A Christmas Tree in the White House by Gary Hines
Ranked #774 in Books, #73,178 overall | Donates to Donors Choose
Ohme's Review
This book for children is based on true facts about one Christmas in the White House with President Theodore Roosevelt and his children. The children wanted a cut tree for the White House but President Roosevelt insisted that they set an example for America and not kill a living tree but save the trees for the future. Since President Roosevelt was so active in Conservation, he felt this was of the utmost importance and refused to agree with the children's request until he learned better.
Two of his sons sneaked out of the White House during the night and cut a tree that they put up in their bedroom and hid in their closet. When their dad found it, he grabbed up both boys and headed to the home of his friend, Gifford Pinchot. Gifford Pinchot was the first trained forester and was the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service. President Roosevelt was expecting his friend to teach the boys a good lesson but instead he explained to them that sometimes it is good to take out a live tree in order that the smaller trees get more sunlight and more room to grow.
President Roosevelt never did allow a big cut tree in the house for Christmas but they celebrated that year with the small one in the boys room.
President Roosevelt and Gillford Pinchot were responsible for setting aside millions of acres of forested land for future use and protection.
Available at your Local Library
This book is now out of print
If you see this book on Amazon or Ebay or anywhere for sale, you ought to purchase the treasured First Edition. When I made this lens, I did not realize that the book was out of print. It is such a wonderful book for children ages 4 - 8 and I was very disappointed to learn that it was out of print. We will certainly treasure our copy.
A Christmas Tree in the White House
Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009)
I am not sure how many parents have read this book to their children but I feel it is well worth the read for both parents and child.
A Little Preview of This Book
I am reading and showing you the first few pages just to give you an idea of how wonderful this book is. It really is a treasure and a keepsake.
Christmas Tree in the White House by Gary Hines
Reading the first few pages of Christmas Tree in The White House for my lens http://www.squidoo.com/whitehouse-christmastree
Runtime: 3:00
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Please give me your opinion!
Does this sound like an interesting book to you?
A wonderful story with a history lesson. President Roosevelt was surprised that his friend Gifford Pinchot did not agree with him about not having a Christmas Tree in the White House. Pinchot explained to Roosevelt and his children that cutting down a tree did not mean he was going against his conservation efforts.
What did you think?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byLove it! Great read.
WhitePineLane says:
Sounds like a wonderful book! I love it that you read it for your lens! What a fabulous idea! (And one that I might have to steal....) ;-)
Posted April 11, 2009
Margo_Arrowsmith says:
Conservation is a must. So is thinking and not being knee jerk. This book sounds perfect for it!
Posted November 17, 2008
mbrownauthor says:
Great idea to read the book! Makes me wonder how it ends.
Posted November 17, 2008
TheWhistler says:
Very informative, and just as valid today as it was then.
Posted November 07, 2008
Sorry, not my cup of tea.
Have you read this book?
Gary Hines
- Gary Hines: Children's Author
- This is the author's main website and it is extremely interesting to read. He tells the story of his childhood and why he has written each book.
Interview With Author Gary Hines
I had emailed Author Gary Hines from his website to ask permission to use his picture and I also mentioned that I would like to do an email interview. I was thrilled when I heard from him and he granted his permission for me to use his picture as well as answered a few questions for me.
After I told him how much I enjoyed his book "A Christmas Tree in the White House" and told him about my Squidoo Review of it, I asked him the following questions.
Mr. Hines, is your book "Christmas Tree in the White House" out of print?
Unfortunately, both "A Christmas Tree in the White House" and "Thanksgiving in the White House" have recently gone out of print, although Thanksgiving can still be purchased through one of Scholastic's book clubs.
What is your latest book?
My latest picture book, a story about conservation, is called "Midnight Forests." You can find out more about it on my webpage.
Are you working on any other books that we can look forward to?
Currently, I'm working on a middle grade novel involving time travel and have a few other manuscripts with my agent.
Author Gary Hines also had this to say in one of his emails.
