The Perfect Tree

by Corinne Demas, Penelope Dullaghan (Illustrator)

Overview

Bunny searches for and finds the perfect Christmas tree in this perennial holiday tale

Bunny is looking for the perfect Christmas tree. Her forest friends tell her that the perfect tree is one that is just her size, bushy as Squirrel’s tail, perfectly pointy on top for a star, the greenest green, and smells like Christmas. But sometimes the perfect tree is the one surrounded by friends.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781951836429
Publisher:	Cameron Kids
Publication date:	10/04/2022
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	86,148
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Corinne Demas is the author of two collections of short stories, five novels, a memoir, a collection of poetry, two plays, and numerous books for children, including The Perfect Tree, published by Cameron Kids. She lives with her family in western Massachusetts. Gemma Capdevila is a fine artist and illustrator. Her magical work is inspired by the natural world, the ocean, and the forest. She lives in Barcelona.

Editorial Reviews

"Illustrations in a muted, wintry palette perfectly complement the story."

The Horn Book

"Full of dialogue, the text is delightfully uncomplicated, yet the word choice is rich and inviting. The illustrations are crisp, clean, and adorable in deep jewel-tone colors set against a bright snowy backdrop." —School Library Journal

"This sweet, delightful story brims with messages of holiday warmth, cooperation, and friendship."—Kirkus Reviews

"Illustrations in a muted, wintry palette perfectly complement the story."—The Horn Book

From the Publisher

09/01/2022

PreS-Gr 2—Set in a cheerful woodland full of rosy-cheeked animal characters, this story will warm young readers until the last page. A bunny sets off on a quest to find the perfect Christmas tree, listening carefully to the recommendations of her friends. Squirrel suggests choosing a tree as bushy as his tail. Mole says it should be as pointy as her nose, while Skunk knows it is the scent that matters most. Bunny searches all day and into the cold winter night, down the mountain, along the stream, across the field, and over a wall to no avail. When she comes across a tree too perfect to cut down, Bunny makes an important decision that truly demonstrates the Christmas spirit. Bunny's quest to find the perfect Christmas tree is relatable, as are her good intentions to listen to the advice of each of her friends. Readers will eagerly search each spread looking for the tree that is an exact match. Full of dialogue, the text is delightfully uncomplicated, yet the word choice is rich and inviting. The illustrations are crisp, clean, and adorable in deep jewel-tone colors set against a bright snowy backdrop. The resolution is full of community, collaboration, and good cheer. VERDICT A lovely picture book, just perfect for sharing with readers during the Christmas season.—Amy Shepherd

School Library Journal

2022-08-17
Bunny searches for the perfect Christmas tree.

For her, perfect means one that’s “just her size.” Her friends’ ideas of perfection match their physical characteristics. Squirrel suggests a tree that, like his tail, is bushy; Mole believes that a Christmas tree’s top should be pointed, like her nose; vibrantly red Cardinal mentions color—the “greenest green”—as the singular attribute; and Skunk thinks that aroma is key: It “should smell like Christmas.” Each pal also guides Bunny to the best place to locate her tree. Bunny finds trees that are almost perfect but not quite. Deer posits that “maybe there isn’t a perfect tree,” or, perhaps, Bunny reflects, she hasn’t found it yet, and she starts to return home. Suddenly, she spies a tree she had previously overlooked but that meets physical specifications. Bunny realizes she hasn’t the heart to cut it down. Her friends appear on the scene and help her decorate the tree with the garlands she’d previously gathered; they sing carols, and Bunny understands why she’s found the perfect tree after all. This sweet, delightful story brims with messages of holiday warmth, cooperation, and friendship. Charming, vividly colored illustrations set a lovely holiday tone, with bright green trees highlighting wintry scenes of glistening white. Toward the end, blue-black skies are highlighted by puffs of falling snow, and the endearing animal characters are gaily dressed for winter. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A cuddly, reassuring holiday tale. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews