Uncle Vova's Tree

by Patricia Polacco

This brightly illustrated picture book celebrates the Russian Orthodox holiday of Epiphany through a look at the traditions, bold costumes, and decorations connected with this special day.

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 1989

About the author

Patricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.

Reviews

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, it’s Patricia Polacco, so it shouldn’t have been a surprise, but this was a pleasant surprise. I’m not usually enamored of most Christmas themed books, although there have been many other exceptions, I suppose.

However, here I appreciated the close inter-generational family ties described, and I really enjoyed the decorated tree: outside and for the animals. What a wonderful tradition!

This is one of Polacco’s earlier books, but I’ve read quite a few of her books now and I think it’s so funny that I now recognize the author and her family members from each of her lovely and colorful illustrations.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Christmas season was always a happy time at Uncle Vova's. With the sweet scent of evergreen in the air, the many different kinds of kutya - a traditional Russian porridge made of wheat or rice, with honey, poppyseeds, raisins and nuts - to eat, and beautiful paper stars to make, there was no end of fun and pleasure. But the real magic always came last: the night-time sleigh ride, and the decoration of Uncle Vova's tree with berries and popcorn, intended for the local animals. Planted the year he and Aunt Svetlana first emigrated from the Old Country, the evergreen was an important part of the holiday tradition at Uncle Vova's. But when his family faced their first Christmas without him, they forgot all about the tree. Was it too late to honor the tradition...?

Like so many of Patricia Polacco's picture-books, Uncle Vova's Tree was an engaging mixture of happy childhood memoir, and poignant familial drama. The accentuated sense of sadness that the holidays bring, when a loved one has died, is sensitively captured by the author, but so too is the strength of family tradition, and the miraculous possibilities of the season. A brief introductory note makes it clear that this is a story from Polacco's own childhood, which surprised me, as I had thought (as per The Trees of the Dancing Goats ) that her family was Jewish. Perhaps they were both? In any case, this lovely holiday tale is a gentle reminder that, for some, this is a time of miracles...

[Brittaney Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Polacco, P. (1989) Uncle vova's tree. New York: Philomel Books

The story "Uncle Vova's Tree" by Patricia Polacco is a very heart warming holiday classic following a Russian family around Christmas time. A family celebrates their Russian traditions with their Uncle Vova and each year they decorate a tree outsdie for the animals. The children love this time of year. All the decorations, sleigh rides, and the feast the consume bring their family together. Sadly, Uncle Vova passes away the following year . Uncle Vova had one wish, that they keep the tree outside decorated. The family forgets to decorate the tree that year, but much to their surprise the animals outside are fullfilling the task. This story is based on Polacco's own experience and is bittersweet. I personally loved this story. I thought it was well told and had a positive family message. I think the values of family memories and traditions play so well throughout the storyline. I definitely would reccomend this book. I could see this story being told during the holidays or even on a unit about Russian traditions. The illustratons were wonderful and colorful. I think ages four through eight would love this story. A must read!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Polacco's Uncle Vova and her family's celebration of Epiphany. Every year, they would go for a sleigh ride while the women decorated for the dinner celebration. Then they would decorate a tree outside with berries, popcorn and bags of grain for the birds. They'd hang paper stars on the branches. Then they would hold a special feast and remember family members who were no longer with them. When Patricia's Uncle Vova dies, the celebrations are somber and each family member is sad. But something remarkable happens to Uncle Vova's tree.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uncle Vova's Tree is rich in detail and tradition. The author, Patricia Polacco, is drawing from her past and recalling some of her childhood Christmases. She writes, "As a child I celebrated Christmas as most American children did, but at Epiphany in January, my brother, my two cousins, my grandparents and I would go to the farm of my Great Uncle Vladimir and Aunt Svetlana to celebrate in the Russian tradition." The book recalls two family gatherings specifically. The first is Uncle Vova's last Christmas. Though of course, most everyone did not *know* it would be his last Christmas. The second is that first Christmas without him. The book definitely has tones of sadness, but, it is ultimately hopeful. Memories, good, strong happy memories, remain.

