The rhyming was delightful. It worked very well for me! I think this one would make a great read-aloud. I also loved how uplifting it is. (After reading Baboushka and the Three Kings, I needed a cheery story!)
Why didn't someone tell me about this wonderful and charming picture
book?! Why?! Well, I am glad to have discovered it now!
Which Christmas books would you consider classic? Which would you recommend?
December 22, 2007
No matter how old I get, this is my favourite story at this time of year. Just a simple little idea of what one person can pass on to make someone else's day brighter, but oh so lovely. The illustrations are perfect as can be.
I'm certainly not the only one in my family to remember this tale. Growing up, my grandparents had a beautiful flocked tree. It was so, so tall, covered in velvet snow and little red satin birds. Of course, artificial trees have a lifespan and by the time I was in my last year of high school, the tree had been replaced by something new. The new tree was also beautiful, but to me it just wasn't right. Part of me was so sad to not see the snowy tree and the flock of little cardinals. Someone must have noticed. The next year when I moved away to university, there was a special delivery at Thanksgiving: the top 4 feet of the old flocked tree, with its own stand and a few perfect little birds. If that entire idea sounds unimportant, Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree may just have the explanation for why that little tree was the best Christmas surprise I could ever imagine.
I'm certainly not the only one in my family to remember this tale. Growing up, my grandparents had a beautiful flocked tree. It was so, so tall, covered in velvet snow and little red satin birds. Of course, artificial trees have a lifespan and by the time I was in my last year of high school, the tree had been replaced by something new. The new tree was also beautiful, but to me it just wasn't right. Part of me was so sad to not see the snowy tree and the flock of little cardinals. Someone must have noticed. The next year when I moved away to university, there was a special delivery at Thanksgiving: the top 4 feet of the old flocked tree, with its own stand and a few perfect little birds. If that entire idea sounds unimportant, Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree may just have the explanation for why that little tree was the best Christmas surprise I could ever imagine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 493 reviews