ALA Booklist (Wed Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

This slender but informative book traces the roots and history of the Christmas tree through pagan and Christian practices over thousands of years, from the palm fronds decorating ancient Egyptians' homes for winter solstice to twenty-first-century, prelit artificial trees. Then the focus shifts to Christmas tree agriculture in North America: the varieties of trees grown, the stages of growing them, and the challenges of tree farming. The book concludes with "Fun Facts" and a short reading list. The clearly written text shows respect for its audience by introducing some stories, such as Martin Luther creating the first decorated Christmas tree, as legends rather than history. On every page, colorful gouache paintings brighten the presentation and provide visual information that complements the text. Attention to details in writing, illustration, and design makes this a pleasing book and a fine read-aloud choice for children who want to know why there's a tree in their house each December.

Horn Book

From the evergreen boughs used by ancient Egyptians to celebrate the winter solstice to modern LED lights and pink aluminum trees, Farmer provides a wealth of information about the social history of the Christmas tree. She also traces its development both as plant and as cash crop. Illustrated with warm, cheerful gouache pictures, the book is accessible and well organized.

School Library Journal (Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

Gr 2-5 Beginning with the ancient Egyptians and Romans, who decorated with palm and evergreen branches at the winter solstice, readers learn about the customs and traditions through the centuries that led to the modern Christmas tree and various decorations, including popcorn, blown-glass ornaments, and electric lights, as well as trees made of feathers, plastic, and aluminum. The last section is devoted to the planting, care, and harvesting of trees. Friar's gouache illustrations have plenty of detail, but are a little awkward in scale. In all, an interesting look at a very specific part of the Christmas celebration. Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library