Watch a thousand years unfold in the life of one magnificent
tree!
A thousand years ago, a tiny acorn fell to the
ground. As the years pass, it grows . . . and GROWS into an
enormous oak tree!

As the centuries sweep
by, children play games around the tree. Families
dance about it. A fleeing king even hides inside its hollow
trunk!


The tree gives food and shelter to a host of animals,
from squirrels and badgers to birds and beetles.


After a thousand years, the ancient tree finally falls in a storm
- but a new acorn sprouts, and the cycle of life begins
all over again.



The tree's magical life story is brought to life in Julia
Donaldson's rich, dramatic rhyme.

Victoria Sandøy's gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations
perfectly capture the changing seasons, and the
people and wildlife that pass by

Children will love spotting all the creatures in the pictures,
and seeing the games children play around the tree

This is a book that encourages us all to look more closely
at nature, and to appreciate the wonder of our ancient
trees.

The final pages of the book contain extra fascinating
facts about oak trees and the animals that depend on them.


Praise for The Christmas Pine, also by Julia Donaldson
and Victoria Sandøy: "Magical . . . as well as paying
tribute to tradition, the gentle rhythmic verse and stunning pictures
illuminate the two other things close to Julia's heart: the
power of children and song"


Julia Donaldson is the author of many of the best-loved children's
books ever written. She has been awarded a CBE for services
to literature, and is the most celebrated children's writer in Britain
today.

Many of Julia Donaldson's beloved picture books have been made
into award-winning animated films which are regularly shown on
the BBC at Christmas.

Illustrated by: Victoria Sandøy