Our Tree Named Steve

This story is such a sweet and thoughtful piece. I’m not extremely sensitive, but cry practically every time I read this as a teacher and a mother. I give this as a gift at any baby shower I go to!

Great mentor text for tree lovers!

I love this book and read it to some kindergarten and first grade students who also loved the book.

I read this book like 13 years ago when my sister bought for my niece. She got for my son when he was born. I now always buy for a baby shower gift for the book to give. Will definitely make you cry.

I love this book so much. There are so many teachable elements from this book. And I love the different kind of messages that it shares (giving of yourself is the best gift of all; all things have a purpose, even if it is repurpose; kind acts come in all shapes and forms, etc). I have read this book with kindergarten, firsties, and even third graders, and have gifted it several times at baby showers.

I bought this book as a gift for my nephews (4 & 7) to put with a collection of books that my son (now 12) loved when he was 6-8 yrs old) He wouldn't let me give our copy of the book away because he still loves the artwork in all the books with this illustrator.I chose this book because my son had purchased other books at the school book fair that had the same artwork and my son really loved the stories as well as the colorful and unique art. It has become a classic for my family. The story is simple but relatable and I think I love the story as much as he did back then. The narrator is a man, so I would read this story with a Carolina accent in a slow, deeper mans voice (sounding much like the guy (unnamed) from the Motel 6 commercials) I recommend this for any collection of books for those who keep books to pass on to other generations.

My principal just asked me to do a book talk at a staff meeting (grade 3-5 complex) and this was the first book that came to mind. Problem is, there is something about this book that touches me so that I cannot read it without crying...I mean, full on sobbing! It is such a sweet, simple story of the importance of the simple things in life and the memories we carry with us as families. I am a big fan of picture books (am known in my school for my extensive collection!) andthis is hands-down my favorite! What surprised me is that, in looking this up on Amazon, I have apparently owned it since 2011! It still has a powerful affect on me! To me it exemplifies the power of a good picture book. It can be appreciated on many levels and at many ages!

I purchased this book to read to my Pre-K class. While the other reviews gave me ample warning, I still found myself tearing up and struggling to read the last few pages aloud. The first grade teacher walked in as I closed the book and wiped my eyes. I handed it to her and soon I heard her say, "Oh gee, thanks alot" as she was overcome by the book's lovely ideals and heart-warming emotions. The book was then passed to both of the kindergarten teachers, the other Pre-K teacher and the school's director. Each time it was finished with a smile and a tear-stained cheek. (By the way, the kids liked it too!)While it is not the classic that Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree is, I would liken it to that book in that emotion and a powerful message can co-exist simultaneously. We must appreciate what nature has given to us, and enjoy these gifts while we can. This lesson applies not only to the tree itself, but to family.

A lovely story

Absolutely beautiful book. A letter from a dad to his kids that explains why their beloved tree is now gone.This is one you read to a child first and then talk about it.

Such a heartwarming story. One of my favourites. Gave it as a gift and they got very emotional reading the story to their children.

Nice book but wasn't literal enough for my 4 year old. She didn't find it helpful in explaining death.

I have read his story every year around Earth Day! It is a beautiful heart warming story about a tree that becomes a family treasure. I talk about my own tree that my family lost and I share a family photo of my tree “ Steve”. This story leads my classes into many heart warming stories about Earth Day.... and treasuring nature!