CALVIN THE CHRISTMAS TREE

A little tree realizes his dreams in this picture book about determination and the holiday spirit.

A sapling named Calvin wishes to become a Christmas tree. While most of the trees encourage him, the aging GrumpMeyer insists that Calvin is too small and weak. Still, Calvin has hope: “He knew that Christmas trees are special. A Christmas tree is more than just branches.” When Calvin gets his chance, he isn’t chosen at the tree store. Blown over by a gust of wind, Calvin lies forgotten in the snow. A little boy driving by with his father spots Calvin and insists that no one should be left alone on Christmas. The two take him home, but rather than bringing him inside, they plant him in the yard. That night, Santa gives Calvin a special ornament, and eventually he grows to be the tallest Christmas tree ever. Calvin’s faith in himself, despite a grouchy neighbor, should inspire those who have ever been told they’re too small. Bowling’s simple sentences break up the text into small chunks, making the entertaining, inventive story accessible to newly independent readers. The clever names of Calvin’s tree friends—FlexerStout, FinkleBark, TowerTwiddle—may prompt giggles. Dudarenka’s illustrations, evoking the 1950s and ’60s, mix realistic paintings of the all-white cast in a Rockwellian style with the anthropomorphic trees. Some of the images feel quite natural (GrumpMeyer’s face effectively blends into the branches), while others stand out as cartoonish.

A fun, original tale for readers who can’t get enough Christmas stories.