Determined to sell his last tree, an enterprising peddler convinces the townspeople of Chelm, that village of fools from Eastern European Jewish folklore, that it is a Chanukkah Tree - all the rage in America! Deciding that they too must have this new wonder, the townspeople purchase the tree and set it up in the middle of Chelm, decorating it with latkes, dreidels, and the synagogue door. Then a motorist from America drives through and informs them that there is no such thing as a Chanukkah Tree, and they go to bed feeling tricked and taken advantage of. But when they awaken the next morning and discover that their tree has created a wonderful shelter for the birds of winter, they realize they have something special after all...

The prolific Eric A. Kimmel, who has told other stories of the fools of Chelm in such titles as The Jar of Fools: Eight Hanukkah Stories From Chelm and Right Side Up: Adventures in Chelm, here spins an original holiday tale featuring those befuddled but ultimately goodhearted townspeople. The theme of a Hanukkah Tree (or Hanukkah Bush, in some cases) is one that I have seen before, in other books and stories from pop culture, and seems to be a response by American Jews to the Christmas custom of their Christian peers. Thus Kimmel's story is quite ironic, as the sole American in the tale disclaims all knowledge of such a thing, and the people of Chelm decide that they are unique in all the world. Given that the people of Chelm are fools, is Kimmel making a subtle commentary on the practice of some of his fellow American Jews? I'm not sure, but it is an intriguing idea. The theme of the holiday tree, whether Christmas or Hanukkah, offering a treat to local wildlife is one I have also seen, in such books as Patricia Polacco's Uncle Vova's Tree, and is an appealing one. Whatever one makes of the themes, the story here is amusing and ultimately heartwarming, and the accompanying artwork from Giora Carmi, who also illustrated Kimmel's The Chanukkah Guest, is appealing. Recommended to readers who enjoy stories about the People of Chelm, or who are looking for unusual Hanukkah stories. ( )

The people in Chelm, Poland have never heard of the "Chanukkah Tree" before. A peddler from America was persuasive to the people of Chelm to buy the tree on the eve of Christmas. At first, the people of Chelm were disillusioned with the thought of "Chanukkah Tree," but they rediscovered its worthiness, importance, and beauty.

This is a great Jewish folklore in addition to knowing how people celebrated Hanukkah. In addition, it mixes the idea of Hanukkah with Christmas since a reader would never think of a Hanukkah tree like a Christmas tree. Eric Kimmel does a great job in writing this Hanukkah tale with his use of clever & creative adaptations of ancient Jewish folktales. Overall, this is a lovely creative book of Kimmel's, based on the humorous tales of Chelm. ( )