Susan Montanari

A grumpy little tree, disdaining lights and decorations and people, remains the only tree standing in the tree lot after a busy Christmas season. Eventually, the lot is sold and a neighborhood grows up around the tree. The local children adopt this grumpy arboreal being as their particular playground, indulging in all sorts of imaginative adventures in his branches. Slowly, the tree warms up to the idea of lights and decorations and people. But then one day, the parents in the neighborhood show more mention chopping him down. Can the children show that this tree must stay...?

I picked up The Halloween Tree thinking it would be more of a spooky tale, rather than a heartwarming one, but in the end it was unexpectedly poignant. Author Susan Montanari does an excellent job capturing both the tree's grumpy misanthropy, and the gradual process whereby he warms up to people and their celebrations. I liked the solution found - now he can be decorated himself, as the eponymous Halloween Tree! - and I thought the accompanying artwork from illustrator Teresa Martínez was colorful and cute, ably capturing the emotional register of each scene. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for entertaining and ultimately heartwarming Halloween tales. show less

The Halloween Tree by Susan Montanori tells the story of a young fir sapling who has no interest in becoming a Christmas tree. He does everything he can not to gain lush for needles, so he'll never be chosen. Time passed, the Christmas tree farm closes, houses build up, and the grumpy tree grows massive and gnarled, still lacking needles. He becomes a beloved part of the neighbourhood kids' games and play, til the day comes when parents decide they don't want such a grumpy tree in their show more neighbourhood. Can the kids save their tree by making him part of a new holiday tradition? My cubs and I read this together, and we all loved it. The artwork is lovely and the story teaches creating new traditions. A perfect addition to any class or child's library!

***Many thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. show less

The Halloween Tree is such a cute holiday book for Halloween. I was pulling for this little grumpy tree that was passed over every year for Christmas to find its way somewhere in the world. Who would have thought that he would grow up in a neighborhood where in the end would bring lots of joy to the families around him! Really cute book, great illustrations, and an awesome story about being loved, taking a stance, and belonging! A must book to have for any collection!

I have received this show more book from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest opinion. show less

A gnarled, cranky tree on a Christmas tree farm does NOT want to be a Christmas tree...and it gets its wish. It turns out the tree DOES like lights, decorations, and people...as long as the lights and decorations are Halloween-y and the people are kids.

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Re-read October 2021 (Mother/Daughter Book Club)