The Christmas Tree That Grew

by Phyllis Krasilovsky, Kathy Wilburn (Illustrators)

The Adam family bought a live Christmas tree that grew so tall it reached into their neighbors' apartments.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Family

24 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Best known for her picture books, although also the author of two young adult novels and numerous magazine and newspaper articles, some of them humorous. Krasilovsky's first two books were accepted for publication when she was nineteen and newly married. Both of them were written in response to real children. The Very Little Girl (1953) was originally a birthday card for her sister's child, and The Man Who Didn't Wash His Dishes (1950), a humorous cautionary tale illustrated by Barbara Cooney, was written for her husband's five- year-old cousin who was dying of leukemia. The Cow Who Fell in the Canal (1957), illustrated by Peter Spier, was inspired by an incident observed while bicycling through Holland. Other books were inspired by her four children and memories of her own childhood. She wrote four more Man books, and finally one about The Woman Who Saved Things (1993). One of Krasilovsky's favorite books was The Shy Little Girl (1970), based on one of her own daughters, and sensitively illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Her two young adult novels, The Popular Girls Club (1972) and L.C. Is the Greatest (1975), were based on her own experiences growing up in Brooklyn.

Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/phyllis-...

Reviews

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather fun but completely unbelievable story about a Christmas tree that grew in an apartment one Christmas time and how it caused everyone to get to know each other and become friends. Kids enjoy it and the pictures are nice.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much when I was younger, but it always bothered me they seemed to get the tree out of the apartment so easily- it was as tall as the whole apartment by the end.

[Gina House · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching and festive story about friendship and connection! I've noticed this book many times, but I never actually read this Christmas story until now. I'm really glad I finally did! Although it's not a fully realistic story, it was still fun to read and has a very sweet message. A wonderful choice for a family read during the holiday season!

[Bryan Borgman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I'm not sure how it came into our possession, but I have read it to my three daughters every Christmas for about 14-15 years. We all practically have it memorized but that doesn't interfere with the simple magic of the story. This evening, after decorating our house, I read this book to my youngest - Kaylee - before bed. The book stirred up so many great memories of Christmases past... I'm sure I'll read it at least another dozen times over the next month and for years to come.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's cute enough. The kid in me would have loved to have had another Christmas-themed picture book to snuggle with on Christmas Eve, in front of the tree.
The adult in me does like that idea. I still do this, if I can, as it is very relaxing. But I also wonder how a tree that was three stories tall was successfully taken out -still alive- and transplanted...

[Little Seesaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a magical book. I love that the Christmas tree brings them all together. Some might find it improbable that a Christmas tree could grow through three stories of an apartment. I think it is just Christmas magic, I mean snowmen come to life and reindeer fly. I really love it.

[Jared McCrackin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A inspiring story about bringing different people together for Christmas. Actually makes me miss spending the holidays with my military family and friends.

[Melanie Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my childhood favorites!!! :)

[Jenna Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever story of a tree uniting three apartments helping add festive cheer and friendships in the process

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the part where it grew so tall they had to cut a hole in the ceiling, and then the lady in the flat upstairs got to have her own Christmas tree too :D

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this story ... although a bit preposterous ... as it's about sharing at Christmas time, and that is such a wonderful idea.

[Julia]

Summary: A family who was spending their last Christmas in their apartment. The decided to get a Christmas tree that had bound roots. Throughout the season the tree kept growing, so much so that they had to cut the ceiling.

Evaluation: This was a very cute book. I liked how it was a Christmas book, but it did not go into anything deep, it just simply about a Christmas tree. The illustrations were very bright and cheerful. Each level of the house was brightly colored and the illustrations had a surprising amount of details. It had a very wonderful story line that was just cheerful and very easy to follow.

Teaching ideas: This would be a great book to use around Christmas time in a kindergarten or first grade classroom. Have the students think about how to retell a story. Then read the book to them. Depending on the grade level, stop throughout the book to ask and look at the retelling chart and see if we have gotten to any of the points yet.

[Little Champs]

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