Calvin the Christmas Tree

The Greatest Christmas Tree of All

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Pub Date 9 Dec 2019 | Archive Date 24 Jan 2021

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Description

He’s been preparing for the season since he was a sapling. But will he be tall enough to start spreading joy?

The thought of missing Christmas has little Calvin quaking in his roots. The smallest tree on his famous farm, his branches get all ruffled when a grumpy old coot says he isn’t strong enough for ornaments. But he’s thrilled when he’s finally pulled from the ground and put on sale just in time for Christmas Eve!

As excited families whisk away all the other evergreens, Calvin’s smile fades when he finds himself all alone. And he worries the grizzled meanie might’ve been right when the store closes, and he’s covered in snow… until he sees headlights peeking through the storm. 

Will Calvin be left out in the cold, or is one special family about to make him their shining star? 

Calvin the Christmas Tree is a beautifully heartwarming children’s picture book. If you or your child like wonderful illustrations, classic scenes from simpler times, and charming emotional journeys, then you’ll love Stephen G. Bowling’s inviting tale.

He’s been preparing for the season since he was a sapling. But will he be tall enough to start spreading joy?

The thought of missing Christmas has little Calvin quaking in his roots. The smallest...


Advance Praise

" ""We are proud to announce that CALVIN THE CHRISTMAS TREE: The Greatest Christmas Tree of All by Stephen G. Bowling is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!"" - Book Readers Appreciation Group

""This book embodies the true Christmas spirit. The characters are believable and charming. The names given the characters suit them perfectly. Bowling encourages young readers to be kind and giving rather than greedy and selfish. Readers young and old will be inspired by the joy and hope of the Christmas season. Its message echoes, The Little Engine That Could. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be imbued with the Christmas spirit."" - B.R.A.G. Medallion Reviewer

""This is a wonderful book with terrific illustrations... I definitely would recommend this book and will be considering it for gifts for some young family this Christmas."" - B.R.A.G. Medallion Reviewer"

" ""We are proud to announce that CALVIN THE CHRISTMAS TREE: The Greatest Christmas Tree of All by Stephen G. Bowling is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth...


Available Editions

ISBN 9781950957033
PRICE US$7.97 (USD)

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 61 members


Featured Reviews

I just adored this little Christmas tree story! Calvin is definitely the best Christmas tree out there. I loved the illustrations and the vintage feel to this book. I'm always gifting books and this unique Christmas tree story is sure to be a hit with many families.

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I loved this Christmas book. Beautifully illustrated and heartwarming. I will definitely purchase this for children as their Christmas Eve book

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I really loved this heart warming, Christmas story. The pictures are amazing, and the story of Calvin the Christmas Tree is great. Children of all ages will love this book!

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Cute Christmas tree story. It ould make a nice stocking stuffer for some small child.I especially liked that the tree is planted and grows into a great tree in time. I hate Christmas tree stories that have trees looking forward to be being xmas trees, thinking it's the greatest goal of life, only to find it's life has been sacrificed for a couple short days or weeks of glory, than off to a landfill or lake, or mulch. Too depressing (The Fir Tree by Andersen comes to mind.) Overall, pleasing tale! Loved the illustrations; it will likely look lovely in color!

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Oh, I just loved this heartwarming Christmas story. The illustrations have a vintage feel and reminded me of my childhood. I love the message of hope weaved into this story. Calvin the Christmas Tree packs lots of themes in a short and sweet story. Calvin had the support of his peers. They cheered him on and helped him have hope and helped him drown out the negativity. Calvin's hope and patience all paid off in the end. I highly recommend this book! Thank you Netgalley for this gem. I will be posting a review on Instagram soon.

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Thank you to NetGalley, Stephen G, Brown and BooksGoSocial for the ARC of Calving the Christmas Tree.
This is my personal review.

Calvin was a little tree and he had one wish and that was to be a Christmas tree. He knew one day if he wished hard enough someone would want him for their tree.
This was a perfect heartwarming story that every Mom and Dad and Grandparent will read to their children and grandchildren year after year.
The illustrations were beautiful. This is one that children will remember for years!
I will give this to family and friend as a gift this holiday.

