Origami Cranes & Christmas Trees

Tree of Cranes
Written & Illustrated by Allen Say
Age Level: 4-8 Years
Published October 28, 1991

Come here, I want to tell you something.

Imagine sharing the magic of Christmas with your child for the very first time, but instead of being an infant, your child is much older and able to fully comprehend it’s wonder. That is the touching story that unfolds in the multicultural tale, Tree of Cranes.

The story takes place on Christmas Day in Japan. A young boy’s mother spends the day acting strangely; she is distant and deep in thought, folding dozens of tiny origami cranes in order to make a big wish come true. Later, she goes into the garden and digs up a small pine tree, which she places in a pot and carries inside before adorning it with the cranes. As they decorate, the mother tells her son that in the far away place where she grew up, a place called California, today is a very special day. It is a day of love and peace, of giving and receiving, a day where strangers and family are treated with goodwill and kindness. The incredibly detailed and beautiful illustrations lend to the soothing, enchanting nature of the book.

“ ‘It is a day of love and peace. Strangers smile at one another. Enemies stop fighting. We need more days like it.’ ”

This book provides a lovely window into Japanese culture. My son delighted in studying the pictures and noting the differences in the boy’s house, his food, how he ate his meals and even how he bathed. It’s a gorgeous Christmas story that has so much added value for the cultural richness woven into the illustrations and text that make it an absolute treasure.