Book Review: The Tale of Three Trees
Rating: 
This is a folktale about three trees who grow together on a hillside. Each voices a dream: one wants to become a treasure chest, one wishes to be a strong sailing ship, and the last wishes “to grow so tall that when people stop to look at me they will raise their eyes to heaven and think of God.” When three woodcutters climb their hill, the first two trees believe they are about to fulfill their dreams, while the third is dismayed. But all three dreams will have a surprising fulfillment: The first tree becomes a manger for animals, which one day receives Jesus, “the greatest treasure of the world.” The second becomes a dirty fishing vessel, which carries Jesus as he hushes the wind and waves with his voice. The third becomes the Cross upon which Jesus is crucified — so “every time people thought of the third tree, they would think of God.”
This lovely tale illustrates the truth that although God’s decisions regarding the lives of His creations may seem inscrutable, He is always working for good purposes (Romans 8:28). In having the trees as protagonists, the story also expresses that the creation, although marked by humanity’s fallenness (Romans 8:19-21), yet expresses His design and purpose to glorify Himself (Revelation 4:11; Luke 19:40).
While the book does not present the full story of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection to restore humanity to God (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Peter 3:18), it is an excellent complement to the story. This would make a good addition both to your Christmas and Easter reading basket.
Categories: 5 Stars, Age 04-08, Amblesideonline, Classicalhomeschooling.org, Honey For a Child's Heart, World Books That Show, World Nifty 50
Tags: Ambition, Boats, Christianity, Christmas, Crucifixion, Disappointment, Dreams, Easter, Folklore, Holidays, Nativity, Resurrection, The Natural World, Trees
Posted on August 19, 2009
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Imagination. The word comes from “image” — a mental picture. And these pictures have a way of sticking in our memory and making demands on our conscience long after the explanations have been rubbed thin by the frictions of daily life.
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