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Calvin the Christmas Tree by Stephen G. Bowling. I loved the story of the little boy who rescued Calvin the Christmas tree from being a lonely tree on Christmas Eve and took him home to be planted in his yard. Read it to your children I think they will love it.

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Thanks so much to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for my copy of Calvin the Christmas Tree by Stephen G. Bowling. It published December 9, 2019.
This was a sweet Christmas story about an anthropomorphized tree named Calvin who is little and wants to be a Christmas tree. This beautifully illustrated book, (seriously, I would frame the pictures from this book and hang them up!), encourages young readers to hope and dream and to believe in themselves!
Perfect for Christmastime, and would make a great Christmas gift for any young readers who enjoy picture books!

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I really loved this special and magical Christmas book for children. It is about a little Christmas tree called Calvin who lives in a Christmas tree farm and is waiting to see if he will be picked to become a Christmas tree. Will he get his wish? The story is so beautiful, the characters are really cute and fun and the illustrations are amazing. This is one of the best Christmas books I have read. My daughter and I both loved this heartwarming book very much and we will read it again!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Calvin the Christmas Tree was a wonderful story. I can absolutely see myself adding this gem to my nieces and nephews stockings. I actually teared up for Calvin wanting so badly to be picked. The illustrations were lovely and engaging. The story flowed and was easy to follow. Highly recommend for young children.

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Calvin, a little Christmas tree, isn't chosen by anyone. but somehow, circumstances change and he soon fulfils his destiny.

The story is really sweet. You have a whole variety of tree characters. In a way, it is analogous to a small child being picked on at school until he/she discovers that what lies inside is more important than size. This is a really cute Christmas story and something the children will surely enjoy.

I am actually against real Christmas trees being cut every year and then thrown into the woodchipper after the festive season. So I was a bit apprehensive about this book as I didn't want anything that encourages tree cutting. But to my pleasant surprise, the book does two things right:
1. It does not mention the trees being chopped. Rather, it shows the tree's root balls being packed with earth in a burlap sack. (okay, this is just shown in the illustrations and not actually written, but it is still admirable.)
2. Rather than keeping the tree inside the house only for Christmas, the tree is shown as being planted and lasting for multiple Christmases.
I really appreciate these two factors from the author because they do go to show kids how our festivals mustn't include senseless short-term thinking and destruction of nature.

The illustrations of the trees are really wonderful but I wish the farmer and his wife were drawn a little more naturally. The farmer's wife looks more like a supermodel than someone who works hard on the farm.

Overall though, a wonderful story with a wonderful learning.

I received an advance review copy of the book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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All those who have children already know for sure that children see ordinary things and the world around us in a completely different way from us adults. Children find joy and beauty in everyday and insignificant little things, friends in unusual places as well as magic on all sides. Just because we sometimes do not understand does not mean that it is strange or unnatural.
And although Christmas is an amazing time for all of us, the way children experience it is completely different. It is a time of celebration, of gifts, of immense joy. A special time that should be unforgettable. And while we all enjoy the magic of Christmas, watching wonderful movies on Netflix or Hallmark, this time is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the moments together, as a family, decorating, cooking, or reading together. Calvin the Christmas Tree: The Greatest Christmas Tree of All by Stephen G. Bowling is just a small part of the huge Christmas offer of children's books, but also a great choice for every child.
We chose the because of the beautiful cover, when my 3 year old son saw it, he immediately started shouting: ‘I want the tree! Let’s read the tree!’ As we began to read it, we began to discover a whole world of Christmas magic. The very story of the small tree, named Calvin who had great desires and aspirations is quite enough to encourage critical thinking in children, to show them that not always the size and appearance are crucial for success. The author has very skillfully inserted the message that everyone can succeed in what they want if they really work hard. Every effort pays off, sooner or later. What really delighted me as a parent and aroused a string of emotions in my little one is the author's very effective way of conveying the message that no one should be alone during the holidays, that everyone deserves to be loved and accepted as they are . And the fact that the tree is left outside, to be there for many years is absolutely fantastic. And although the story is about trees, the parallel with humans is very obvious.
From beginning to end, this book is full of messages and wisdom that will undoubtedly further stimulate the imagination and logical reasoning in children, plus it gives us as parents the opportunity to encourage discussion. For example, the difference between the trees can be used to discuss the difference between people, as well as to encourage children to accept the different as a nice addition to the world.
With fantastic illustrations that definitely attract attention and language structures that are fully adapted so that children can easily understand and follow the story, Calvin The Christmas Tree is a fantastic choice that you should definitely not miss. A book that is full of wisdom and in a real sense glorifies the beauty of this holiday.

