Who Would Like a Christmas Tree? by Ellen Bryan Obed, illustrated by Anne Hunter

Take a look at a Christmas tree standing in the forest.  One wonders who needs a Christmas tree in months other than December, and the answer is surprising!  Chickadees, deer, robins, butterflies, turkeys and more need the tree for all sorts of different reasons.  Some need it for food, others for shelter, and others for a place to raise their young.  This gentle picture book is about far more than the Christmas holiday.  It leads children through an understanding of the role of all trees in the natural world. 

Obed’s prose has a sweetness to it that suits the natural themes.  She writes with a quietness and simple frankness that works well with the more scientific content.  Each animal is given several paragraphs, allowing readers to really understand why they need these trees.  Hunter’s illustrations are large, simple and friendly as well. 

This book will work well for holiday story times, but should also be considered for Arbor Day or tree-themed units.  Appropriate for ages 4-7.

Reviewed from library copy.

Also reviewed by A Year of Reading.