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The Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale
Three forest trees dream of what they will one day become. One dreams of becoming a royal throne; one of being a ship that can withstand any storm; and one longs to stay in the forest and grow as tall as tall can be. When they are felled, it seems their dreams are over. But as each tree is crafted into a new item - a manger, a fishing boat, and a rugged cross - it becomes clear that through the role they play in one important life their hopes are more than fulfilled. This traditional folktale is accompanied by stylish artwork from a highly sought-after children's book illustrator, and will help set the Christmas and Easter stories into the overall context of the Christian faith.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
12 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Elena Pasquali
45 books1 followerElena Pasquali studied romance languages at university and has a special interest in researching folk tales. She worked for some years in children's publishing before going on to be an author in her own right.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 8, 2015
What a delightful way to sum up Christ's journey on earth from birth to miracles and on to the world's salvation. With vivid and artistic ilustrations my daughters could spend hours looking at these images over tge years.
Typed from NookColor.
Thanks to Kregel for a copy to review.
Originally posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
Tonight we read this book again to go along with our Forest for the Trees unit study. Tomorrow we're going to watch a movie (based I think on the Angela Hunt version). I still think this is a touching story about three trees and they came to be of very important use during the life of Jesus Christ.
Typed from NookColor.
Thanks to Kregel for a copy to review.
Originally posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
Tonight we read this book again to go along with our Forest for the Trees unit study. Tomorrow we're going to watch a movie (based I think on the Angela Hunt version). I still think this is a touching story about three trees and they came to be of very important use during the life of Jesus Christ.
November 26, 2020
I love this version of The Three Trees. I try to read it every year around Thanksgiving or Christmas.
January 14, 2024
A short Christmas story told from the perspective of the three trees as they get their wishes.
February 23, 2017
This is a great version of the story. Simple wording, captivating pictures. The illustrations are English in style so they aren't historically accurate, but very attractive and engaging for children.
The story itself is a wonderful one for children to hear. It shows the beauty in ordinary things, and also how little things become extraordinary through the love of Christ. Very good.
The story itself is a wonderful one for children to hear. It shows the beauty in ordinary things, and also how little things become extraordinary through the love of Christ. Very good.
February 19, 2017
This story tells how 3 trees want to be something but God has a different and bigger plan for them. Definitely a great way to show that God is in control and sometimes what we want is not what God wants for our lives but what he offers has a bigger plan.
November 9, 2011
Beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully told, this re-telling of the traditional folktale really gets to the heart of the matter for children I thought. Both of my boys seemed moved by the story. For my 10-year-old who is all heart this admittedly does not take much. He takes all things to do with Jesus very seriously and I am proud of him for that. So hearing this tale just brought things more to home for him. My 6-year-old is more restless and a little harder to get through to (I'm sure some of you understand), he understands about Jesus but at times he doesn't seem as reverent as my older son was even when he was 6. However this book seems to get through to him. Maybe it is the conciseness of the telling of Jesus' life in how the three tree's serve Him. Maybe it's the powerfulness of the tale. Maybe it was his mood. But this book got through to him. I have to admit it moved me as well.
Concise and to the point as a children's book should be, The Three Trees tells the story with the right amount of words and gorgeous illustrations that truly bring home the message of the words. I think the illustrator did a wonderful job bringing the words to life in pictures.
I wish this book would have come into my house about 7 years ago so it could have become a Christmas and Easter staple. I am sure I can get a few more years out of it, but my boys are quickly outgrowing picture books, but if you have children who are young then this is just the book for them and you as a parent. You may be familiar with the story, I have to admit I was not, but I am glad I am now because it is a special story and one I will remember for quite awhile.
Concise and to the point as a children's book should be, The Three Trees tells the story with the right amount of words and gorgeous illustrations that truly bring home the message of the words. I think the illustrator did a wonderful job bringing the words to life in pictures.
I wish this book would have come into my house about 7 years ago so it could have become a Christmas and Easter staple. I am sure I can get a few more years out of it, but my boys are quickly outgrowing picture books, but if you have children who are young then this is just the book for them and you as a parent. You may be familiar with the story, I have to admit I was not, but I am glad I am now because it is a special story and one I will remember for quite awhile.
November 9, 2011
I’ll not forget the first time I heard the story of the three trees and how they had a dream – a dream to be something great, like everyone. I was at a co-op where the story was being told by a mom gifted with storytelling, and I remember how moved I was by this and thinking why I haven’t I heard this story before? Using personification the trees are given personality and each has a dream, one wants to be a chest to carry treasure, the other wants to be made into a ship to carry a king and the last tree wants to stay on it’s hill pointing to Heaven.