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Calvin the Christmas Tree was a beautiful read! There were so many lessons to be gained from reading about Calvin. My 6 year old granddaughter read it with me. She loved it and was moved to tears when he didn't get picked, and then when he was taken home, she was so happy. The illustrations were just beautiful. Calvin the Christmas Tree will be a classic in years to come.

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A sweet tale about never giving up on your dreams. Well written. Not to cheesy and beautiful illustrations. A nice quick story. Lovely.

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This was a cute tale about a the smallest tree that dreams of being taken home and used as a Christmas tree. He tries to stay positive and his friends boost him up while others try to drag him down but in the end Calvin prevails.. The pictures feel very old time vintage Christmas and you can just tell a lot of thought was put into the story and illustrations all together. I reccomend this to young readers that love books like Spookley the Pumpkin and the Little Engine that Could.

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Calvin was a young Christmas Tree. Every December he watched Farmer Stumpstinkle take the biggest and nicest trees to the family shop to be sold and for businesses and families to take home and decorate.

One December Calvin was certain he was ready to be picked, so he fluffed up his branches and made himself taller. The farmer wasn’t convinced but his wife persuaded him to give the tree a chance. However, one by one the other trees were being sold and poor Calvin was still there.

What will happen to Calvin, is he going to be left all alone or will someone want him?

Calvin the Christmas Tree is a lovely tale of a tree who just wants to be like the big trees and be picked to be the centre of the decorations at someone’s house.

The book is quite old fashioned and has a classic feel to it. Even the illustrations look like they could represent the 50s, which to me made the book all that more heart-warming and beautiful.

The message in the book comes across strong and I love the little boy who sees Calvin and the nice comments he made, he certainly made me smile.

This is a lovely, sweet, festive read that would make a wonderful bedtime story or even a Christmas present.

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This is cute for Christmas with a positive message. My rating 4.25.

Calvin is the smallest of trees on his famous Christmas tree farm. He has been waiting to grow big enough, and even though he is still small, he puffs himself up hoping to be cut and taken to town. Calvin insists that he can be a Christmas tree for the right family.

This is a sweet story that gives encouragement to even the small and especially to those who believe they can do the job and be something special. It has a nice positive message that makes a good story for children at Christmas. The story is easy to read and the images are easy and charming. I quite enjoyed the book and would be pleased to share it with my grandchildren.

Source: NetGalley 2020.

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This is the sweetest story if Calvin the Christmas tree. He was the smallest tree on the lot and wished for someone to want him for their tree. I loved this story so much. The tree was cute and I really wanted him to be picked. The illustrations were beyond gorgeous- each one worthy of being worthy to be hung on a wall or part of a huge display.

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This is a sweet children's illustrated story. It tackles the subject of being the last, or the smallest, or the "least likely to succeed", as many of us feel like we are sometimes. But it comes with good lessons that can be discussed between parents or grandparents and young children. The artwork is beautiful and the story will make the little ones want to return to it again and again. Highly recommended.

