Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet story about a Christmas tree that brings joy to all.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MR. WILLOWBY'S CHRISTMAS TREE is just too tall to fit in his grand parlor, so he asks his butler to trim off the top. The butler gives the remaining tree to the maid, who finds it too tall for her space, so she chops off the top, which is found by the gardener, but his wife snips off the top of their tree, as it's too big for their mantle, and ever-smaller tree tops end up in the homes of various forest families—bears, foxes, rabbits, and more. Finally the smallest tip of the tree is found by a mouse, who drags it back to her cozy house, which is inside a very familiar house.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet Christmas picture book about the joy of having and decorating a tree is a classic, charming read. It's got appealing rhyming text in antiquated language ("good heavens" and "jolly by golly!), and the repeated discovery of ever-smaller trees creates fun suspense as little ones will wonder who's going to find the next one. The art evokes a bygone era, and the caricatures of people and animals bring color and personality to the detailed spreads. Kids will adore the cute twist at the end, though they may have to look closely at the picture to catch it. There's even a gentle message about recycling and reusing that adults may want to emphasize.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how one tree brought holiday cheer to so many people and animals in Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. Share about a gift you or your family received that brought joy to many people. What was it, and what did you appreciate about it?
How do the characters who bring home and decorate a tree in this book feel about their tree? How does it change their holiday? What are you grateful for when it comes to the holidays that your family celebrates?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Robert E. Barry
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Friendship , Holidays ( Christmas )
- Character Strengths : Gratitude , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Doubleday
- Publication date : October 17, 2000
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : November 25, 2025
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