In this retelling of the traditional folktale, The Three Trees, retold by Elena Pasquali and illustrated by Sophie Windham you and your children will be pulled in to the story with the vibrant and colorful illustrations about the story of the three trees. With each tree’s dream coming true in different ways, the pictures will help even the youngest listener to understand the overall meaning of the story.
When I read this with my children I found myself getting choked up, how would it feel to be one who held the newborn Christ child? How would I have felt to be the ship carrying Christ and His disciples? And ultimately how would it have felt to be the one who held Christ as He bled and died for the sins of all? Told in an engaging way with beautiful illustrations the book will be a treasured part of our home library for many years to come.
**I was given a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review, no other compensation was given.
In this retelling of the traditional folktale, The Three Trees, retold by Elena Pasquali and illustrated by Sophie Windham you and your children will be pulled in to the story with the vibrant and colorful illustrations about the story of the three trees. With each tree’s dream coming true in different ways, the pictures will help even the youngest listener to understand the overall meaning of the story.
When I read this with my children I found myself getting choked up, how would it feel to be one who held the newborn Christ child? How would I have felt to be the ship carrying Christ and His disciples? And ultimately how would it have felt to be the one who held Christ as He bled and died for the sins of all? Told in an engaging way with beautiful illustrations the book will be a treasured part of our home library for many years to come.
**I was given a copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest review, no other compensation was given.
November 7, 2011
My Review: This story is about three trees that had different dreams of what they will one day become when they get copped.
The fist tree said to the others, “I want to be made into a beautiful chest that will hold the finest treasure.”
The second said, “I want to be made into a proud ship in which a might king will travel around his domain.”
The third tree said, “I want to stay, here on the hillside, pointing to heaven.”
While the first and second trees were looking forward to their dreams when they were cut down the third tree was sad as it fell to the ground. The trees where then made into a manger, a fishing boat and a rugged cross, which wasn’t their dream. Years later the trees found out that each played an important role in the life, miracle and death of Jesus Christ.
We may not end up fulfilling our dreams but there is always something greater than our dreams. This traditional folktale book was illustrated by Sophie Windham and she did a great job bringing the stylish artwork of the story to life.
I think this is a great book to read during the holidays. I highly recommend this book.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
The fist tree said to the others, “I want to be made into a beautiful chest that will hold the finest treasure.”
The second said, “I want to be made into a proud ship in which a might king will travel around his domain.”
The third tree said, “I want to stay, here on the hillside, pointing to heaven.”
While the first and second trees were looking forward to their dreams when they were cut down the third tree was sad as it fell to the ground. The trees where then made into a manger, a fishing boat and a rugged cross, which wasn’t their dream. Years later the trees found out that each played an important role in the life, miracle and death of Jesus Christ.
We may not end up fulfilling our dreams but there is always something greater than our dreams. This traditional folktale book was illustrated by Sophie Windham and she did a great job bringing the stylish artwork of the story to life.
I think this is a great book to read during the holidays. I highly recommend this book.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
November 5, 2011
Just in time for Christmas, Easter or any day, comes the beloved and beautifully illustrated folktale of The Three Trees by Elena Pasquali.
Long ago, on a hill, three trees reached up to the sky and dreamed of the wonderful things they would do. All were cut down, and each in turn believed that their dreams had come to nothing. Then, when their rough timber played its part in the life of Jesus, everything changed.
This is a wonderful children's book that tells the tale of the fate and dreams of three trees that envisioned a different life that just being mere trees, and each one shares their hopes and dreams in this wonderful book. Little do they know that the men who come to cut them down have other plans. Just when each thinks they have nothing to offer the world, they each realize a greater purpose other than their original dreams and God's greater purpose.
I received this book compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review and LOVED it! The message is so beautifully told and that sometimes what we want for our lives and what ends up happening in the end, defines our perspective on God's will in our life, and sometimes we can't always see the greater good until we give it time to sink in. I would rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to share this with my own kids and grandkids!
Long ago, on a hill, three trees reached up to the sky and dreamed of the wonderful things they would do. All were cut down, and each in turn believed that their dreams had come to nothing. Then, when their rough timber played its part in the life of Jesus, everything changed.
This is a wonderful children's book that tells the tale of the fate and dreams of three trees that envisioned a different life that just being mere trees, and each one shares their hopes and dreams in this wonderful book. Little do they know that the men who come to cut them down have other plans. Just when each thinks they have nothing to offer the world, they each realize a greater purpose other than their original dreams and God's greater purpose.
I received this book compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review and LOVED it! The message is so beautifully told and that sometimes what we want for our lives and what ends up happening in the end, defines our perspective on God's will in our life, and sometimes we can't always see the greater good until we give it time to sink in. I would rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to share this with my own kids and grandkids!
