Why I Love This Book

I had no idea that this book was first published in 1963!  It's timeless.  It's been around this long and yet its story and message are still just as relevant today...maybe even more so, as it was when first published. It's basically a testimony of how one thing (the tree) can bring joy to many. This one Christmas tree brings the Christmas spirit into the homes of many- both humans and animals. 

It's a fun book to read over and over because each time you read, you'll find something new in the illustrations. It still happens to me and I've read it numerous times!

This is cool:
In 1995 this book was turned into a Christmas television  special for CBS. It starred Robert Downey Jr., Stockard Channing and Leslie Nielsen. It also featured Kermit the Frog as a narrator.  I searched for a link or copy, but couldn't locate one.

Themes
  • One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure
  • Be Happy with What You Have
  • Family
  • Kindness

Teachable Moments
This book offers multiple opportunities for learning that go far beyond what's printed on the page or seen in the illustrations. Here's a small sample:
  • Parts of a Book (Cover, Title, Author, Illustrator, Spine, End Papers...)
  • Rhyming Words- The story is like an extended poem
  • CharacterTraits - how are the different animals and their homes alike or different
  • Powerful Verbs-  tidy up, scampered, rollicking, frolicking, padding, spied
  • Character Traits - Compare Mr. Willowby  to Mr. Timms the gardener
  • Exclamations- Fa lala!  Jolly by Golly!  Splendid!   Good Heavens!
  • Professions- What does each human character do for a living?
  • Order of Events /Plot- Which house received a tree  first, next, and last.​
Picture
 ​​ Click HERE to see what's included with each
​download purchased.
Please note that you are purchasing the resources only.

Subscribers receive 2 new titles delivered to their inbox each month
​ at a 20% discount off single purchases!

Beyond the Book Resources

​Each $3.99 Beyond the Book Download Includes:
  • Getting Started - an introduction to the Read it Again method
  • Comprehension Questions  -  A list of  questions that tap into different levels of understanding and foster conversations about the story
  • ​Vocabulary Flashcards - Along with the flashcards, you'll also receive ideas for putting the cards to use in multiple ways
  • Writing - We provide an image and story prompt designed to extend the theme of the story. No we don't expect your child to write just yet. Instead, you can take down the dictation of the story your child tells.
  • Story Elements Page - Understanding what makes a story a story is an important skill.  This activity asks your child to identify the following: characters, setting, problem, solution, favorite part, and summary.
  • Cooking ideas related to the story
  • Art ideas related to the story
  • Links to  Great Games,  toys, manipulatives, and movies
  • Information on the Research behind ReaditAgain​
Important Note: This download does not include the book, only the resources listed above. The book may be purchased separately by clicking here. ​
It's really that simple...
​ One Great Story
 Multiple Readings
Fun & Educational Follow-up Activities
Subscribers receive 2 new titles in their inbox each month
​at a 20% discount off  the single purchase prices.

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
​
​Themed Toys

Adding an element of play is yet another way to deepen the understanding of the concepts introduced within the multiple readings of the story.  You'll be surprised at the amount of learning that's transferred and reinforced through  imaginative play.
​
Why I Love These Specific Playthings:
  • Each item has a direct connection to Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree.
  • There are no batteries.
  • They encourage imaginative play.
  • They make it easy to re-enact the story.
  • ​They take the learning another step forward.
Please note that these are affiliate links.
If you purchase anything through my  links, you won't pay a penny more, but I'll make a small commission which helps me keep the lights on.  ​
Picture
Dancing Christmas Tree
$19.99

Vintage Christmas Tree Delivery Truck

$42.99

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Tiny Mouse and Tiny Bunny
$22.99
Christmas Wreath Craft Kit
​$23.99
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald