A Christmas Tree in the White House by Gary Hines

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 Christmas 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.Photo Credit: "A Christmas Tree in the White House" available on Amazon.com

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.

I hope you enjoy this sneak preview!

When my grandson was little, we would get in the bed and he would get between my legs with a pile of books. We would read until he fell asleep. He reminded me of that the other day and it felt so good that I had given him a fond memory. I read to him the day he was born and continued to read to him every day.

I appreciated Author Gary Hines taking time for this email interview

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 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."

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, SidelightsI hope you will visit this site as it has some great information.

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 very much. I learned a lot from both of them.

Anyone can sign the guest book. Of course, I was thrilled to have the author of this book sign it and I will be just as thrilled when you do, too.

I would love to hear what you think of this childrens book. Tell me about your favorite Childrens Book.