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Little Tree
The Barnes & Noble Review
A classic poem from e. e. cummings is given sparkling treatment from the talented author-illustrator Chris Raschka. We couldn't be happier that Cumming's "little tree" poem is back in the spotlight for the holidays. With glorious wonder, Raschka uses the poem's tribute to a small Christmas tree as a cause for colorful celebration.
A classic poem from e. e. cummings is given sparkling treatment from the talented author-illustrator Chris Raschka. We couldn't be happier that Cumming's "little tree" poem is back in the spotlight for the holidays. With glorious wonder, Raschka uses the poem's tribute to a small Christmas tree as a cause for colorful celebration.
Rewriting the story of a little tree destined for stardom, Raschka presents a flowing tale of true holiday spirit. A little tree, in the green forest, finds comfort in his home. But he often dreams if he'll find his own family, and his own house to brighten as a Christmas tree. When a truck arrives to take him away, the tree knows he is on his way. Standing on a streetcorner in a busy little city, a lively family look for that perfect tree. And when they see little tree their search is over. They take him home and adorn him with ribbons and lights. "The little tree lifted up his little branches, like little arms, to show off all the little ornaments..." He had finally found his place in the world.
This touching story is brilliantly matched with stunning watercolor illustrations in geometric shapes. While in some hands the use of geometric shapes would be harsh, Raschka's illustrations shine. Warm emotion and jubilant cheer bounce off the pages. Simple shapes allows readers to pick up the cozy sensibilities of a wash of color, and the play of forms. Enriched by the added beauty of the color and design. e. e. cummings's little poem never sounded or looked so stunning. (Amy Barkat)
18 pages, Board Book
First published January 1, 1955
1 person is currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Chris Raschka
123Ìýbooks135ÌýfollowersChris Raschka is the illustrator of The Hello, Goodbye Window, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal. He is also the illustrator of the Caldecott Honor Book Yo! Yes?; Charlie Parker Played Be Bop; Mysterious Thelonious; John Coltrane’s Giant Steps; Can’t Sleep; and The Magic Flute. He lives with his wife and son in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 5, 2015
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December 17, 2010
What first attracted me to Little Tree was the vibrant colors on the eye-catching cover. When I opened it up, I was quite happy when I saw that it was based on a Christmas poem by e.e. cummings (which has the same title as this book). I believe that it's a great idea for poetry to be part of children's lives, and I like the idea of using picture books to make poetry more accessible. What I expected coming in was the text of e.e. cumming's poem with accompanying illustrations for each line or two (admittedly. This would have made a very short book) . It's true that the poem is in here, but only at the front of the book. The actual picture book is a retelling of the poem. This is quite nice, but pales in comparison to the quality of the actual poem itself.
The artwork seems a little rough at first, but becomes more interesting and complex as the story continues. The layout of the book consists of two page spreads with a full page illustration to the right, and a white page with text on the left. One thing I liked about the text-pages is they were accompanied with small illustrations of Santa Claus elements from the story. These weren't obvious at first, but look like they'd be fun to point out during a second read.
Although Little Tree did not have the emotional impact that I was looking for, it's still an entertaining picture book with fun illustrations. I would recommend checking out your library for this title during the Christmas season.
-This Book is Part of The Picture Book Project: A personal mission by one librarian to read 365 picture books in roughly a year. Book 2/365-
The artwork seems a little rough at first, but becomes more interesting and complex as the story continues. The layout of the book consists of two page spreads with a full page illustration to the right, and a white page with text on the left. One thing I liked about the text-pages is they were accompanied with small illustrations of Santa Claus elements from the story. These weren't obvious at first, but look like they'd be fun to point out during a second read.
Although Little Tree did not have the emotional impact that I was looking for, it's still an entertaining picture book with fun illustrations. I would recommend checking out your library for this title during the Christmas season.
-This Book is Part of The Picture Book Project: A personal mission by one librarian to read 365 picture books in roughly a year. Book 2/365-
March 14, 2012
This is a cute book that meets all the basic requirements of a good children's book. My only problem is with the illustration style. Its too geometric for my taste. I like the story and the colors are good but let's curve a few of those lines. Less square, more round. =)
January 23, 2019
What a nightmare!
The girls and I barely got through this mishmash of a story!
The text is not engaging, and even Lexi was wondering why the word "Little" was used so much!
The illustrations are haphazard, to say the very least, and do nothing to enhance the story!