The book is rich in detail and tradition. It is informative in many ways. Did you know about the tradition of putting hay underneath the tablecloth to remember and honor the stable in Bethlehem where Jesus was born? But in addition to honoring tradition--in this case, Russian tradition--it also celebrates families. Readers meet a family that is close and loving and supportive. Little details make this one work well.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book published by Polacco and obviously the text is more sparse than her later titles. The sparser text made this one more appealing to me and as always her illustrations never disappoint me. The theme of the book is the celebration of Christmastide in the Russian tradition in January on the day of Epiphany, a day current American culture knows little about. I love the traditions depicted in this book, especially the placement of straw on the dining table in remembrance that Christ was born in a stable. The stars the children for decorating the outdoor tree are fun and I personally will be making some myself next Christmas. A very warm rembrance of a bygone era of Christmas celebrations.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story of Christmas memories. Polacco shares of visits to her uncle and aunt's home for the holidays. Uncle Vova shares the joy and spirit of the season with the children. The book ends as they spend their first year without him the next Christmas - even the animals remember him.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story of Christmas memories at Vova's home, with lovely Russian traditions around the time of Ephiphany.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir of a special time in Polacco's childhood.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story and revelation of some of Ms. Polacio’s childhood traditions and memories. Very sweet!

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story that explains the traditions of a Russian family at Christmas time. One of the traditions being decorating a tree outdoors for the animals to feast on. But one Christmas there is a miracle with the tree.

Ages: 4 - 8

Cleanliness: nothing to note.

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[Lisa Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uncle Vova is the center of the family Christmas celebration, making sure that they keep all the traditions of the old country, even though they now live in America. The children love their uncle, and feed off the joy that he radiates, especially while completing their favorite tradition of decorating Uncle Vova's tree out in the yard. The animals gather around afterward, and it is magical. But when Uncle Vova dies, they find it hard to find the same joy, that is, until they remember Uncle Vova's tree and see a miracle. A beautiful story, chalk full of fun Russian traditions. I really liked it, but it is hard for younger readers to follow. Much better for older grades, unless they have a context of Russian traditions to draw from.

[Krysta McFarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This contemporary realistic book that contains some modern fantasy ideas, that would be good for grades 2-5, is a cute book that connects to the readers on a personal level. This story can relate to anyone in any situation, but for me it really hit home when thinking of my grandfather. I lost my grandfather 3 years ago and around Christmas time we had many traditions that revolved around family. After he passed it was hard to carry on the traditions but we had a big family get together and it made everything a little easier. This book brought back many memories for me and I would recommend it to any reader who wants a feel good book.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story honoring the memory of her family gathering together to celebrate Epiphany with her Russian Orthodox relatives. The narrative is nostalgic, and the illustrations are classic Patricia Polacco, in her inimitable style.

I always enjoy finding one of her books that I have not yet read and it was a joy to discover this one.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story full of rich Russian Christmas tradition. It would be a really nice addition if you're doing something like Christmas-around-the-world or prior to decorating a tree outside for the animals, but don't think you need a reason to use this book. It's a wonderful addition to any Christmas library. I loved it!

[MissInformation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Polacco: Russian motif with a bittersweet but positive family story. A family celebrates christmas with memories and traditions of the uncle who has passed on.

Classic Polacco illustrations too- combining pencil drawing with colorful patterns in watercolor.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Polacco is a wonderful storyteller. In this beautiful book she shares a Christmas Eve visit to her relatives creating a magical and generous spell as she depicts the tradition of decorating an outside tree for the animals.

[Powers Family · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book about the joy of family holiday traditions, remembering those we love and carrying on the traditions we were taught. Patricia Polacco writes from her heart and I can't keep a dry eye. :)

[Inhabiting Books]

A story about a family's Epiphany traditions and the continuation of them even after their beloved uncle, who was the "keeper" of the traditions, dies. I liked it up until the mystical end, which made it lose its power as a family story, to me.

[Laura Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching and beautifully told story of wonderful family traditions of Christmas and Epiphany handed down from grandparents to grandchildren year after year with love, and the miracles that can follow.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Polacco! We'll be buying it to read at Christmas time; we always try to decorate a tree for the birds and critters so the story really resonated with my kids. We love her books!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A memoir based on Patricia Polacco's Russian family Christmas celebrations, especially her Uncle's tradition of decorating a special tree for the woodland animals to enjoy. Beautiful story, and Polacco's gorgeous art.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Russian Christmas story. Beautifully written and illustrated. A family doing traditional things and the old man knowing that will be his last Christmas, but teaching the children and making sure they 'remember'. A very touching beautiful Christmas storybook

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

11/25/2016 ** Sometimes holidays can be difficult as we remember those who aren't with us this year. This tale reminds us to keep traditions alive because they can help us celebrate the lives of those who matter in our families.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A peek into a Russian Orthodox Christmas celebration.

[Chrislin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is read every Christmas at our home. It touches hearts.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco about her childhood.

[Shauna Croak-Falen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of tradition and remembering those that helped form them.

[Alaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is aowsome book I have ben read that book it abut crastmas but it kind of sad on the end when uncle vova died I love to read that book agine!!!!

[Bethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favorite discovered at the beginning of my career in education. Love the family memories and the miracle at the end. Making stars is also a fun craft activity.