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Rocky: The Rockefeller Christmas Tree
An unlikely Christmas tree dreams of becoming the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree in New York City. Come along with Rocky, Mary Louise, AJ, Mrs. Pickles and Bruce Spruce to New York City!
The most magical time of the year in New York City comes in November with the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Because of the significance of the occasion, evergreens from all around the world dream of becoming the Rockefeller Christmas Tree – and young Rocky is no exception. The only problem? As a small, rather unattractive sapling, Rocky can barely compete with the more robust specimens seeking to steal the spotlight he so desperately craves; however, with a little help – and a strong belief in himself – Rocky may just see his long-held dream finally come true...
Rocky: The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a heartwarming tale for readers of all ages. Touching on such universal themes as keeping the faith, believing in oneself, and persevering through adversity makes the story particularly appealing to young readers. By crafting Rocky as a flawed, yet determined tree – rather than an immaculate, undefeatable hero – readers easily relate to his passionate quest to succeed, despite the obstacles standing in his way.
The most magical time of the year in New York City comes in November with the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Because of the significance of the occasion, evergreens from all around the world dream of becoming the Rockefeller Christmas Tree – and young Rocky is no exception. The only problem? As a small, rather unattractive sapling, Rocky can barely compete with the more robust specimens seeking to steal the spotlight he so desperately craves; however, with a little help – and a strong belief in himself – Rocky may just see his long-held dream finally come true...
Rocky: The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a heartwarming tale for readers of all ages. Touching on such universal themes as keeping the faith, believing in oneself, and persevering through adversity makes the story particularly appealing to young readers. By crafting Rocky as a flawed, yet determined tree – rather than an immaculate, undefeatable hero – readers easily relate to his passionate quest to succeed, despite the obstacles standing in his way.
46 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2009
16 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 18, 2017
2.5 stars
The message in this one is simple: believe in yourself and anything is possible. Which is a nice thing.
It's a nice, simple story-time book for little kids. But I honestly didn't care for the illustrations.
The message in this one is simple: believe in yourself and anything is possible. Which is a nice thing.
It's a nice, simple story-time book for little kids. But I honestly didn't care for the illustrations.
July 28, 2017
#1 Favorite Children's Book!
Everything this book addresses sounds fantastic...accepting oneself, goal setting, believing in your dreams, perseverance...I could go on and on. However, I especially love that this book incorporates bullying into the story because it teaches kids what it is, how to recognize it, and how to handle themselves if faced with a similar situation. Bullying is a serious issue in today's world, and teaching kids how to deal with bullies (and why it important to NOT be one yourself) is absolutely necessary.
I originally found this book when it was chosen as Book of the Day on onlinebookclub.org. Not only does this book entertain and inspire the reader to aim high, but it also teaches some of life's most important lessons in a way that a child can relate to and take with them for the future. This may just be my vote for Book of the Year! Outstanding job! Thank you!!!
Everything this book addresses sounds fantastic...accepting oneself, goal setting, believing in your dreams, perseverance...I could go on and on. However, I especially love that this book incorporates bullying into the story because it teaches kids what it is, how to recognize it, and how to handle themselves if faced with a similar situation. Bullying is a serious issue in today's world, and teaching kids how to deal with bullies (and why it important to NOT be one yourself) is absolutely necessary.
I originally found this book when it was chosen as Book of the Day on onlinebookclub.org. Not only does this book entertain and inspire the reader to aim high, but it also teaches some of life's most important lessons in a way that a child can relate to and take with them for the future. This may just be my vote for Book of the Year! Outstanding job! Thank you!!!
December 10, 2017
The essence of the story is good. Staying strong and believing in yourself in order to achieve something in life is always a great message. However, the main issue I have with this storyline is that when Rocky was believing in himself in becoming the next Rockefeller Christmas Tree, his whole physical structure changed. Instead of a small, branch-filled tree, he changed to a bigger and fuller tree. The message this sends to children is yes, believe in yourself, and if you believe in yourself, you can physically change yourself to become a “more beautiful” you. When you achieve your “more beautiful” you, then achieving your dream becomes super easy. I feel it would have been better if Rocky was chosen without any changes, maybe the fact that he is confident stands out, to show that children can believe in themselves and nothing physical has to change in order to achieve their dreams.
