The Christmas Tugboat: How the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Came to New York City

by George Matteson, Adele Ursone, James E. Ransome

The splendid iconic Christmas tree at New York City's Rockefeller Center doesn't just spring up overnight. It is delivered by tugboat on the Hudson River. This is the story of how one such tree made the journey.

  • Format: eBook
  • ISBN-13/ EAN: 9780547935706
  • ISBN-10: 0547935706
  • Pages: 48
  • Publication Date: 08/26/2014
  • Carton Quantity: 1
About the Book
About the Authors
Reviews
  • About the Book

    Nothing says Christmas like a Christmas tree, and the Rockefeller Center tree in New York City has said it beautifully since 1931. But how does the tree get there? One year, the tugboat captain (and author) George Matteson, his wife, and their daughter traveled by tug to fetch the giant tree. This dramatic picture book tells the story of their real-life journey up the Hudson River, and James Ransome's striking paintings capture the excitement of the trip and the pride of the young girl who helped steer the tug into New York Harbor.

  • About the Author

    George Matteson

    George Matteson grew up around boats and has crewed on and captained many different types, including tugboats, an 1885 schooner, fishing boats, and a fisheries research vessel. He’s the author of two adult books, Tugboats of New York: An Illustrated History and Draggerman: Fishing on Georges Bank, as well as many articles in marine publications. Adele Ursone is an artist, editor, and former editorial director of Universe/Rizzoli. She accompanied her husband, George Matteson, on towing jobs whenever her schedule allowed and loved their time on the water, often doing watercolor sketches while under way. You can see her artwork at www.adeleursone.com. They live with their daughter in New York City and Sedgwick, Maine, never far from water.

    Adele Ursone

    George Matteson grew up around boats and has crewed on and captained many different types, including tugboats, an 1885 schooner, fishing boats, and a fisheries research vessel. He’s the author of two adult books, Tugboats of New York: An Illustrated History and Draggerman: Fishing on Georges Bank, as well as many articles in marine publications. Adele Ursone is an artist, editor, and former editorial director of Universe/Rizzoli. She accompanied her husband, George Matteson, on towing jobs whenever her schedule allowed and loved their time on the water, often doing watercolor sketches while under way. You can see her artwork at www.adeleursone.com. They live with their daughter in New York City and Sedgwick, Maine, never far from water.

    James E. Ransome

    James Ransome has illustrated more than 35 books for children, including many award winners. He lives in Rhinebeck, New York, with his wife, children's book author Lesa Cline Ransome, and their four children. Visit his website at www.jamesransome.com.

  • Excerpts
  • Reviews
    "Readers will be captivated by the vivid details of the journey, which help form a radiant Christmas story."
    —Publishers Weekly, starred review

    "What gives this story depth is the richness of James E. Ransome's paintings: His use of color brings majesty to the working of men and machines in the shifting light of early dawn."
    —Wall Street Journal

    "An attractive addition to the holiday shelf."
    —School Library Journal

    "Absorbing."
    —Horn Book
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