The Trees of the Dancing Goats
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Book Overview
Trisha loves the eight days of Hanukkah, when her mother stays home from work, her Babushka makes delicious potato latkes, and her Grampa carves wonderful animals out of wood as gifts for Trisha and her brother. In the middle of her family's preparation for the festival of lights, Trisha visits her closest neighbors, expecting to find them decorating their house for Christmas. Instead they are all bedridden with scarlet fever. Trisha's family is one of the few who has been spared from the epidemic. It is difficult for them to enjoy their Hanukkah feast when they know that their neighbors won't be able to celebrate their holiday. Then Grampa has an inspiration: they will cut down trees, decorate them, and secretly deliver them to the neighbors, "But what can we decorate them with?" Babushka asks. Although it is a sacrifice, Trisha realizes that Grampa's carved animals are the perfect answer. Soon her living room is filled with trees -- but that is only the first miracle of many during an incredible holiday season.
Based on a long cherished childhood memory, this story celebrates the miracle of true friendship.
Based on a long cherished childhood memory, this story celebrates the miracle of true friendship.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0689838573
ISBN13:9780689838576
Release Date:October 2000
Publisher:Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Length:32 Pages
Weight:0.40 lbs.
Dimensions:0.2" x 8.3" x 11.1"
Age Range:5 to 8 years
Grade Range:Preschool to Grade 3
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
One of my all-time favorites!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Drawing upon her own family's experience, Patricia Polacco shares a story of true holiday giving. Her Russian grandparents teach the meaning of friendship and miracles as they relate the story of Hanukkah and as they reach out to their Christian neighbors who are suffering from a deadly epidemic of scarlet fever. They adapt the symbols of their Jewish celebration to bring Christmas to those who are too ill to create their own festivities. Polacco's colorful illustrations capture the warmth and spirit of the characters and do much to enhance this wonderful story.
Awesome book!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This is a great book! I will read it to my 4th and 5th grade class this year and discuss the love and open-mindedness of the Russian family. This book gives children and adults a genuine example of how they can honor others' beliefs and traditions.
My favorite Polacco story.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This book is a rare find. Patricia Polacco grabs the readers interest with her usual warmth. The story tells of a winter on the farm when most of the rest of the families in the village have come down with Scarlet Fever. As Trisha and her family prepare for the upcoming Hanukkah celebration, they realize that the other families will not be well enough to celebrate Christmas. Trisha's family decides that they will take a special holiday dinner and decorations made from their Hanukkah presents to the other families homes to surprise them. The example of unselfish giving is one every child should be exposed to.I have read this book to my first grade class each year for the last three years. Each time I read it, there will be at least a couple of children who begin to cry. I cannot read this story without getting a lump in my throat. I recommend this book to EVERYONE!
A must-have
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 27 years ago
This lovely tale of goowill and friendship between Christians and Jews is a must for every elementary media center and public library collection. Never preachy, Polacco's theme is clear to children as the touching story unfolds. You should have this one
Beautiful for Christians and Jews, alike!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 28 years ago
This is my favorite new book of this holiday season. Here is a story for Christians and Jews alike...a story that celebrates the spirit of humanity. Through her rich, lively paintings, Polacco brings us a message of love, through the friendship of two young girls, who although they do not share the same religion and traditions, they in fact DO share this one particular holiday season. Warm your heart with joy as you read this story of two families and how we truly are all one.
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