No, there is nothing about this book that rates above one star!
My apologies, but even the girls (who love, love, love picture books) gave this a one.
I would give it a zero if I could!
The girls and I barely got through this mishmash of a story!
The text is not engaging, and even Lexi was wondering why the word "Little" was used so much!
The illustrations are haphazard, to say the very least, and do nothing to enhance the story!
No, there is nothing about this book that rates above one star!
My apologies, but even the girls (who love, love, love picture books) gave this a one.
I would give it a zero if I could!
January 9, 2019
I love the poem by E.E. Cummings. And I liked the story by Chris Raschka (which was inspired by the poem). I liked the brightly colored geometric illustrations. But somehow it didn't all come together for me. The simple, calm story didn't match the busy illustrations. That being said, it would be a nice book to check out from the library and read before going to pick out a Christmas Tree with young children. The idea that there is a perfect tree just waiting to be selected by your family is a sweet thought.
January 9, 2018
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Happy Holidays Week, Day 7: Merry Christmas, everyone! Our book today was Little Tree, based on a poem by e.e. cummings with story and illustrations by Chris Raschka, a lovely Christmas tale of a little tree and all the joy it brings to the world.
A little tree sits in a little forest, waiting for the day it will become something more. Then one day, a little truck comes and drives the little tree to the little big city, where a little family lives. The tree waits on the sidewalk for them to come and choose it, so they can bring it home and decorate it will all their baubles and bits for Christmas.
This was a lovely little book based on a poem by one of my favorite poets. The cubist-inspired illustrations are fun and colorful, and the pleasant story is a good length and full of Christmas cheer (though you may be a little sick of the word “little� by the end of it). JJ enjoyed it, so this one is Baby Bookworm approved!
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December 23, 2012
I loved e.e. cummings' poem, "little tree," which was featured in its entirety at the beginning of the book. Basically, the narrative of the poem is from the viewpoint of a child who is greeting a little tree that is about to be specially decorated for Christmas in his home. It ends with "... and my little sister and i will take hands/and looking up at our beautiful tree/we'll dance and sing/'Noel Noel.'"
In Raschka's retelling of this poem, the focus is on a little tree that has a "little dream" of its own ... to become a Christmas tree in the home of a family, and the story tells how this comes to be. I think that the new (retold) story with its geometric illustrations and interspersed Santas and other seasonal touches could have stood on its own without the cummings poem. However, having the original poem at the beginning (in all of its brilliance!) made it a hard act to follow, and I felt a little disappointed in the retelling. Yet having said this, I do think children and their families would enjoy the Rachatka story with its distinctive art because it draws upon the dreams of a special tree and the love of a family in preparing for Christmas. Now, that's a relevant story for the season!
In Raschka's retelling of this poem, the focus is on a little tree that has a "little dream" of its own ... to become a Christmas tree in the home of a family, and the story tells how this comes to be. I think that the new (retold) story with its geometric illustrations and interspersed Santas and other seasonal touches could have stood on its own without the cummings poem. However, having the original poem at the beginning (in all of its brilliance!) made it a hard act to follow, and I felt a little disappointed in the retelling. Yet having said this, I do think children and their families would enjoy the Rachatka story with its distinctive art because it draws upon the dreams of a special tree and the love of a family in preparing for Christmas. Now, that's a relevant story for the season!
November 3, 2016
In this book a little tree wants to be a Christmas tree. He soon gets his wish. A little man sees the little tree on his hill and he puts him in his little truck, then he gets put in a train, and then he gets put down on a sidewalk by an apartment. Then this family who lives in the apartment go down the stairs and they are looking for a tree for Christmas and they see the little tree and they love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2008
I loved this short poem about a little tree who dreams of being a Christmas tree in a city far away. In the end he finds his perfect little family with a little house in a little big city, with a little dog. The poem is repetitive with words, simplistic and very well done. I could see this becoming a holiday favorite for children. Particularly good for kids K-2.
December 6, 2010
Two little children pick up a tiny pine tree to decorate and make it pretty. They place it in their tiny window of their apartment for everyone to see and enjoy. The children take so much pride in their tiny tree.
It doesn't take majestic beauty to explain that magical feeling that comes at Christmas. It just can't be bought.
It doesn't take majestic beauty to explain that magical feeling that comes at Christmas. It just can't be bought.
March 2, 2012
ee cummings is one of my favorite poets. He gets the Mr. Word award.
