I love Patricia Polacco. Her stories about the different teachers who have changed her life over the years are guaranteed to bring tears to my eyes, and her staunch, life-long commitment to diversity, inclusion and civil rights has long inspired me. Based on the author’s own beloved childhood memories, this story of sacrifice, community, kindness and giving couldn’t be more timely.
The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco
For young Trisha, Hannukah is the most wonderful time of the year. Her grandmother delights the family with the most delicious latkes, her mother stays home from work, and her grandfather carves wonderful little wooden animals for Trisha and her brother. But when several of the family’s Christian neighbours come down with scarlet fever, Trisha and her family decide to share their joy with their community. They secretly cut down trees, decorate them and deliver them to their neighbours, saving Christmas for the sick families who would otherwise have missed out on this long-awaited celebration. Trisha even makes a great personal sacrifice, offering up her own Hannukah gifts to share with her neighbours. The family’s act of compassion ripples throughout the community, forging new relationships and strengthening existing ones, to create a holiday season that no one will ever forget.
Like so many of Polacco’s works, The Trees of the Dancing Goats is a simple, beautiful story that shows the lasting impact that everyday acts of kindness, empathy and compassion can have, and which encourages us to celebrate the common spirit that brings us all together, whatever our background. A beautiful, inspiring story for the season.
Patricia Polacco books are just the best, and this is one of my faves!
Her books are pretty much guaranteed to warm and inspire the heart, and often bring tears to my eyes. Such a fantastic author/illustrator.
This sounds delightful and I love the caring message.
Patricia Polacco is such an inspiring picture book author/illustrator, her works often have really powerful messages, and she’s got a very distinctive art style. And she’s prolific too – I think she’s published something like 50 picture books! I’d be happy with one… 😉
Patricia Polacco writes with heart, wisdom and compassion. Without being didactic, her books show us how to be our best selves. This book is new to me and I will certainly add it to my collection. We are in desperate need for the tolerance and empathy which this book depicts. Thanks!