O Christmas Tree: Its History and Holiday Traditions by Jacqueline Farmer, illustrated by Joanne Friar Grades 1-4 28 pages Charlesbridge July 2010 Hardcover     Long before there was Christmas, the ancient Greeks and Egyptians celebrated the winter solstice by decorating their homes with evergreens. Representing a symbol of the Holy Trinity, fir trees eventually found their way into religious celebrations around December 25th and the beginning of the New Year. Over time, decorations mad it onto the fir trees, and they became one of the iconic symbols of the holiday season. In this informative and delightful picture book, Jacqueline Farmer not only delves into the evolution of the Christmas tree but also how decorations have changed and lighting has developed to the LED bulbs in use today. There is also a special section on the different types of fir trees, how the trees are produced in tree farms, and what problems the growers face from animals, insects and diseases. One of the more comprehensive books for children you’ll find on the Christmas tree, you’ll love the artwork as well as the information the author includes. There’s even a trivia section that lists some unusual facts about the Christmas tree and its use, too.     web reviews   Bob Walch/2010 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)