Thanks for your message. I'm glad you enjoy "A Christmas Tree In The White House" and appreciate your nice review.
Read More About Teddy Roosevelt
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The Legacy of Teddy Roosevelt
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What President was a Nobel Prizewinner, a physical culturalist, a naval historian, biographer, an essayist, paleontologist, taxidermist, ornithologist, field naturalist, a conservationist, big-game hunter, editor, critic, ranchman, orator, country sq...
A Christmas Tree In The White House was illustrated by Alexandra Wallner
I truly enjoyed these illustrations
I was looking for information about Alexandra Wallner and came across this wonderful site:
Alexandra Wallner (1946-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights
I hope you will visit this site as it has some great information.
More Books Illustrated by Alexandra Wallner
Laura Ingalls Wilder
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A Picture Book of Helen Keller
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Betsy Ross
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The First Time I Saw This Book
My friend, Billie Allen, gave this book to my grandson when he was very small. She and her husband, Bob, insisted that I read it to him and I was so glad that I did. Bob was with the Forestry Department at Clemson University and had worked for the U.S. Forest Service. He was also a great admirer of President Theodore Roosevelt. Bob and Billie were very dear friends and I miss them a lot. I learned a lot from both of them. I dedicate this Squitlit to both of them.
More Books by Gary Hines
Why not purchase one of Gary Hines other books?
Notice that the author's wife illustrated some of his books. She was the one that inspired him to write Childrens Books.
Thanksgiving in the White House
Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009)
Flying Firefighters
Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009)
The Day of the High Climber
Amazon Price: (as of 07/09/2009)
Midnight Forests: A Story Of Gifford Pinchot And Our National Forests
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 07/09/2009)
Join In The Debate
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Real Christmas Trees vs Fake Christmas Trees
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Gary Hines's Wife is also an Author and Illlustrator of Childrens Books
Author Illustrator Anna Grossnickle Hines
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What Can You Do in the Wind?
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POSTSCRIPT OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE
If you buy any of the books recommended above, this page automatically makes a donation to the incredible nonprofit, Donors Choose, which helps provide classrooms and students in need with resources that our public schools often lack.
Books and Toys for Children
by Joan4 - My Sister
These lenses have links to some of my sister's favorite childrens books.-
Toys and Books from Grandma
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And why Grandma JJ's favorites? My grandchildren call me Joan-Joan -- and we love to read and play with toys. You will also notice that there are very few electronic toys. We try to focus on toys that require physical action and imagination. If your...
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Horses - Books and Toys for Children
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We begin our love of horses with a rocking horse. Isn't a rocking horse one of the first toys we buy for our children? Humans and horses have enjoyed each other for centuries. So it is natural when our little ones want to play with stuffed horses, re...
Do you have a lens about your favorite Childrens Book?
Please add it here and don't forget to vote for it.
A Christmas Tree in the White House by Gary Hines
<i>When President Theodore Roosevelt announc more...1 point
Which is better for our Environment?
Real or Artificial Christmas Trees?
"A Christmas Tree In The White House" has an important message for us but what is your thoughts on Christmas Trees?
Real or Arificial Christmas Trees?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byReal
sandyspider says:
I only have to go with a real tree, because that is all my family will allow. LOL I do know that pine trees grow fast and it is not like they are endangered, but did you watch "Fern Gully"?
Posted December 07, 2008
Margo_Arrowsmith says:
Pine trees grow fast. i am a little concerned by the Rockefellar Center one, that chops down such and old tree, but nature does renew and pine trees renew fast!
Posted November 17, 2008
CCGAL says:
Support the Christmas tree farmers - go real. Christmas trees are a crop no less than corn, wheat, or barley. It's biodegradeable and smells REALLY GOOD!
Posted November 17, 2008
Evelyn_Saenz says:
We love going out into the woods to find a Christmas Tree. The trees grow naturally on our land. They are's full like the ones sold in Christmas Tree lots but it's easier to see all the ornaments.
