The Tale of Three Trees Retold By Angela Elwell Hunt

Author: Angela Elwell Hunt
Illustrator: Tim Jonke
Awards: None
Genre: Traditional Literature, Religious
Grade(s): Pre-K-2

Summary: In this classic folktale, three little trees were growing on top of a mountain. The first tree dreamed of growing up to become the most beautiful treasure chest to hold the most beautiful treasure. The second tree dreamed of growing up to become a strong sailing ship that would sail kings through the ocean. The third tree dreamed of growing up to be the tallest tree ever so that when people looked up to her, they would think of God. One day, three woodcutters came up the mountain looking for trees to cut down. The first woodcutter cut the first tree down, took it home and turned it into a feed box for animals. The second woodcutter cut down the second tree and took it to the shipyard to make it into a small fishing boat. This tree was so small, it could only go on rivers and it only brought back dead, smelly fish. The third tree was cut down and chopped into lumber and left in a lumberyard. Needless to say, none of the trees were happy with what they had become. However, the first tree ended up becoming Jesus' manger when he was a baby. The tree was so happy because she felt she ended up holding the most beautiful treasure in the world. The second tree ended up becoming a boat in which Jesus rode in when he calmed the storms in the sea. This tree also became very happy because she felt she was carrying the king of all kings across the sea. Lastly, the third tree became the cross that Jesus hung from. Although she felt bad for this being her use, she quickly grew happy when Jesus rose from the dead on Sunday and she ended up being the tree that reminded everyone of God.

My Thoughts: Although this is a religious book about Jesus and Easter, I feel that I would most definitely use this in my classroom if I teach in a school where reading religious material is permitted. I feel that this book allows children to learn about Easter from a different point of view. Additionally, I feel that the story of Easter is essential when teaching children about Jesus, so this book would definitely be used in a lesson about the meaning of the Easter holiday.