Our Tree Named Steve

Using the framing device of a father's letter to his children, this sweet, goodhearted picture-book chronicles the relationship between one very special tree and the family who build their home right beside him. Unable to say "tree," the youngest child of the family christens the arboreal giant Steve, a name adopted by the entire clan, who come to love the towering tree, sparing it during the construction of their house, and making it the center of their outdoor lives once they move in. Providing everything from shelter and shade to a place to hangs hammocks and a clothesline, Steve is an integral part of the family's life, a strong and silent witness to the children growing up, until the day of a big storm...

I'm so very glad that a show more friend alerted me to this little gem - thanks, Crystal! - as I hadn't even heard of it before. I found myself with a bit of a lump in my throat, as I read Our Tree Named Steve, and was reminded of my own love for the two trees that stood near my childhood home - the red maple in the front yard, from which I liked to hang upside down by the knees, swinging back and forth; and the "tulip tree" in the rear, whose beautiful branches provided a fairyland of enchantment, when in bloom - and of my sorrow at having to leave them behind, when we eventually moved away. Kudos to Alan Zweibel for penning this tale of the important, and sometimes very emotional role that trees can play in our lives, and kudos also to David Catrow, who captures Steve's charm with his colorful and quirky artwork. Recommended to young tree lovers, perhaps in conjunction with Andrea Spalding's Solomon's Tree, which also examines the special relationship between a tree and a child. show less

In a letter to his three children who are visiting their grandparents, a father recalls all the wonderful things Steve the tree has been to their family.

When they visited the empty lot where they would build their house, Sari, the youngest, couldn't say tree, so she said "Steve." Thus, a family friend was dubbed. He was perfect for shade and hanging laundry when the dryer broke. He even held a hammock for Uncle Chester and drank all the sewer water when the sump backed up. Being a tree has its dangers, and a storm knocked Steve down. Friend to the last, Steve didn't fall on the house, doghouse, swing set or garden. Dad's writing to warn the kids that Steve won't greet them when they return, but his lumber has made a wonderful new show more playhouse. show less

A father writes to his now-grown children about their beloved tree "Steve" who stood beside the house, and all the family events and memories at which Steve was present, from backyard barbecues and snowstorms to a sewer overflow. The father announces that a storm felled Steve but that Steve would always be present in their hearts and minds. An affectionate ode to the power of trees serving as touchstones in our lives.

Oh wow. I had no idea this would be so wonderful. Just darling. And the ending - perfect! - first I almost cried, then I felt peaceful acceptance. This would actually make a good gift for someone grieving a death.

Simple & authentic enough for all ages above rugrat, and the pictures are detailed but not fussy, lively and pretty but not pretentiously gorgeous.

Our Tree Named Steve is a story happens between a tree and a family.It is a great book, the book is a letter from a father,who writes down the happy times they had with the tree Steve,like swing,target,etc.By this kind of memory recalling,he wants to let his children to remember the tree once played important role in their lives.And in the meantime, they can learn something from this memory.
I like this book very much,and it is suitable for 6-8years old children.

A great book about how a family falls in love with a tree that they don't cut down to help build their house but use it for a nice place to go and play and dance until it is ruined by a disaster.

Our Tree Named Steve is a story about a tree that a family grows to love. They name the tree Steve and throughout the years it becomes part of the family, providing tire swings, holding laundry, hosting barbeques, and dances. Until, one day when Steve falls down after a storm. The family is very sad to have lost something they had loved so much since the tree had always been there for them. I like this book because it teaches kindness and loyalty. I think this book would be suitable for first through third grades.