The Carpenter's Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree

This modern classic Christmas story teaches children the spirit of the season by bringing together two great New York City traditions: the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the neighbor-helping-neighbor program of Habitat for Humanity.

Opening in Depression-era New York City, The Carpenter's Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his father selling Christmas trees. They give a Christmas tree to construction workers building Rockefeller Center and celebrate together. Through the kindness of the construction workers and neighbors, Henry gets his wish for a nice, warm home to replace his family's drafty shack. He plants a pinecone from that first Rockefeller Center Tree. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone to become a Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. After bringing joy to thousands as the Rockefeller Center tree, its wood will be used to build a home for another family in need.

Written by children's nonfiction author David Rubel in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. Gorgeous illustrations crafted by Jim LaMarche.

"Rubel's story of compassion hits all the right holiday notes; LaMarche's lush, warm illustrations of glowing Christmas trees and smiling, caring characters drive home the central message of charity." --The Horn Book

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Published: 09/27/2011
ISBN: 9780375869228
Pages: 40
Weight: 0.98lbs
Size: 11.57h x 8.86w x 0.35d
Award: Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award - Nominee

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 09/01/2011
Publishers Weekly 09/26/2011
School Library Journal 10/01/2011 pg. 97
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2011 pg. 70
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2012 pg. 43 - Superior,Well Above Average

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 146681 / Carpenter's Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree
Reading Level: 5 / Interest Level: Lower Grade / Point Value: 0.5