2011, Juvenile Nonfiction
WISE Score
A captain hauls trees across a frozen Lake Michigan in 1912, setting up a Chicago tradition that survives even after his ship disappears into the deep.
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This is a shipwreck story that somehow stays cozy. It’s the true-ish tale of the Rouse Simmons, the schooner that used to bring trees to Chicago until it was lost in a storm. It’s somber, sure, but it focuses on the legacy left behind rather than the disaster itself.
If you're tired of the usual sugary holiday fare, this is a solid pick. It's well-researched, beautifully painted, and gives kids a sense of history that feels tangible. It’s a quiet book that rewards a slow read on a cold night.
Best for kids ages 5 to 10. It's a great read-aloud for younger children who can handle a sad story, while older kids will appreciate the historical maps and facts at the end.
The story centers on Captain Scheunemann’s generosity—selling trees for pennies and giving them away to the poor—and his widow's resilience in continuing the mission after his death.
While it's historical fiction, it effectively uses a grandfather's perspective to transport kids to 1912 Lake Michigan, making history feel like a lived experience.
It's a picture book. While the ship sinks and lives are lost, it's handled with a gentle, historical gravity that is appropriate for the age group.
Excellent introduction to maritime history and the real-world 'Christmas Tree Ship' tradition. It builds vocabulary and historical empathy.
Most Christmas books are about magic or toys; this one is about a schooner and a storm. Carol Crane takes the real-life tragedy of the Rouse Simmons and turns it into a narrative about persistence. For kids who have already heard the story of the Titanic, this is a more localized, intimate look at maritime risk and the community impact of a loss at sea.
Sleeping Bear Press has a specific niche: high-quality, often regional, historical picture books. This fits that mold perfectly. The art by Chris Ellison is the real standout here. He manages to make the cold, grey waters of Lake Michigan look both terrifying and majestic, while keeping the scenes on the Chicago docks feeling warm and bustling.
It’s a great tool for teaching kids that traditions aren't just things that happen; they are things people work hard to maintain. The fact that the Captain's widow and daughters continued the tradition of bringing trees to Chicago is the 'real' ending of the book, and it's a powerful lesson in honoring those we've lost by continuing their good work. If your kid is into history or 'true stories,' this will land much better than another book about a talking reindeer.
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