Posted November 10, 2008
Artificial
KimGiancaterino says:
I grew up in a rural area and we always cut our trees at a Christmas tree farm. Now that I live in the big city, I prefer to use an artificial tree. It breaks my heart to see the unwanted trees at Christmas tree lots on December 26.
Posted December 04, 2008
JudyDunn says:
Too many trees end up in our landfills. It would be fine if they were composted, but they often are not. We have had the same tree for about 17 years now. I am getting a bit tired of it, and it would be great to have that pine scent, but...I have to vote for the environment and my pocketbook.
Posted November 30, 2008
AwakenYourSpirit says:
My first choice is NO Christmas tree - let the spirit of Christmas live in our hearts. I don't need a tree nor ornaments to celebrate that time with my family (and enjoy a little R&R from work!)
But since I can't choose "None" then I'll go with Artificial - simply because it's reusable. Heck, my shoes and lots of my shirts are nearly a decade old, so I'd probably get a small eco-friendly artificial tree and see if I can make it last forever. :)
Posted November 03, 2008
JaguarJulie says:
Ah, sorry to go against the popular norm, but grandma Julia Nagy EVEN had an artificial tree -- it was a white one that my grandfather installed the rainbow light/film that changed the colors of the tree as it cycled. She always decorated it beautifully. What do we use for trees? I've had these 4 different ones that go up into the attic -- 3 ft and 4 ft. with one being a fiber optic.
Posted October 25, 2008
Joan4 says:
We have had an artificial tree every year since the memorable year that the tree died, and I put up two real trees. Never again!
Posted October 20, 2008
Kid's Table and Chairs for their reading
Great storage for all their favorite books and games
KidKraft Star Table and Chair Set
Amazon Price: $134.99 (as of 07/09/2009)
Another One Of My Favorite Authors
Kate Salley Palmer
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Kate Salley Palmer
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I remember the first time I met Kate Salley Palmer. It was in the early 70's and we had a mutual friend. Both of these women were way ahead of the times and my friend told me about Kate's talents. The early 70's were very much still a transitional t...
Blogs about Author Kate Salley Palmer
Kate Salley Palmer
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byGrandparents TLC Blog by Shane Packer
This is one of my most favorite blogs
This lens is on a list of their favorite Christmas internet sites.
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- The Glittering Eye » Blog Archive » Children's Books
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Squidoo Home For The Holidays Contest 2008
Thank you, Party Animal
Party Animal had a great contest, Squidoo Home for the Holidays contest 2008. I am so proud to be one of the 3rd place winners. Thank you. Please visit Party Animal's lens because there are links for all the winners and I am sure you will enjoy these lenses as much as I have. Great reading!
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Squidoo Home for The Holidays Contest Winners 2008
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So the 2008 Christmas Holiday has come to an end and so has The Squidoo Home for The Holidays Lens Contest. What a turn out we had with so many great pages full of Holiday fun, ideas, recipes and more. I hope to see that page only get bigger as we ge...
The Author signed my guest book. Why don't you?
Gary Hines wrote
Thanks for the nice review!
Reply Posted November 17, 2008
Thank you for reading my review of this wonderful children's book.
Please sign my guest book
Anyone can sign the guest book. You do not have to be a Squidoo-er to do so.
OhMe wrote...
in reply to cappuccino136 Thank you for visiting this lens out of season. I sure do appreciate it and love the comments.
Posted February 26, 2009
cappuccino136 wrote...
What a great lens about a lovely book. Thanks for sharing.
Posted February 19, 2009
RuralRoute2 wrote...
This is a great story. Lenrolled to my 3 Christmas lens.
LeAnn
Posted January 24, 2009
sandyspider wrote...
Congrats on your win in the Squidoo Home for the Holidays contest 2008!
Posted January 01, 2009
The_Party_Animal wrote...
Yahoo you are a winner in The Squidoo Home for The Holidays Lens Contest So Go Grab your badge.