November 6, 2011
The Three Trees is the story that tells the story of the birth, the life and the death of Christ. It's basically the story of how 3 trees grew up and then were cut down. The first one wished for riches, the second wished for power and to be made into a proud ship to carry a mighty king and the third only wanted to point the way to heaven. As they are made into a cradle, a small boat and into boards left in the weather each thinks it's dreams are over. Very simply written, each illustration beautifully shows the story and combined both tell the story so both children and adults can learn and understand what Christ did for each person on this earth.
It is so hard to write a description that won't give away the story completely - One of the things I loved about the illustrations is that the opening of the story begins with the artists rendition of "the 4 seasons" which is one of my favorite pieces of art by almost all artists. I also loved how the story is written from the view of a tree - what a different concept and since the look of a tree never changes everyone can identify with something they have seen no matter where they live in this world (not everyone knows what a manger is, or has been on a boat or even seen what a cross looks like). Every family should have a copy of this book on their coffee table. It's perfect for Christmas, Easter and any other day of the year.
It is so hard to write a description that won't give away the story completely - One of the things I loved about the illustrations is that the opening of the story begins with the artists rendition of "the 4 seasons" which is one of my favorite pieces of art by almost all artists. I also loved how the story is written from the view of a tree - what a different concept and since the look of a tree never changes everyone can identify with something they have seen no matter where they live in this world (not everyone knows what a manger is, or has been on a boat or even seen what a cross looks like). Every family should have a copy of this book on their coffee table. It's perfect for Christmas, Easter and any other day of the year.
November 4, 2011
What are most outstanding about this rendition of The Three Trees are the beautiful illustrations. The colors are vibrant and the images are action packed with emotive animals everywhere. I also like the telling of the story in that the sentence structure was simple, perfect for a young child to read. I happen to own Angela Hunt’s retelling of the same story, so I compared it to Pasquali’s. Of the two, Hunt captures the emotional punch of the tale best in her words, but the wording is lengthy. Pasquali loses some of the emotional punch in simplifying the story, however this is more than made up for in the illustrations. It is a true picture book in that it relies more on the illustrations than on the words to tell the tale. This is what grabs the attention of children. The Three Trees is an emotional folktale that takes the reader through the life of Christ through the point of view of three trees. It is a lovely tale, and this is a very well-crafted version suitable for all ages. It will be one that children ask for over and over again because each illustration has so much to see, and it tells the story of Jesus in a way in which children can understand. It’s a gorgeous book. Really striking!
August 20, 2018
This story has a special place in my heart, because when my daughter was in her 4 year old pre-school class her Christmas program was based on this story. So as we read the story I had fond memories of when she was younger with her classmates. But beyond that I really do like this story. It tells you that while you might have plans and dreams of your own, things might just not happen the way you want them. But in the end things happen the way that God has planned them. The pictures are great, and will keep a younger child interested in the story. All in all I really did like this story, and for the next few years I do see us reading it during the Christmas time and Easter time, as reminders. When my daughter does out grow this book I am sure that we will pass it along to a family member with younger kids so that they can get the same enjoyment out of the book as we do.
November 12, 2011
This story is a classic folktale told from the perspective of three trees and their dream of what they want to be one day.
The first tree dreams of being a wonderful chest that will hold a great treasure. The second tree dreams of being a great ship that will carry a great king and the third tree dreams of staying just where it is and pointing to heaven.
What happens to these trees is much different than their expectations but they each realize that what they end up being serves a much greater purpose then they could ever imagine.
The Three Trees is a wonderful story. The illustrations in the book are just beautiful! This story is a wonderful example of no matter how plain or how humble we are that God can use us to glorify His kingdom.
I received a copy of this book from Kregel in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.
The first tree dreams of being a wonderful chest that will hold a great treasure. The second tree dreams of being a great ship that will carry a great king and the third tree dreams of staying just where it is and pointing to heaven.
What happens to these trees is much different than their expectations but they each realize that what they end up being serves a much greater purpose then they could ever imagine.
The Three Trees is a wonderful story. The illustrations in the book are just beautiful! This story is a wonderful example of no matter how plain or how humble we are that God can use us to glorify His kingdom.
I received a copy of this book from Kregel in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.
November 14, 2011
Breathtaking illustrations by Sophie Windham of the retelling of the traditional folktale The Three Trees. Beautifully written tale of 3 trees who so desperately want to make their mark in the world. They dream of being made into a treasure box full of riches, a powerful ship to carry a king, and of pointing the way to heaven. All lofty dreams that are met, in an untraditional way!
Superb tale for all seasons and honoring Jesus Christ. Enjoyed reading it to my young children and showing them how God has a plan for everything. That the trees had hopes and God still fulfilled them, just differently than the trees expecting, just like God will fulfill our dreams, just may be in a different way than we thought.