I found the illustrations to be bright, but off. Most of the characters while talking to others in the story are staring right at you, as the reader. This gives an uncomfortable vibe that most characters aren’t really talking to each other.
Overall, the initial premise was a good one, but lacks in other areas, especially the message to children. Perhaps this book would be okay to read with extremely young children (before preschool) who aren’t as impressionable on their views of outward appearances.
https://bookloverblogs.com/2017/12/10...
I found the illustrations to be bright, but off. Most of the characters while talking to others in the story are staring right at you, as the reader. This gives an uncomfortable vibe that most characters aren’t really talking to each other.
Overall, the initial premise was a good one, but lacks in other areas, especially the message to children. Perhaps this book would be okay to read with extremely young children (before preschool) who aren’t as impressionable on their views of outward appearances.
https://bookloverblogs.com/2017/12/10...
October 16, 2018
Rocky is a Norway Spruce tree who has a big dream! What is that dream? He wants to become the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree! In Jennie E. Nicassio's children's book, Rocky The Rockefeller Christmas Tree, Nicassio shares the story of Rocky and the journey he takes to reach his goal. This is such a big goal for Rocky that he feels it may be impossible. Rocky, himself, is a sapling and he's competing with robust evergreens. He's not the biggest or the strongest tree. Yet, he still wants to try. Rocky is determined. He is flawed, not perfect - just as we all are. I always love books whose characters have dreams and work to reach them!
Strong themes that run through this charming children's book include: believing in yourself and pushing through obstacles.
In the book, while Rocky works toward his goal, he is supported by some and faces adversity by others. I loved this aspect - as it is so true to real life. Whether children or adults, we can all relate to this notion. As Rocky began to believe himself, good things started to happen. Again, a sentiment we can all understand.
The book's illustrations by Dina Colangelo are well done and inviting. The book is friendly and colorful.
If you're looking for a new children's holiday book for your family, find out what happens on Rocky's journey by grabbing a copy of Rocky The Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
Strong themes that run through this charming children's book include: believing in yourself and pushing through obstacles.
In the book, while Rocky works toward his goal, he is supported by some and faces adversity by others. I loved this aspect - as it is so true to real life. Whether children or adults, we can all relate to this notion. As Rocky began to believe himself, good things started to happen. Again, a sentiment we can all understand.
The book's illustrations by Dina Colangelo are well done and inviting. The book is friendly and colorful.
If you're looking for a new children's holiday book for your family, find out what happens on Rocky's journey by grabbing a copy of Rocky The Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
February 22, 2025
Rocky The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a holiday hug of a tale about a young tree who doesn't believe in himself but has big dreams! He is constantly put down by the other forest creatures, but after some solid advice from the forest guardian fairy, Rocky learns a valuable lesson. When he believes in himself, he can accomplish his biggest dreams! Check out this comforting children's book and find out if Rocky's dreams come true!
Opinion:
Rocky The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a heartwarming story that is perfect for young children facing challenges with their self-confidence. Rocky, despite the forest creatures' negative communication, chooses to believe in himself to achieve his dreams. Not only does the story possess a valuable theme and lesson for readers to glean, but it also incorporates vivid language that will enhance readers' vocabularies. The children's book creates an almost life-like forest full of lively characters that hold their own unique traits for readers to observe. Some of the animals struggle with their own confidence, and readers can recognize similarities between these characters and people in their lives. The book is stunningly brought together with its three dimensional-like illustrations that seem almost touchable for readers. Overall, this is a perfect children's book to catch young readers' eyes and teach them a valuable lesson.