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Calvin is the smallest tree at the tree farm but he remains optimistic that he will be selected a someone's Christmas tree. But when he is the last one in the lot, will someone come along and choose him? This is a cute and heart-felt story that children will enjoy. Written in Calvin's point of view, this story offers many holiday themes such as; hope, determination, bravery, and spreading the holiday spirit. Great read aloud for the holiday season!

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Calvin is a tree on a Christmas tree farm. He has been wishing that he get picked so he will be a Christmas tree this year. Most of the other trees encourage him, but there is one grumpy tree that tells him he is too small and will never be chosen. When Christmas is nearing, he is the last tree left in the area, and the farmer's wife convinces her husband to take him to the lot. Well, all the other trees are selected and he is left alone on Christmas Eve. Of course the story can not end that way. First I will say that these trees are not chopped down, they are dug out and their root balls are wrapped in burlap, so they are planted and allowed to grow. We liked that Calvin never gave up and that he eventually got what he had been wishing for. We also liked the boy that found Calving and gave him a new life. It was hard to explain to the kids why we have fake trees when there are trees out there that just want to be Christmas trees, but I think they finally understood out choice. Overall, a sweet story with cute illustrations that we enjoyed.

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Calvin the Christmas Tree by Stephen G. Bowling is heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful book. It follows the adventures of little tree, Calvin, who just wants to be picked as a Christmas tree.

He tries to be patient but it is hard for him! The book will keep little ones engaged with the colorful and nostalgic illustrations. The pictures reminded me of a classic Christmas movie. My almost four year old did not quite have the attention span to listen to the story but it was easy to use the outstanding illustrations to paraphrase the story.

I loved this sweet book and I think I can relate to Calvin too! Being patient is hard, but staying positive is a great message for everyone to learn. Calvin was an excellent example of just that as he kept singing and cheering for others as all his friends were chosen to be Christmas trees. We could learn alot from Calvin.

I was provided a free advance reader copy from Books Go Social in exchange for my honest review on Net Galley. The opinions shared in this review are my own.

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This is a super cute and heart-warming festive story, with a really hopeful and meaningful message, of wishes, do come true if you wish and believe hard enough.

Little Tree Calvin has one wish, and that is to be a Christmas Tree and to bring joy to people during the festive period.

Living on the Christmas Tree farm he has been trying to growing big enough to be picked to be a Christmas Tree, but as he sees all his friends around him being taken and chosen our little Calvin is becoming sad and lonely that he will never be chosen. With the other’s trees encouraging him to grow (except one very old, grumpy tree) he keeps wishing.

When the day he has been wishing for finally comes, he is picked to be taken to the Christmas Tree lot…woo-hoo!! But once there, he once again sees people choosing the other bigger, stronger trees and then things go all wrong and poor Calvin is left all alone in the cold, all the trees have been sold except him.

But when he see’s headlights driving his way, is this the happy ending he has been waiting for?

Just like the front cover, the illustrations are very cute, even though on my older Kindle they did look black and white, I can image in colour they would be beautiful and I think children will love meeting Calvin and all the other tree’s.

Calvin the Christmas Tree is a sweet little story, full of festive cheer and perfect for your little ones to snuggle up with on Christmas Eve, the message of never judge at first sight and all dreams comes true is heart-warming. Like the illustrations, this is a simple story but a very cute one.

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This is a cosy little Christmas-time Children's book. I read a digital version of this book with my son. It is perfect for reading in the run up to Christmas like we did.

The book has a vintage style, with the image more traditional and I thought this gave it a really nice feel.

There is a lovely message in the book, showing children that if they keep going they can succeed, even if it feels like there is no hope. The lovely happy ending backs this message up and is full of joy.

I'd definitely recommend reading with children up to about 10. They are sure to enjoy this magical Christmas story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Books Go Social for a copy in return for an honest review.

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Dreams come true

Calvin the tree wants to be a Christmas tree . He is encouraged by the other trees. He ends up being the most beautiful Christmas tree of all.

I read this because I thought my great grandchildren , of which I have several, might like it. I like to buy them books and I am always searching for new ones.

