Book Review: The Three Trees

 The Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale by Elena Pasquali, illustrated by Sophie Windham

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.

 

About the Author:

Elena 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.

About the Illustrator:

Sophie Windham has illustrated books for Bloomsbury and Orchard and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal for Unicorns! Unicorns! by Geraldine McCaughrean.

My thoughts:

I love the illustrations in this book, Sophie Windham hits it right on with her beautiful pictures.  The story is beautiful as well and quite charming...perfect for rocking a young child to sleep.  This book is reminiscent of  folk tales of the past and I love how the story talks about the trees dreaming and as the trees go from being trees to being turned into something else their dreams come true.  Kids can learn from this, that if a tree can dream so can they and if a tree's dream can come true so can theirs!  Too big for a stocking stuffer, but perfect for under the tree!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Kregel Publishing.