Day One-Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree from the book Twelve Days of Christmas, Ideas for a Family

Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree is the first picture book that I chose for my newest book Twelve Days of Christmas. I have such fond memories of reading this book to my children and I have fond memories of telling the story over and over again about how Mr. Willoughby and others lopped off the top of his Christmas tree.

This read a loud program is designed to guide you through 12 days of fun filled, exciting, family reading and bonding time. Watch for my blogs coming about twice a month for the next 6 months. See all the books I have chosen in the Twelve Days of Christmas Ideas for a Family Christmas Read Aloud. This book should be ready for publication in time for 2019 Christmas.

Day 1. MR. WILLOWBY'S CHRISTMAS TREE

written by Robert Barry

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree was first printed in 1963. It is written in verse and it takes Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree through many users. The tree is always too tall so they lopped off the top and throw it away, but someone always comes along and rescues the top, even the tip top. The last one says:

"Oh, wasn't it grand to have a tree-- Exactly like Mr. Willowby?"

Children love this story with the funny uses of the Christmas Tree. This is a classy Christmas picture book celebrating all the joys a Christmas tree can bring.

Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree was made into a Christmas Special December 6, 1995. A newer version was published October 17, 2000. This publication has the same art work but has a little more color added.

Ideas for activities related to the book

a. Topics for discussion: What is the Storyline of the book? Did you like it? What would you rate it? (You could develop a rating system to rate all of the books as you read them.) If you watch the Christmas Special: How was different? How was it same as the book? Or you could just talk about whatever is important to your children and yourself.

b. Writing, according to Mem Fox “is one of the fastest ways children teach themselves to read.” So I encourage you to bring writing into these activities. You could journal thoughts, fun activities, group journaling, etc. Possible topic could be memories of past Christmas or Christmas Trees. It is important that you make it fun.

b. Search the internet for Mr Willowby’s Christmas Tree Activities. There are top of resources to go with this book. Pinterest, printable pages, and resources for Parents, Home Schoolers & Teachers. Make it fun.

Jylene Morgan is a retired educator. She is passionate about the importance of reading aloud to children from top quality children’s books. Writing about her life experiences she captivates her audience by telling the tales of her family’s adventures. The first several books are written about funny exchanges that occur when human and wild animal’s lives come together.

To read more about me, my passion for reading aloud to children and my books go to www.jylenemorgan.com