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CM . . . .
Volume VII Number 21 . . . . June 22, 2001
As the subtitle clearly indicates, Trim a Tree is a how-to craft
book in which Gertridge provides directions for producing ornaments to
adorn eight different theme oriented Christmas trees: Sweet,
Old-fashioned, Pioneer, Pet, Friendship, Angel, Star and Outdoor Trees.
Each "tree" section includes a full-page colour photograph which shows the
various theme ornaments hanging on a tree. Each ornament is introduced by
a listing of "Materials" which is followed by "How to make it" section of
clear step-by-step construction instructions. Where "dangerous" steps
and/or materials are involved, Gertridge utilizes a symbol to indicate
that young crafters should seek adult assistance. Photographs and/or
paintings are used to illustrate some of the possibly more difficult
steps.
The Sweet Tree's three adornments are all edible and involve candies or licorice as the main
construction material. The Old-fashioned Tree is decorated with four different ornaments: sugar
snowflakes, scented pillows, tinsel chains and ribbon angels. The Pioneer tree is covered with
nonedible cinnamon shapes, sugared walnuts and twine balls. Children who have been
wondering about what to give their pets for Christmas could produce the Pet Tree's styrofoam cat
toy, Christmas dog biscuits and treat boxes. Adorning the Friendship Tree are a friendship
bracelet ornament, a noodle frame and Christmas crackers. The Angel Tree has angels made from
noodles, shells and "stained glass" while the Star Tree bears three different stars made from
paper, bristol board and wrapping paper. Finally, those who do not want to "kill" a tree can
decorate the living fir trees in their yards with nut stars, popcorn silhouettes and popcorn
snowmen (and possibly feed some birds at the same time).
Because the 25 ornaments vary in their level of construction difficulty, Trim a Tree can be
utilized by a wide audience. Definitely a title that should be examined by leaders of youth groups
such as Guides and Scouts.
Highly Recommended.
Dave Jenkinson teaches courses in children's and young adult literature in the faculty of
Education, the University of Manitoba.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association.
Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice
is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without
permission.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - June 22, 2001.
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Even if you don't have a Christmas tree, you can make all the crafts in this book. Hang the
ornaments around your house or give them away as gifts. Make some of the smaller, lighter
ornaments and decorate your front door or bedroom door. Or make a construction paper tree for
your refrigerator and attach your ornaments with glued-on magnets, available from most craft
supply stores. Or you can organize a community tree at school.