Synopses & Reviews
Nothing says Christmas like a Christmas tree, and the Rockefeller Center tree in New York City has said it beautifully since 1931. But how does the tree get there? One year, the tugboat captain (and author) George Matteson, his wife, and their daughter traveled by tug to fetch the giant tree. This dramatic picture book tells the story of their real-life journey up the Hudson River, and James Ransome's striking paintings capture the excitement of the trip and the pride of the young girl who helped steer the tug into New York Harbor.
Review
'\"Howard injects her quiet story with drama and humor, and she gets Aunt Flossie\'s voice just right. . . . Aunt Flossie\'s storytelling is evocative and colorful. . . . A wonderful family story set matter-of-factly in an African-American environment.\"'
Review
'\"A lyrical, entertaining story that rings with authenticity. . . . Ransome\'s distinguished oil paintings are gorgeous. . . . A compelling book that will draw readers back again and again.\"'
Review
'\"A picture book warmly expressive of personal history and intergenerational affection.\"'
Review
"Howard injects her quiet story with drama and humor, and she gets Aunt Flossie's voice just right. . . . Aunt Flossie's storytelling is evocative and colorful. . . . A wonderful family story set matter-of-factly in an African-American environment." Horn Book
"A lyrical, entertaining story that rings with authenticity. . . . Ransome's distinguished oil paintings are gorgeous. . . . A compelling book that will draw readers back again and again." School Library Journal
"A picture book warmly expressive of personal history and intergenerational affection." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review
Review
"Readers will be captivated by the vivid details of the journey, which help form a radiant Christmas story."
and#8212;Publishers Weekly, starred review
"What gives this story depth is the richness of James E. Ransome's paintings: His use of color brings majesty to the working of men and machines in the shifting light of early dawn."
and#8212;Wall Street Journal
"An attractive addition to the holiday shelf."
and#8212;School Library Journal
"Absorbing."
and#8212;Horn Book
Synopsis
A lyrical celebration of Black families and family history based on the author's own memories of her great-aunt, with lush illustrations by James E. Ransome.
Sunday afternoons are Sarah and Susan's favorite time of the week. That's when they visit Great-great-aunt Flossie and her memorable collection of hats--and hear her stories about days of long ago, when she was young. At times touching and poignant, laced with light humor, Aunt Flossie's stories give readers a peek into moments in Baltimore's history and a family who loves spending time together.
Synopsis
Sunday afternoons are special for Sarah and Susan because that's when they visit Aunt Flossie -- she has a memorable collection of hats, each with a special story.
Synopsis
The splendid iconicand#160;Christmas tree at New York City's Rockefeller Center doesn't just spring up overnight. Itand#160;is delivered byand#160;tugboat on the Hudson River. This is the story of how one such tree made the journey.
About the Author
'James Ransome was born in Rich Square, North Carolina, and is a graduate of Pratt Institute. He is a winner of the Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition. Mr. Ransome lives in New Jersey with his wife, Lesa, and his dalmatian, Clinton.Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard was born in Baltimore and grew up in Boston. She has degrees from Radcliffe College and the University of Pittsburgh, and has worked as a teacher of children\'s literature and a children\'s librarian. Ms. Howard lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, Lawrence. They have three grown daughters, Jane, Susan, and Laura, and two grandchildren, Sarah and Jonathan.'