A Christmas Tree in the White House - Softcover

Hines, Gary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 080506768X ISBN 13: 9780805067682

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co, 2001

Synopsis

When President Theodore Roosevelt announces that there will be no White House Christmas tree because cutting down trees is against his conservation efforts, his youngest sons, Quentin and Archie, are deeply disappointed. They can't imagine ChAristmas without a tree. The two determined boys enlist the help of their aunt and sneak a small tree into their bedroom. When the president finds out, he takes the boys to see the chief forester in hopes of teaching them a lesson. But the chief forester says cutting down smaller trees will help the taller ones grow. "Isn't that bully!" says the president, and the boys shout, "Hooray for the tree!"

Gary Hines and Alexandra Wallner bring this story, based on actual events, to life in a light-hearted text matched with bright, cheerful art. Young readers will enjoy this humorous episode in history and relish the children's "victory" over their father. At the end of the book, there is a photograph of the Roosevelt family and an author's note on Roosevelt, his children, and the real Christmas tree.

About this title

About the Author:

Gary Hines is the author of several books for children. He lives with his wife, author-illustrator Anna Grossnickle Hines, in Milford, Pennsylvania.

Alexandra Wallner has illustrated several books about literary and historic figures. A graduate of the Pratt Institute in New York City, she lives in Philadelphia with her husband, illustrator John Wallner.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 3?A delightful story that's part fact and part fiction, set during the Teddy Roosevelt administration. Christmas is just around the corner but the president refuses to cut down an evergreen to decorate the White House. Although his six children beg for one, the commander in chief believes that his conservation efforts are too important to compromise. Nevertheless, his two youngest sons conspire with their aunt and sneak a small tree into their bedroom closet. Snappy dialogue, lots of action, and a small conspiracy quickly move the plot along. Underlying the playfulness, however, is the portrayal of a man who is adamant in his beliefs. Hines ends the account with brief notes characterizing Roosevelt and explaining what actually occurred. Charming gouache illustrations give the book a folksy appearance. Additionally, Wallner subtly shows varied textures through skillful use of lines. This well-done presentation may inspire readers to find out more about Roosevelt, his conservation efforts, and his family.?MMH
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Henry Holt & Co
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 080506768X
• ISBN 13: 9780805067682
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Wallner Alexandra