The Brackens are a rather belligerent family. Joe gives up on his coon hound when it won't help him hunt (a coon watches as the dog curls up to sleep under an accommodating fir); Mrs. Bracken flings her wash water at a pesky jay, which escapes to the same tree; their son's slingshot is aimed at squirrels, the hired hands' truck injures a fox--and all the animals find refuge in or under the old tree. Fortunately, its odd shape disqualifies it as lumber, but the woodsmen who cut surrounding trees mention it to the Brackens, who investigate it on Christmas Eve and find a veritable Peaceable Kingdom in its snowy branches. In Aldridge's spare, understated narrative, the outcome is a real surprise, with the thought-provoking ``we have met the enemy and they are us'' message ably supported in San Souci's capably composed, realistic watercolors. Pleasantly offbeat. (Picture book. 5-8) -- Copyright �1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Ages 5-8. San Souci's beautiful watercolors add much to this story about a small fir tree that becomes home to many wild animals and a favorite resting place for Joe Bracken's old coon hound. The Brackens keep shooing away pests--a bird, a raccoon, a squirrel--and one by one, the animals seek shelter in the boughs of the small fir tree. In nature, a tree like this is a wonderful kind of ecosystem; in the story, Aldridge marvels at the miracle of it. So, at Christmas time, lumbermen looking for trees on the Bracken property discover the little fir that "looks like Christmas wreaths all over." That night--Christmas Eve--Joe Bracken and his family go out to see this funny tree, and as their lantern shines up and down the length of it, they see the blue jay, the raccoon, the squirrels, the owl, the rabbits, a fox, and Joe's hound--an oasis of wildlife in the dead of winter. "Who would believe this was possible?" they ask. An interesting Christmas-tree story and good read-aloud for young children. Kathryn Broderick

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Better World Books (https://www.BetterWorldBooks.com) is a for-profit, socially conscious business and a global online bookseller that collects and sells new and used books online, matching each purchase with a book donation. Each sale generates funds for literacy and education initiatives in the U.S., the UK, and around the world. Since its launch in 2003, Better World Books has raised $33 million for libraries and literacy, donated over 32 million books, and reused or recycled more than 397 million books.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Better World Books Marketplace, Inc.
55740 Currant Road, Mishawaka, IN, 46545, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Better World Books (BWB) values your satisfaction and offers you returns within thirty (30) days after the estimated delivery date on most items. All returned items must be in the original condition; used items should include the SKU sticker located on the spine or back of the product.

If you have an incomplete, incorrect, or damaged shipment, please contact our Customer Care team via Abebooks contact seller options before proceeding with the return.Please keep in mind that because we deal mostl...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Please allow 1-2 business days for order fulfillment.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 8 business days	3 to 5 business days
First item	US$ 0.00	US$ 10.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.