Friday 31 August 2012

Elwell Hunt, Angela "The Tale of Three Trees"


Elwell Hunt, Angela "The Tale of Three Trees" - 1989

I bought this children's book a long time ago. It was at an event for parents and it was not easy to buy English books at the time, let alone children's books. So, I jumped at the opportunity without even knowing what it was about. All I knew, one of the other mothers recommended it.

Am I glad I listened to her. This has been one of the best books for children about religion that I have ever seen. The story of three trees that want to become something great, they want to hold treasures, sail the seven sees or become the tallest trees ever. None of their dreams comes true the way they imagine but they find that they were destined for something so much greater.

I have not only read this book to my own children but also used it in my RE group at church every Christmas and Easter time. It teaches children about religion but also tells them that sometimes our dreams do come true, only in a different way. If you are into Christianity and look for a good children's book, this should be it.

From the back cover:

Once upon a mountaintop, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up... This lyrical retelling of a popular folk tale is suitable for any time of the year, but has particular links to Christmas and Easter. It tells of the hopes and dreams of the three little trees that are surprised by the way their dreams of greatness come true."

(Also available as a board book. I haven't seen it but I'm sure it must be cute.)

4 comments:

  1. O ato de ler é mágico...ler é viajar sem sair do lugar!

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  2. That's very true, Silvia. Isso é muito verdadeiro, Silvia.

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  3. I really love this book. It's one of my favorites. It's so poignant and profound.

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    1. I totally agree, Jenni. It's been in our family for about thirty years now (my then toddler turns 33 this year) and it is probably one of the most read children's books in our house.

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