The story of a sad tree who was overlooked each year and never selected as a Christmas tree is told in rhymed couplets. Now the tree knows he is too big to be selected by a family. The animals of the forest tell him how important he is to them. Squirrel says the tree's branches have kept him warm, Cardinal says he has been protection from the wind, and Deer says his needles have made a warm bed. Still, the tree wishes he could be a Christmas tree. The animals go into action, each bringing decorations such as acorns, icicles and berries. The birds sing and the tree realizes, "it wasn't as important to be a Christmas tree,/ but to always be the best friend you can be." This story with its very strong and obvious message is illustrated with snow-covered vistas and, occasionally, close-ups of the trees' faces. The page with large footprints in the snow (shades of pale blue on the snow; touches of green needles and a red feather) is particularly striking. The trees' faces could be a bit off-putting and possibly frightening for the young audience. Occasionally there are problems with perspectives, such as where the cardinal and the squirrel appear to be the same size. 2000, Sleeping Bear Press, Ages 5 to 8.