I think this is a good one because it teaches that you can be what you wish even if you are smaller or weaker than others, sometimes it just takes a while.

The book also teaches about encouragement. How we should be like the kind trees that encouraged Calvin and not like the grumpy tree that discouraged him.

I can see an opportunity to introduce the words encourage a d discourage and explain what they mean and that we should always encourage others and never discourage.

I could see this book used in a classroom play to teach the meaning of encouragement and discouragement.

This was a good story with a good message. I would recommend it to anyone with small children and to teachers of small children.

Thanks to Stephen G. Bowling, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.

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This is a delightful Christmas tale that will appeal to adults and children alike.

Calvin dreams of being the best Christmas tree but he is young and his branches mean he isn't as tall or strong as some of the other trees.

As Christmas draws nearer, Calvin begins to feel as though he will never be chosen to be cut down and taken to be sold in the Stumpstinkle's shop.

When he is the only tree left outside on Christmas Eve, Calvin is feeling truly sorry for himself, but then the magic of Christmas takes over and makes him believe again.

This story can be taken at face value as a heart-warming Christmas read, whereas older readers might discuss the hidden messages beneath the narrative. Either way, this is a lovely little read with glorious illustrations to accompany it.

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Calvin the Christmas Tree is one of the most adorable Christmas stories I've ever read. Calvin is the smallest tree on the farm, but he has the same goal as every other tree there - to be picked by a family for Christmas.

His optimism and persistence carry him over a lot of doubts expressed by another tree, but eventually he does begin to feel forgotten. In the end, we find the spirit of Christmas arrives to save the day.

I found the traditionally styled illustrations to be exceptionally beautiful, and the expressions on the faces of the trees done in a cute and friendly way. I was especially impressed at how well the illustrator portrayed the snowing winds at night.

This is an absolute must for families with younger children, although I got a little misty-eyed toward the end of the book myself!

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Calvin The Christmas Tree is a cute Christmas story. I like the way the story flows and it seemed so real, even thought he story is about trees. I loved the illustrations, so pretty and gives a bit of a vintage vibe. I liked this book very much and would buy it.

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Calvin is the littlest tree in the bunch. He is the last to be picked but ends up being the biggest over time. I love the message of this story. I loved the names of all of the trees. The illustrations were beautiful as well. Overall a great book to read to young kids especially at Christmas time.

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Calvin the Christmas Tree is a beautiful book for children of all ages. Calvin is the littlest tree at the tree farm, and all he wants is to be someone's tree... but will he be picked?

I really loved everything about this book, from the incredibly beautiful vintage-style illustrations to the moral that even the littlest ones have value and can grow up to be great (no matter what people say) to the fact that the family planted Calvin in their yard and decorated him for years to come.

Calvin is destined to become a new Christmas classic. This is the perfect gift and should be a new Christmas tradition.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read this wonderful book in return for my honest opinion.

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Oh this was such an adorable Christmas read! This brings back so many memories as a kid visiting tree farms to find the perfect tree. Great for all ages!

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This was such a sweet story about a little tree who finally gets his wish to be a Christmas tree. I loved reading it & the graphics were just lovely. I very strongly recommend this book to anyone, young or old.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author Stephen G. Bowling & the publisher Books Go Social for granting my request to read this very charming book. This is my honest opinion.

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This is a children's Christmas book. I read this book to my boys, and they really enjoyed this book. The main character is Calvin a Tree that only wish is to be a Christmas tree. I really enjoyed this book, and I love the message. The pictures where simple, but they are really cute and fun. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (BooksGoSocial) or author (Stephen G. Bowling) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

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Christmas is literally one of the best times of the year, if not the BEST!

However, seeing Christmas through a child’s eyes and experience is the ultimate best.

I found the message in this book to be cute and it was also very easy to follow.

I really enjoyed this story, the illustrations and just the overall theme of it.

Christmas is a time of celebration, of gifts, of immense joy. A special time that should be unforgettable. Making memories with one another is so beautiful, and Calvin the Christmas tree thoroughly shows that.

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