Opening in Depression-era New York City, The Carpenter’s Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his father selling Christmas trees. They give a Christmas tree to construction workers building Rockefeller Center and celebrate together. Through the kindness of the construction workers and neighbors, Henry gets his wish for a nice, warm home to replace his family’s drafty shack. He plants a pinecone from that first Rockefeller Center Tree. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone to become a Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. After bringing joy to thousands as the Rockefeller Center tree, its wood will be used to build a home for another family in need.
This Christmas book that is based on a true story, can be used in speech therapy to address character analysis. It is also great for discussing social/emotional concepts, such as helping/serving others and teaching others! Discover more of the speech and language teaching concepts for using The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale About the Rockefeller Center Tree in speech therapy below:
