Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
on Goodreads (5,134)
What’s inside...
Give the gift of holiday spirit with this classic picture book that celebrates how one Christmas tree brings joy to a whole forest of critters! 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 all. This heartwarming story is the perfect way to start the yuletide season, and a warm addition to any family's festive holiday traditions.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mr. Willowby
Discussion points
Why do you think Mr. Willowby decided to share his tree with others?
How did sharing the tree make the various characters in the book feel?
What are some ways we can share and bring joy to others like Mr. Willowby?
How did each animal adapt the tree to suit their needs? What does this tell us about creativity and resourcefulness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about Christmas trees and their significance during the holiday season to build a connection.
While reading, pause at each act of sharing by Mr. Willowby and discuss the importance of generosity and kindness.
After reading, encourage your child to think of items they could share with friends or family, relating it back to the story to reinforce the theme of sharing.
Create a simple craft or drawing related to the story, such as designing their ideal Christmas tree, to engage creatively with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: The story showcases how Mr. Willowby’s Christmas tree, which is too tall for his parlor, is trimmed and shared among various characters, spreading joy.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sharing what they have with others, whether it's toys, food, or time, fostering a sense of community and kindness.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: Each character in the book uses the trimmed part of the Christmas tree in a resourceful manner, adapting it to fit their different homes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and make the best out of what they have, promoting problem-solving skills in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Things
Explanation: The happiness derived from the shared pieces of the Christmas tree, despite its simplicity, highlights the joy found in simple pleasures.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to appreciate and find happiness in simple aspects of life, not taking for granted what they have.
Example Lesson: Community and Togetherness
Explanation: The book shows various characters, from different backgrounds, coming together over a shared piece of the Christmas tree, symbolizing community spirit.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes the importance of community and working together, which can be applied in group activities or family projects.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Each character adapts the piece of tree they receive to their own needs, showing flexibility and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of adapting to different situations and making adjustments when things don’t initially fit their expectations or needs.