Chris Raschka is so good at painting music like Paul Klee. I'd like to think maybe I do that also.
I like Deborah Kogan Ray's golden pictures better in Little Tree because of the family relationship they portray and the proof that you can have lots of love without fancy stuff...
Chris Raschka is so good at painting music like Paul Klee. I'd like to think maybe I do that also.
I like Deborah Kogan Ray's golden pictures better in Little Tree because of the family relationship they portray and the proof that you can have lots of love without fancy stuff...
March 13, 2012
A little pine tree's greatest wish is to become a Christmas tree. The story by Chris Raschka is based on the poem LITTLE TREE by E.E.Cummings. The poem is included in its entirety as the first page in the story. The art work is really nice and resembles stained glass work. Like in the poem, at the end of Raschkas' interpretation, the little tree gets its wish. A classic story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2013
This Christmas story inspired by e.e. cumming's poem "Little Tree" focuses on a little tree who fulfills its destiny by becoming one family's Christmas centerpiece.
The text is poetic and makes for a great read aloud. The watercolor illustrations give readers a kaleidoscope vision of the Christmas season with vivid colors and fragmented views of the scenes. PreK-2.
The text is poetic and makes for a great read aloud. The watercolor illustrations give readers a kaleidoscope vision of the Christmas season with vivid colors and fragmented views of the scenes. PreK-2.
December 18, 2017
I wrote a special post that included this poem by e.e. cummings for Poetry Friday in December. The poem has special meaning for me in a memory of my grandfather reading it. It's a lovely one about Christmas trees. In this board book, the poem is at the front, but Chris Raschka tells his own "little tree" tale, and adds the expected, wonderful illustrations.
February 28, 2010
This is a nice poem with interesting illustrations. I'm not sure how well it entertains children, but I liked it and we've read it a few times. It's a good way to introduce younger children to poetry.
March 27, 2010
Unique and cool art, love the poetry/story combo. The story amplifies the poem.
Would make a great Christmas gift.
"put up your little arms
and i'll give them all to you to hold
every finger shall have its ring
and there won't be a single place dark or unhappy..."
Would make a great Christmas gift.
"put up your little arms
and i'll give them all to you to hold
every finger shall have its ring
and there won't be a single place dark or unhappy..."
January 3, 2013
Very lovely book with Raschka's art and simple story about a Christmas tree finding its home with a family in a big city. cumming's poem appears at the beginning of the story. Perfect for the child (or the adult) that gets very personal about a Christmas tree. So good!!
January 7, 2016
I found this book to be incredibly boring. While E. E. Cummings poem is cute, it is shorter and paced. The illustrations were interesting but they just did not communicate the feelings of the holiday season.
April 17, 2023
What an odd little book. I thought it was going to be the poem, illustrated, but instead it was a story inspired by the poem. I don't think that story was super successful. And I really liked the cover illustration, but after a few pages of the same style, I found the illustrations disorienting.
December 21, 2017
An enjoyable book derived from the E.E.Cummings poem by the same name. We enjoyed the use of 'little' in the book, talking about how it can mean different things and the illustrations are a great invite to art!
April 18, 2008
I love the e.e. cummings poem in the front and the illustrations are fascinating. There is always something new to see in them.
February 18, 2011
I liked it, but I think the illustrations aren't up to par with the poem.
I'd check it out again for the kids.
I'd check it out again for the kids.
January 12, 2012
Chris Raschka expands upon e. e. cumming's poem, "little tree" and brings is to life with his bright geometric art.
December 11, 2012
wonderful illustrations about a little tree that has his wish fulfilled-being a Christmas tree. book opens with the poem by ee cummings
October 10, 2013
A nice child-friendly version of e.e. cumming's poem
December 17, 2014
Always so excited to find this book among the Christmas decorations . . .
December 19, 2015
Story inspired by the poem, not the poem. Love Raschka's art work but the story was dull.
December 17, 2020
I didn’t like the story or the illustrations. The story started with a poem by E. E. Cummings, and then a retelling of that poem. The illustrations are unique, but not something I actually like. This feels more like a middle school project than a fancy picture book.
#Wintergames #teamreadnosereindeer +26
#Wintergames #teamreadnosereindeer +26
February 1, 2022
Chris Raschka has outdone himself with these seemingly simple geometric illustrations.
November 13, 2014
There's the little tree
Chris Raschka illustrator version and the Deborah Ray version.
Chris Raschka illustrator version and the Deborah Ray version.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
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