Opinion:
Rocky The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a heartwarming story that is perfect for young children facing challenges with their self-confidence. Rocky, despite the forest creatures' negative communication, chooses to believe in himself to achieve his dreams. Not only does the story possess a valuable theme and lesson for readers to glean, but it also incorporates vivid language that will enhance readers' vocabularies. The children's book creates an almost life-like forest full of lively characters that hold their own unique traits for readers to observe. Some of the animals struggle with their own confidence, and readers can recognize similarities between these characters and people in their lives. The book is stunningly brought together with its three dimensional-like illustrations that seem almost touchable for readers. Overall, this is a perfect children's book to catch young readers' eyes and teach them a valuable lesson.
August 7, 2024
Rocky: the Rockefeller Christmas Tree by Jennie Nicassio
Start with foreword about lighting of the first Christmas tree lighting in 1931 and is still ongoing.
Everybody is getting ready for the Christmas tree, the grumpy oaks, reindeer and evergreens.
Animals kept telling Rocky he'd never be the Christmas tree at Rockefeller square.
Snow falling helped his branches fill out. Fairy is there to help Rocky win although AJ the squirrel says he won't win.
Cute pictures at the end of the book.
Coloring pages are available also. Construction of the tree, being transported to the center and being assembled with lights and ornaments.
Start with foreword about lighting of the first Christmas tree lighting in 1931 and is still ongoing.
Everybody is getting ready for the Christmas tree, the grumpy oaks, reindeer and evergreens.
Animals kept telling Rocky he'd never be the Christmas tree at Rockefeller square.
Snow falling helped his branches fill out. Fairy is there to help Rocky win although AJ the squirrel says he won't win.
Cute pictures at the end of the book.
Coloring pages are available also. Construction of the tree, being transported to the center and being assembled with lights and ornaments.
December 4, 2020
Believe in yourself and work towards your goal
Rocky was a little tree who wanted to become a Rockefeller Christmas tree. However he was made to feel as if he was not good enough and the people would not pick him. I reminded him that all he had to do was believe that he was a Rockefeller tree and work towards that goal. The illustrations matched the text well and portrayed the hard work that you put into becoming the Rockefeller tree. This should be on every children's Christmas read list.
Rocky was a little tree who wanted to become a Rockefeller Christmas tree. However he was made to feel as if he was not good enough and the people would not pick him. I reminded him that all he had to do was believe that he was a Rockefeller tree and work towards that goal. The illustrations matched the text well and portrayed the hard work that you put into becoming the Rockefeller tree. This should be on every children's Christmas read list.
November 23, 2018
Believe
Rocky was changed by magic because he began to believe he could and that's why we all have magic deep within. Wonderful book for kids
Rocky was changed by magic because he began to believe he could and that's why we all have magic deep within. Wonderful book for kids
November 26, 2018
Just think positive
Great story!
Rocky proves that anything is possible. Don’t worry about what everyone says, just be yourself and never never give up.
Great story!
Rocky proves that anything is possible. Don’t worry about what everyone says, just be yourself and never never give up.
December 2, 2019
Yes, the magic is in belief in yourself, as small Norway Spruce Rocky demonstrates in this beautiful and heartwarming story for young chidren.
August 3, 2016
Official Review: Rocky by Jennie E Nicassio
Post Number:#1 by CataclysmicKnight » Yesterday, 12:55
I've read plenty of children's books with little kids, train engines and monsters as characters but Rocky by Jennie E Nicassio is the first time I've seen a tree as the main character! Rocky is a little Norway Spruce tree, with bare, bent branches and not-so-green needles (much like Charlie Brown's little dinky Christmas tree). Despite being the smallest and least perfect tree, he still dreams of winning the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Contest and becoming this year's Rockefeller Christmas Tree!
As one may expect, Rocky is mocked for his dream. The animals and even the other trees are quick to point out just how impossible it is for him to win, and just how silly it is to even think it's possible. A wood fairy named Mary Louise interrupts Bruce's bullying, and after introducing herself he asks for her to make him stronger and more handsome so he can win. She tells him that magic doesn't exist, he just has to believe! With her words, his belief is rejuvenated and he begins working to become the tree he's always wanted to be.
