Our Tree Named Steve :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

nice way to say 'goodbye'

2008-01-21
This book has a comforting message about letting go of special friends and holding on to memories after they're gone. A great read for young and older kids.

Enchanting!

2007-09-20
Enchanting, charming, and SWEET! We have an equally wonderful tree in our front yard, which has held a swing, provided shade, as well as a home to a family of squirrels that have been with us for years (much to our dog's amusement). Although we have never thought about naming our tree we have, after reading this heartwarming book, decided to name our tree. Announcing for the first time ever in print, our big old maple tree, MAY!

My 8 year old loves this book!

2007-05-06
My 8 year old checked this book out at the school library and had to have it. She read it over and over! Good book for any family that may be dealing with the loss of something or someone special.

A Must-Have for Every Family's Library

2007-05-06
In a perfect world children would never have to experience the pain of loss. But, of course, this is not a perfect world, and just like their adult counterparts, youngsters need help coping when they lose someone they love. Be it that pet hamster who meets with an untimely (and usually slightly suspicious) end, a beloved grandparent who passes away, or the giant tree in the family's backyard that is cut down after providing so many years of comfort to those who hung from its limbs and took shelter under its shade- we all need help getting our children through such rough times. "Our Tree Named Steve" is the perfect book for such times.

Written in the form of a tender letter from a father to his three children this book teaches children about the importance of loving, to their fullest capacity, those who impact their lives; and then, when that most precious person is gone physically, embracing that same love, and, most importantly, feeling empowered by that love- perpetuating it so to speak. This book reminds its readers, both young and not-so young, that once someone has taken up residence in our hearts, they exist there eternally. Perhaps, in a different, less tangible form as the end of the book suggests- but they reside there nonetheless.

An obvious departure from the more adult-oriented comedy writing for which he is most recognized, Alan Zweibel has written a children's book that is entertaining, thought-provoking, and even a bit spiritual in its universal theme. But despite the heavy subject matter, the book is written with a softness and gentility that is soothing to children. It's also quite funny- the line "... and whenever our dryer broke down, he (Steve, the tree) held our underwear with pride" will undoubtedly make every child giggle because `underwear' is always funny! The illustrations that accompany Mr. Zweibel's thoughtful text are both beautiful and comical, and I simply love the colors David Catrow used. They jump off the page.

I highly recommend this book- it is one that should be accessible on the family bookshelf at all times for those days when your child needs some comforting... heck, it'll probably provide some solace to a few grown-ups, too.

Great book

2007-03-18
My first graders loved this book and they noticed some characters from other book that Catrow illustrated show up in this story. It made them sad at the end.
For adults, it makes you think about childhood memories,

4 1/2* The Remembrance of Trees Past,

2005-09-28
Dear Kids, A long time ago, when you were little, Mom and I took you to where we wanted to build a house. . . . I remember there was one tree, however, that the three of you couldn’t stop staring at. . . .

After the family spares him from the builders, Steve the tree quickly works his way into their lives. He holds their underwear when the dryer breaks down, he’s there when Adam and Lindsay get their first crushes, and he’s the centerpiece at their outdoor family parties. With a surprising lack of anthropomorphizing, this is a uniquely poignant celebration of fatherhood, families, love, and change.

Timeless 2005-05-19
With infinite grace and deep understanding, Alan Zweibel imparts this tale of tradition, growing up, and the enduring spirit of family. Steve is more than just a tree- Steve is a vital part of the family, and the deference accorded him is both heartwarming and very realistic.

This book meant a lot to me because I had a climbing tree like Steve when I was growing up. My Steve aged over many years of Western New York winters. My parents ultimately had to pay a tree surgeon (I didn't know they existed either) to prolong the tree's life by a few more years. Now all that remains of the tree are memories. For me, this book captures all of what I remember of that climbing tree, and happy memories of growing up.

Alan Zweibel has done an amazing job of weaving together timeless themes in a new and touching package. This book is a must read!

beautiful 2005-05-13
With Steve, Alan Zweibel accomplishes quite a feat.
On the one hand, the story of Steve is so specific, so personal, and told in such detail that it cannot help but be unique. The storytelling is masterful; I was convinced time and again that this was indeed a letter from a father to his children, a glimpse into one man's means of comforting his family while himself coping with loss. It is this specificity that distinguishes this story from the trite tales that plague many books in this genre.
On the other hand, the story's specificity does not detract from its ability to make the reader care about Steve, and connect in a meaningful way with this family's loss. I know it evoked memories from my own childhood, as I'm sure it does for other readers. Steve the tree is like my grandfather's house, or like the creek that runs behind my mother's house that my six-year old niece just can't seem to get enough of. These things are actors in every child's life. Steve could also be a grandfather himself, a babysitter, a friend. It is memories of moments that would not have been possible without the quiet strength or even just the presence of a particular person or entity, that bind the reader to Steve. And though the story is certainly sad at a point, this complexity makes the work truthful and I believe it is a useful tool to introduce the concept of change, growth and loss to a young reader, or at the very least a delicate effort to help ease the sorrow of difficult times. For these reasons (and more!), Our Tree Named Steve is a permanent and welcome addition to my niece's library.

Wonderous and heartfelt 2005-04-28
The emotional punch that 32 pages of illustrations and text can deliver never ceases to amaze me. "Our Tree Named Steve" is so funny and so touching that upon finishing it for the first time I immediately reopened the book and read it again and then again to savor the humor and the beautiful story. Steve is the name a family gives to a special tree in their yard. Over the years it holds swings and hammocks, turns jump ropes, acts as third base, appears in family photos and shelters their home. The tree watches over the family as the children grow and change. Steve's "last trick" will make you gasp in dismay. There is solace for the family (and us) as Steve's spirit lives on.

David Catrow was exactly the right person to design this book. His illustrations are a perfect balance of humor and pathos. I love the dog. Alan Zweibel is a gifted television comedy writer but this is his first children's book. He must be congratulated. He has crafted something quite wondrous and fine.

A Keeper 2005-04-18
I bought this book for my little sister and found myself enjoying it as much as she did during her story time. Explaining loss to a child is never easy but the author has found a way to do so using language a child can understand. The book focuses on the memories that we make with the important people and things in our lives and reminds us that they are never really gone. The book also reminds us that every act, whether it is a family barbeque or a simple game can help bind a family together. I recommend that every parent buy this book it helps turn a difficult topic into something uplifting.