Posted January 01, 2009
awelldressedbullet wrote...
Nancy, I wanted to drop by and wish you, your family, friends and loved ones, a wonderful holiday season and health, happiness and prosperity for 2009 - Kathy
Posted December 18, 2008
marsha32 wrote...
awesome review...I've heard of the book, now I know it's a must read to my grandchildren.
Posted December 15, 2008
enslavedbyfaeries wrote...
I don't know how I've never heard of this book, but it sounds like an interesting story and very worthy of checking out! Congratulations on having the author visit your lens, how exciting that must have been!!
Posted December 07, 2008
sandyspider wrote...
Great lens! I have yet to read the book. Thanks for lensrolling my Christmas Tree lens. I will roll this into my two Christmas lens.
Posted December 07, 2008
KimGiancaterino wrote...
My step-son has a collection of Christmas ornaments from the White House (we have a relative who works for the Bush Administration) and this book would be a perfect gift. I hope I can find a copy. Wonderful lens, as usual!
Posted December 04, 2008
JudyDunn wrote...
I love children's books...especially for the holidays. They bring back memories of our Christmases as a child. Thanks for sharing about your favorite.
Posted November 30, 2008
mshomeec wrote
Another special lens, Nan! The video,author's interview, and your thought-provoking questions made it so! Personally, I have gone full circle with Christmas trees and now have a "Charlie Brown" artifical one. When heavily decorated with many treasured ornaments, it is beautiful. Like the boys, I must have a Christmas tree!
Posted November 18, 2008
Margo_Arrowsmith wrote...
Wow, you have to teach us how to get an author to sign your guest book. Of course, two of my book lens are Anne Rice and Stephan King, they might be a bit too busy. but great that you got this coup!
Posted November 17, 2008
Gary Hines wrote
Thanks for the nice review!
Posted November 17, 2008
flipflopnana wrote...
I love this lense! What a wonderful book, I am going to get it for my granddaughter. Thanks for all the wonderful links to explore!
Posted November 12, 2008
Evelyn_Saenz wrote...
As a very small child I remember my grandfather also explaining about cutting some of the trees to let the others grow.
Posted November 10, 2008
GrowWear wrote...
Loved your video! Very nice lens and book suggestions. 5*Fav
Posted November 08, 2008
AwakenYourSpirit wrote...
I really enjoyed your story about Teddy in the White House!
By the way, I've lensrolled this to my Christmas Stories lens since I think my lens visitors would really enjoy your lens as well.
Posted November 03, 2008
AwakenYourSpirit wrote...
I really enjoyed your story about Teddy in the White House!
By the way, I've lensrolled this to my Christmas Stories lens since I think my lens visitors would really enjoy your lens as well.
Posted November 03, 2008
JaguarJulie wrote...
I think I'd like to read this book -- FDR always seemed to live a bigger than life sort of life.
Posted October 25, 2008
Jewelsofawe wrote...
I have not read this book, but your lens has me interested.
Posted October 24, 2008
kiwisoutback wrote...
Thanks for featuring my National Parks lens! Much appreciated and nice work here!
Posted October 20, 2008
JohannTheDog wrote...
What a great book! Teddy was so ahead of his time. Woofs, Johann
Posted October 10, 2008
JohannTheDog wrote...
What a great book! Teddy was so ahead of his time. Woofs, Johann
Posted October 10, 2008
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
Welcome to the Totally Awesome Lenses Group.
Lizzy
Posted October 07, 2008
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
Wonderful lens! Have you added it to the Totally Awesome Lenses group? If you haven't, you should. Its awesome.
Lizze
Posted October 06, 2008
vbright105 wrote...
Great lens! Had never heard of this book, like Joan, have to get for the G-babies!
Posted October 05, 2008
Margo_Arrowsmith wrote...
Its always great to learn about something you didn't know about and I didn't know about this story. Maybe in a couple of years I will get it for my grandson.
Posted October 05, 2008
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