“The best presents are the ones you don’t expect.”
Ages: 5 - 9
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 4
Location: New York, USA
Pages: 48
Time Period: 1930s, Great Depression
Henry and his family were down on their luck. The Great Depression was in full swing, and Henry’s parents couldn’t find work. They weren’t homeless, but the old shack they called “home” was far from a proper house.
One day, Henry’s father got an idea. He takes his son to cut down and take evergreens to New York City to sell as Christmas trees. Kindly workers let the duo set up at the worker’s lot. As the sky grew dark, Henry looked at the remaining evergreens. “What about the rest of the trees?” Henry asked his father. “I thought we’d give them to Frank and the other fellows,” was the reply.
With delight, the leafy presents are received, and Henry and his father are invited to the worker’s Christmas party. As Henry surveyed the most beautifully decorated tree, he made a wish and took a pinecone to remember this magical night. Yet little did the boy know that more magic was to come….
The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel is a warm tale of generosity and kindness that draws attention to the beautiful work of Habitat for Humanity. This book is bound to get you and yours in the holiday spirit.
There are two interesting sections in the back. “About the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center” talks about the history and tradition of the Rockefeller Tree. “About Habitat for Humanity International” talks about the nonprofit and their mission.
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Content Warnings
Content that some individuals may find controversial or objectionable. Attention was given to include content which may offend people of a particular culture, race or religion and details which the sensitive child may find unsettling or troublesome.
"No Spoilers" offers a summary of content issues while avoiding spoilers. "With Spoilers" lists the potential content issues in detail.
No Spoilers:
None.
With Spoilers:
None.
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