Thanks to Kregel for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Superb tale for all seasons and honoring Jesus Christ. Enjoyed reading it to my young children and showing them how God has a plan for everything. That the trees had hopes and God still fulfilled them, just differently than the trees expecting, just like God will fulfill our dreams, just may be in a different way than we thought.
Thanks to Kregel for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2011
The Three Trees is a traditional folktale with which many are familiar but the joy of this particular version is the illustrations. Sophie Windham has created more than a picture book but rather a work of art to be enjoyed for years.
The beauty begins on the first page - Windham has created a three pane view of the trees but shown in all four seasons. The first panel shows the first tree in spring with soft colors, the center pane shows the next tree split between vivid summer colors and crisp fall tones and then finally the third tree in cool winter hues. Each page is as beautiful as the last.
The Three Trees would make a wonderful gift for a young child for so many different occasions from Christmas to Easter to First Communion; even as a treat from St. Nicholas.
The beauty begins on the first page - Windham has created a three pane view of the trees but shown in all four seasons. The first panel shows the first tree in spring with soft colors, the center pane shows the next tree split between vivid summer colors and crisp fall tones and then finally the third tree in cool winter hues. Each page is as beautiful as the last.
The Three Trees would make a wonderful gift for a young child for so many different occasions from Christmas to Easter to First Communion; even as a treat from St. Nicholas.
November 11, 2011
Three trees in the forest each have a different dream of what they want to become, and when they are cut down it seems as if their dreams just might be lost, but alas they are handcrafted into items that will be used by the king of kings, allowing them to full fill their dreams.
"Three Trees" is a book your children will want to reread, with it's captivating illustrations and powerful message of never giving up on your dream, and how God often allows us to achieve more than we can ever imagine. It's truly a book that would be a great read any time of the year but extra special at Christmas or Easter. Because it is a beautiful hard bound dust jacketed edition it would also make a lovely gift.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel Publications for review.
"Three Trees" is a book your children will want to reread, with it's captivating illustrations and powerful message of never giving up on your dream, and how God often allows us to achieve more than we can ever imagine. It's truly a book that would be a great read any time of the year but extra special at Christmas or Easter. Because it is a beautiful hard bound dust jacketed edition it would also make a lovely gift.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel Publications for review.
November 17, 2011
This is one of my favorite stories and one I always read at Christmas. This retelling is illustrated in a rich folk style. While not my most favorite style of art, it's still a gorgeous book. The story is short and concise and perfect to share with any age.
I collect Christmas books and we read them all season long. Our family tradition, dating back to when I was a girl, is to read our favorite stories on Christmas Eve. We each choose a story and read it aloud and then we finish with reading the birth of Jesus from the Bible. It's one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season and is the perfect way to usher in Christmas. This little book will go into my collection, to be read each Christmas season.
I think it would make a lovely gift as well.
I collect Christmas books and we read them all season long. Our family tradition, dating back to when I was a girl, is to read our favorite stories on Christmas Eve. We each choose a story and read it aloud and then we finish with reading the birth of Jesus from the Bible. It's one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season and is the perfect way to usher in Christmas. This little book will go into my collection, to be read each Christmas season.
I think it would make a lovely gift as well.
September 15, 2013
This is apparently an old and traditional folktale that I haven't heard of until now--
It's short and sweet and superbly illustrated. I actually really appreciate how, even though you get a feeling of who this is about after the first few pages, a name is never given. Somehow, it adds to the mystery of it all and becomes more about the overall story, rather than the person. (And did I mention those illustrations? Beautiful.)
It's short and sweet and superbly illustrated. I actually really appreciate how, even though you get a feeling of who this is about after the first few pages, a name is never given. Somehow, it adds to the mystery of it all and becomes more about the overall story, rather than the person. (And did I mention those illustrations? Beautiful.)
May 6, 2024
Still can't read this book without getting choked up.
If you can read this book without getting choked up, you have lost the wonder of the miracle of Christ or never really knew it at all.
If you can read this book without getting choked up, you have lost the wonder of the miracle of Christ or never really knew it at all.
May 9, 2012
Not something I'd ever pick for myself, being an atheist, BUT it was well written and the illustrations are lovely. Could be a good choice for someone looking for a religious folk tale.
June 11, 2012
a lovely retelling of the folktale, with wonderful illustrations by Sophie Windham
October 14, 2012
The traditional story of the three trees in a beautifully illustrated picture book. Recommended for public libraries or parochial school libraries.
December 23, 2012
This is one of my favorite folk tales and I really like this book and the way the story is told. The illustrations are great, too.
April 26, 2013
Excellent children's book!
August 3, 2015
This is by far one of the most beautifully written and illustrated children's books I have seen! My children, husband, and I were all captivated by it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews