Official Review: The Sugarplum Tree by Andrea Antico

shannonkate8 · Post by **shannonkate8** » 08 Dec 2020, 11:03

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Sugarplum Tree" by Andrea Antico.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Sugarplums are perfect for the holiday season. As such, I was happy to find The Sugarplum Tree to read. Written by Andrea Antico, the book follows a lonely tree in a forest of evergreens. This tree lost its leaves in the fall and remained completely bare in the winter. Due to this, many children and animals avoided the tree and only interacted with the evergreens. They would decorate them for the holidays and pick up the pinecones for crafts. As the season wore on, the lonely tree feared it would wither away. Will someone or something save it? Will it finally get the admiration it craves from the children?

One of my favorite parts of the book was how inclusive it was. The characters had all different skin colors. There were children of all shapes and sizes. There were even children in wheelchairs. Nothing was missing from this book. Those who are different from what is deemed "normal" can find some respite in here. The representation was exciting to see and makes me want to read more from the author and illustrator. It was also a great parallel to the story in the book, where the tree appears to want to belong.

I also liked that, after the book ended, the author included suggestions when reading the book, such as helping young readers pronounce words. She also included a list of related activities. These look like they would be much fun for kids.

Truthfully, there was not much I disliked about this book. It was bright, colorful, and fun. It also teaches a lesson to children. If I had to mention a potential concern, it would be that the book seems to end abruptly, though I see how the author tried to tie it into the rest of the book. Again, this really wasn't much of an issue for me.

Otherwise, I found only a small handful of errors in the book, so I can conclude that this book was professionally edited. Given this and the above, I am happy to award this book 4 out of 4 stars. I would highly recommend it to children and parents, particularly in elementary school or younger ages. This is also perfect to read around the holidays.

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The Sugarplum Tree
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Chigo Nwagboso · Post by **Chigo Nwagboso** » 15 Dec 2020, 14:29

The tittle of the book is just sweet. I like that the young readers have so much to learn from this read. Great review.

jardenjarden · Post by **jardenjarden** » 15 Dec 2020, 15:43

I love how inclusive this book seems to be with such a variety of characters. It sounds like a really cute story. Thanks for your review!

Joan642 · Post by **Joan642** » 15 Dec 2020, 17:40

I can't help but relate this to life, if you are a tree that bears fruit, people would constantly want to be around you, to share in your fruits. But when you do not bear fruit, you will be deserted and the fear of withering will kick in. This is really an entertaining and inspiring book. Thanks for your honest review.

Jennifer Aldo · Post by **Jennifer Aldo** » 15 Dec 2020, 22:03

I'm sure a lot of children would come to Enjoy this book, as you have. Thanks for the review.

Romi Ramb · Post by **Romi Ramb** » 15 Dec 2020, 22:32

I love the title! This is an insightful review, so much so, that I feel like reading The book. Thank You!

RHD · Post by **RHD** » 16 Dec 2020, 05:58

Well, this one seems interesting. I like the idea that those who appear, or are made to appear, different are well represented. Thank you for your impressive review