the trees of the dancing goats by patricia polacco

They came from many parts of the world, but mainly Russia. Patricia Polacco belongs to a family of storytellers, poets, farmers, teachers, and artists.

'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title.

Soon her living room is filled with trees - but that is only the first miracle of many during an incredible holiday season.īased on a long cherished childhood memory, this story celebrates the miracle of true friendship. Although it is a sacrifice, Trisha realizes that Grampa's carved animals are the perfect answer. Then Grampa has an inspiration: they will cut down trees, decorate them, and secretly deliver them to the neighbors, 'But what can we decorate them with?' Babushka asks. It is difficult for them to enjoy their Hanukkah feast when they know that their neighbors won't be able to celebrate their holiday. Trisha's family is one of the few who has been spared from the epidemic. Instead they are all bedridden with scarlet fever. In the middle of her family's preparation for the festival of lights, Trisha visits her closest neighbors, expecting to find them decorating their house for Christmas. Truly a wonderful book, one that can be appreciated by those who celebrate Hanukkah, those who celebrate Christmas, those who celebrate both, and those who don't celebrate either one.Trisha loves the eight days of Hanukkah, when her mother stays home from work, her Babushka makes delicious potato latkes, and her Grampa carves wonderful animals out of wood as gifts for Trisha and her brother. I found myself tearing up, as I reached the conclusion. Best of all, Momma would have two weeks off from her job as a school-teacher, and the entire family would be together on their Michigan farm! But when Trisha and her family learn that most of the members of their small farming community have been stricken with scarlet fever, and are unable to prepare for or celebrate their own holiday - that of Christmas - they decide to share the joy of the season with their neighbors.Īpparently based on an actual event from Patricia Polacco's own youth, The Trees of the Dancing Goats is a heart-warming holiday tale that emphasizes the importance of friendship and community, of sharing our blessings with others, and respecting diverse beliefs. Her Georgian-born Grandpa would carve colorful animals out of wood - presents for Trisha and her brother, Richard. Her Ukrainian-born Babushka would make hand-dipped candles for the Menorah, and cook delicious latkes. The eight days of Hanukkah had always been one of Trisha's favorite times of the year.

The trees of the dancing goats by patricia polacco