Reviews
Review,The Horn Book, November/December 2011 "Rubel's story of compassion hits all the right holiday notes; LaMarche's lush, warm illustrations of glowing Christmas trees and smiling, caring characters drive home the central message of charity." Review,School Library Journal, October 1, 2011 "Detailed characterizations and a straightforward tone keep the tender tale from becoming saccharine. LaMarche's almost impressionistic colored-pencil illustrations put readers in the midst of the action." Review,Publishers Weekly, September 26, 2011 "Author/historian Rubel's story of a Depression-era family's connection to that first tree-and the ripple effect of its bounties-puts the now magnificent symbol in perspective. LaMarche conveys emotional resonance with gauzy, soft-hued paintings of the inspirational proceedings." "The Carpenter's Gift captures two of New York City's greatest traditions ― the Rockefeller Center tree lighting and giving back to people in need― in a way that families can share together all year long." ― Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New York "The heartwarming tale told in The Carpenter's Gift brings together-through beautiful illustrations and a moving, multi-generational story-two great traditions: the Rockefeller Center tree and the neighbor-helping-neighbor program of Habitat for Humanity." - Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States and dedicated Habitat volunteer "Through my support of Habitat for Humanity, I have seen all of the good that can happen when people work alongside each other to build something better. I see the same thread in The Carpenter's Gift , a sweet story" about a young boy whose life is changed when new friends help his family build a house - Susan Sarandon, actress "My dad was a carpenter who built the house we grew up in, and this book brings to mind his gentle nature and generosity." - Garrison Keillor, storyteller, Review,School Library Journal, October 1, 2011 "Detailed characterizations and a straightforward tone keep the tender tale from becoming saccharine. LaMarche's almost impressionistic colored-pencil illustrations put readers in the midst of the action.", Review,School Library Journal, October 1, 2011 "Detailed characterizations and a straightforward tone keep the tender tale from becoming saccharine. LaMarche's almost impressionistic colored-pencil illustrations put readers in the midst of the action." "The Carpenter's Gift captures two of New York City's greatest traditions ― the Rockefeller Center tree lighting and giving back to people in need― in a way that families can share together all year long." ― Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New York "The heartwarming tale told in The Carpenter's Gift brings together-through beautiful illustrations and a moving, multi-generational story-two great traditions: the Rockefeller Center tree and the neighbor-helping-neighbor program of Habitat for Humanity." -Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States and dedicated Habitat volunteer "Through my support of Habitat for Humanity, I have seen all of the good that can happen when people work alongside each other to build something better. I see the same thread in The Carpenter's Gift , a sweet story" about a young boy whose life is changed when new friends help his family build a house - Susan Sarandon, actress "My dad was a carpenter who built the house we grew up in, and this book brings to mind his gentle nature and generosity." - Garrison Keillor, storyteller
