A thousand years ago, a tiny acorn fell to the ground. As the years pass, it grows . . . and GROWS into an enormous oak tree!

As the centuries sweep by, children play games around the tree. Families dance about it. A fleeing king even hides inside its hollow trunk!

The tree gives food and shelter to a host of animals, from squirrels and badgers to birds and beetles.

After a thousand years, the ancient tree finally falls in a storm - but a new acorn sprouts, and the cycle of life begins all over again.

• The tree's magical life story is brought to life in Julia Donaldson's rich, dramatic rhyme.
• Victoria Sandøy's gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations perfectly capture the changing seasons, and the people and wildlife that pass by
• Children will love spotting all the creatures in the pictures, and seeing the games children play around the tree
• This is a book that encourages us all to look more closely at nature, and to appreciate the wonder of our ancient trees.
• The final pages of the book contain extra fascinating facts about oak trees and the animals that depend on them.
• Praise for The Christmas Pine, also by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandøy: "Magical . . . as well as paying tribute to tradition, the gentle rhythmic verse and stunning pictures illuminate the two other things close to Julia's heart: the power of children and song"

Julia Donaldson is the author of many of the best-loved children's books ever written. She has been awarded a CBE for services to literature, and is the most celebrated children's writer in Britain today.

Many of Julia Donaldson's beloved picture books have been made into award-winning animated films which are regularly shown on the BBC at Christmas.