Apple Tree Christmas

By Trinka Hakes Noble and Trinka H. Nobel

Book Overview

A heartwarming, nostalgic Christmas classic to be shared across generations

The old apple tree that stands near the Ansterburgs' barn house is an important part of their lives. Its sweet, juicy apples go into pies, applesauce, lunch pails, and even decorate their annual Christmas tree. It's also a favorite place for Katrina. There's a special branch where she can sit and draw and dream. The branch is her studio.

But then an ice storm brings down the old tree, splitting it down the middle. There's nothing left to do but chop it up for firewood. As Katrina listens to her father sawing at the tree, she's angry and resentful. Doesn't her father know she can't draw without her beloved tree? Not even the upcoming Christmas holiday can cheer Katrina. Can anything make her feel better?

Inspired by the author's childhood memories, this tender story reveals the joy of a very special gift and the love between a daughter and father.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1585362700
• ISBN13: 9781585362707
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 9.1" x 11.1"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Beautiful Heartwarming Story.....

I purchased this book as an upcoming Christmas gift for my children. When it arrived, I was intrigued by the charming illustrations and deeply touched by the story. I found myself lost in the captivating storyline, wondering what it would be like to live in a cozy barn with such a loving, caring family. I truly hope that the author will write a series of books about the Ansterburg family. I would love to read more about them....as, I'm sure, others feel the same. I tip my hat to the author, Trinka Hakes Noble, for sharing this treasured book with the world. Such a heartwarming gift is truly hard to find.....Thank you.

A Great Chrstmas Tale

I used to check this book out from the library for my children evey year, and the beautiful story with the gentle surprise ending always touched me and my kids. Family togetherness, simple gifts, and overcoming hardship and disappointment are themes here. It is not religious, and so should be appreciated by parents and families of diverse faiths who try to keep Christmas but aren't ready to emphasize the theology found in so many Christmas books. I wrote the original publisher last year asking for a re-issue so I could send this as a gift, and it is delightful to see it again in print thanks to Sleeping Bear Press. Buy several and support small publishers!

Perfect for the Holiday Season

I was delighted to find Apple Tree Christmas is in print again. As a child who grew up in the area where Trinka grew up, I cherish the images the story churns up in my own childhood. The story is a perfect illustration of the real meaning of Christmas. It captures the snowy whimsical nature of Christmas in Michigan perfectly. A must have for any mid-western child, or any child that matter!

a piece of my childhood

When I was a little girl, my elementary school library carried this book and I constantly checked it out. I loved the beautiful illustrations. This book and the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder greatly shaped my childhood and present outlook on life. Simplicity.