This message of working hard to make things happen may be a common one, but it's definitely an important message. The book also has a fair amount of bullying from Bruce Spruce and AJ the squirrel. Rocky handles them in an excellent way, by being confident but kind, standing up for himself and never giving up. Showing children that being a bully is a bad thing is great, as are showing them how to handle a bully and teaching them to work hard and believe in their dreams!
The illustrations in the book are really cute. They look digital, but the artist knows how to play with colors in a way that doesn't feel flat at all. The faces the trees make are awesome, ranging from snarky to sad to cheesy and they're all absolutely perfect for adults and children. Altogether the story itself is 25 pages, each of which has text over an image, and then the book includes an uncolored page of the main characters that could presumably be printed off to be colored. Following that, there are a few pages showing off an actual Rockefeller Tree and even the original tree from many years ago. The story, along with the Rockefeller Tree images, could easily lead to kids being excited about seeing the next tree chosen and all lit up and decorated!
While the author doesn't specify what ages the book is for, it seems like one that can be introduced as soon as a kid will sit and listen to a book being read to them. The writing is smooth and I didn't see a single grammatical error while reading. As such, I'm giving the book 4 out of 4 stars and highly recommend it for kids who can't read as well as those who are learning to read on their own. The book definitely gets bonus points for essentially giving Charlie Brown's dinky little Christmas tree its own story!
Post Number:#1 by CataclysmicKnight » Yesterday, 12:55
I've read plenty of children's books with little kids, train engines and monsters as characters but Rocky by Jennie E Nicassio is the first time I've seen a tree as the main character! Rocky is a little Norway Spruce tree, with bare, bent branches and not-so-green needles (much like Charlie Brown's little dinky Christmas tree). Despite being the smallest and least perfect tree, he still dreams of winning the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Contest and becoming this year's Rockefeller Christmas Tree!
As one may expect, Rocky is mocked for his dream. The animals and even the other trees are quick to point out just how impossible it is for him to win, and just how silly it is to even think it's possible. A wood fairy named Mary Louise interrupts Bruce's bullying, and after introducing herself he asks for her to make him stronger and more handsome so he can win. She tells him that magic doesn't exist, he just has to believe! With her words, his belief is rejuvenated and he begins working to become the tree he's always wanted to be.
This message of working hard to make things happen may be a common one, but it's definitely an important message. The book also has a fair amount of bullying from Bruce Spruce and AJ the squirrel. Rocky handles them in an excellent way, by being confident but kind, standing up for himself and never giving up. Showing children that being a bully is a bad thing is great, as are showing them how to handle a bully and teaching them to work hard and believe in their dreams!
The illustrations in the book are really cute. They look digital, but the artist knows how to play with colors in a way that doesn't feel flat at all. The faces the trees make are awesome, ranging from snarky to sad to cheesy and they're all absolutely perfect for adults and children. Altogether the story itself is 25 pages, each of which has text over an image, and then the book includes an uncolored page of the main characters that could presumably be printed off to be colored. Following that, there are a few pages showing off an actual Rockefeller Tree and even the original tree from many years ago. The story, along with the Rockefeller Tree images, could easily lead to kids being excited about seeing the next tree chosen and all lit up and decorated!
While the author doesn't specify what ages the book is for, it seems like one that can be introduced as soon as a kid will sit and listen to a book being read to them. The writing is smooth and I didn't see a single grammatical error while reading. As such, I'm giving the book 4 out of 4 stars and highly recommend it for kids who can't read as well as those who are learning to read on their own. The book definitely gets bonus points for essentially giving Charlie Brown's dinky little Christmas tree its own story!
December 20, 2018
Cute
Good for beginner readers.
Very sweet story
Encouraging you to believe in yourself
I enjoy that information in the forward
Good for beginner readers.
Very sweet story
Encouraging you to believe in yourself
I enjoy that information in the forward
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews