Tu B'Shevat is a Jewish holiday known as "New Year for Trees" or "Birthday of the Trees," a day that celebrates trees and taking care of our environment. In this story, which takes place on Tu B'Shevat, a little girl named Joni presents her favorite climbing tree with a special birthday gift.

Reasonable Tu B'Shvat story. A young girl wants to celebrate her tree's birthday on Tu B'Shvat. With the help of her young neighbor, they try a variety of things to make the tree happy, including watering it, blowing the clouds away so the sun can shine on it, buying a young tree to be a companion, and finally, promising to take care of trees in the future. Since this is a PJ Library book, there are questions in the book cover flaps. ( )

I really liked this book for many reasons. First of all it teaches children of a not widely known Jewish tradition, A Tu B’Shevat, which is now Arbor Day. I like how the author included many messages within the book. First telling about the Jewish tradition then she goes into how each of us can do our part to help the environment. She shows this through the little girl character in the book that is excited about celebrating trees and gets everyone else interested in the trees as well. Since our environment is a very big deal in this generation, I like how the author teaches children about caring for our environment in a fun way through the little girl’s care for the tree in her yard. Another aspect I enjoyed about this book was that it showed how no matter how young or small you feel that every person on this planet can make a difference and that inspires other to do the same as well. That what seems to be the main message throughout the book, which is an excellent thing to teach children. ( )

I had a few issues with this book, but overall I did enjoy the message it portrayed. My issue with the book was its representation of a young Jewish girl. The was drawn with brown frizzy hair and a large nose. I feel like this is perpetuating an untrue stereotype that needs to die down.
The reason why I did end up enjoying the book was its ability to properly and simply explain what Tu B'shevat is without overwhelming or complicating any of the pieces of it. In addition, the front and back of the book are illustrated with ways for the reader to 'go green' which encourages kids to help with the environment.
The main idea of the book is blatantly about how we can help the Earth, as well as the holiday of Tu B'shevat. ( )

“Happy Birthday, Tree!” was a very cute story that I believed portrayed environmental conservation in a very powerful, enjoyable way for young children. One reason that I believed this story was powerful is because the author illustrated environmental conservation through the eyes of a specific religion, Judaism. Each year, Jewish people celebrate “Tu B’Shevat” or “The New Year for Trees!” I think for Jewish children, and children of other religions if addressed appropriately, this story could serve as a powerful tool to lead into the topics of environmental conservation. I also believe this book was powerful because the storyline outlined what exactly trees need to stay healthy. For example, the little girl decided to give the tree “presents” for its birthday: water, sunshine, air, cupcakes out of soil, and eventually, a friend. By addressing the issue of environmental conservation through “a birthday,” I believe that many children will be able to relate and want to do the same for trees in their area. The big idea of this story was clearly reiterated throughout the novel, as well as in an index in the front and back of the story: How can we help the earth? ( )