The Lonesome Pine is an inspirational story about a pine tree's dream of becoming what he was planted to be...a Christmas tree. In his eyes he is perfect; in the eyes of others, he is not.

"Please pick me," he shouts with glee, "I'd love to be a Christmas tree." But folks just seem to pass him by. "No, I don't think so," he hears them cry. But what is wrong? he asked himself. I'm not different from anyone else. "Now I won't get dressed up in baubles and bows, or have bright shining lights from my head to my toes. I wanted to see the children with smiles, as they awoke to see their presents in piles."

We are taken along on his unexpected journey, witnessing his hopes and dreams, fears and disappointments. Upon reaching his final destination, it turns out to be more than he could have ever dreamed.

The Lonesome Pine is not only special in what he becomes, he is also unique in what he is...a 64-page,triangular-shaped, fully illustrated, hard-cover book. This is a book that will be treasured by your child, and the child within you, for years to come.

"If there was a category higher than 10, then this book belongs in it…Outstanding story, design and illustrations!"

Benjamin Franklin Awards

"I was especially moved by the dedication page in the front of the book.  Love the shape of the book and the illustrations are awesome!"

Benjamin Franklin Awards

"Love the shape of the book, it really adds to the story.  Nice Job!"

Benjamin Franklin Awards

"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I’d be impressed by SHAPE.  But this triangular picture book took me to new, THREE SIDED places.  That impressed me Most about The Lonesome Pine.  And…I love that he wound up being a book about THIS book."

Writer’s Digest Awards

The Lonesome Pine--not just a book for children!, February 8, 2001
Reviewer: Cristen L Barnes from Los Angeles, CA United States
The Lonesome Pine is a wonderful account of a tree's exciting, and sometimes scary, journey to reach his full potential for what he is meant to be! You will find yourself laughing and crying! It reminds us that we are all special and should not be afraid of our future--we all have a destiny and have the potential to fulfill it! The writing is brilliant and the pictures are amazing, ENJOY!!

A Must Have For Children, Parents, Teachers and Classrooms!, December 15, 2000  Reviewer: Amy from Bedminster, NJ USA
As a second grade teacher I am always looking for new books that my children have not yet heard. This past week I was fortunate enough to have a guest parent reader share a book that has made it to my "Top 10 Favorite Children's Books" list. It was the story of The Lonesome Tree. My students and I were immediately intrigued by the unique shape of the book. My students and I sat silently staring at the book as each page, written in verse, was read to us. I knew right then and there that this book would be enjoyed by all. When nineteen 7 and 8 years olds can sit still for a book, on a Friday, a week from Christmas, you know you have a winner! This book is a must have for all parents, children, teachers and classrooms. Not only a great story, but a lesson learned for all. "Sometimes things don't work out as we may have wished, but everything happens for a reason. In the end our true gifts will be shared with all" Enjoy this book, with your children, or by yourself, for many years to come

Oh, To Be Someone's Christmas Tree!, December 7, 2000
Reviewer: Gwendolyn Davies from San Pedro, CA United States
As I walked down the aisle, the unusual shape of the book caught my eye. I stopped and picked it up. After reading just the first few pages, I knew it was a book I wanted to have for my son...for myself...for my classroom. I purchased the book without even finishing it. I read it cover to cover when I got home and knew I had made the right decision. It was a book to cherish. Everyone feels inadequate at some point. This shows that there may be a different plan for each of us. Every one of us has something unique to offer the world. Some are caught up in trying to measure up to someone else's standard. The Lonesome Pine makes an important discovery as will the reader/listener. Be prepared to be moved. This is a MUST HAVE book. Give yourself and others you love an incredible treat...the book and CD. Hear Jane West tell the tale. Invite her into your home and hearts. You will see and hear the hours of love she put into Lonesome Pine and treasure it for years to come.

Most Beautiful and Touching Children's book, October 20, 2000
Reviewer: Sabra Chili from Los Angeles
If you are looking for that "new classic", you have found it in the Lonesome Pine. Haylett Publishing has released a charming tale of the Christmas tree that doesn't get picked. Written in verse, the story is a natural to read aloud to young and old alike. I loved following the Lonesome Pine through the vicissitudes of treedom after the holidays. Through no fault of his own, he did not become what he so wanted to be, something of limited use. Instead, the Lonesome Pine triumphs to become much more than he could have ever imagined. A wonderful message for children of all ages.

A truly must read for all, November 1, 2001
Reviewer: Nancy Englefield from Dunmow Essex England (teacher)
My thanks to a thinking, feeling author who can take her little (and not so little) readers on a safe but emotional journey that lasts a lifetime. As one little reader said to me 'I can never give this book away because it really is my tree.'
I think I know how she felt.  It's a wonderful book, but where are the rest? I can't believe this is a one book only, (for children) author.

Pick me! Pick me! "The Lonesome Pine", September 4, 2001
Reviewer: Woodland Native
I can't tell you how much my daughter loves this book. In the heat of August she loves requesting "The Christmas Tree Book" (as she calls it). Talk about an evergreen! I recently started playing the recorded version for her, and she loves it! She also loves seeing it in bookstores, because it's distinct shape is so familiar to her. This book has so much heart that it generates good feelings wherever you run into it! I love the message as well as the time I get to spend with my daughter. Even when I play the CD, I still like to sit with her and turn the pages. It's a time in our lives that we'll never forget. This is a special book, a classic, as is the recorded version. Well done.

Every once in a blue spruce, I mean blue moon..., October 18, 2000 Reviewer: Kevin Centazzo from Burbank, Ca United States
Every once in a blue moon something comes along that everyone in the family agrees to call a favorite. People group together to sing a song, or watch in silence, an amazing movie, or even gather around for the reading of a special book. These things are called classics. This name is bestowed on them because of how rare they are. A new classic was planted into the hearts of my whole family this year, it's called "The Lonesome Pine". Following the life of this little tree is funny, sad, and both at the same time. Overall this lovable bristly character inspires confidence in the misfit in all of us. So whether your singing "Deck the halls" or watching "It's a wonderful Life" you can make room on the shelf for this new classic and read it any night of the year to feel good about the underdog who comes out on top!

A Most Unusual Book, September 25, 2000
Reviewer: Dan Poynter, author of The Self-Publishing Manual (see more about me) from Santa Barbara, CA USA
Everyone reaches for this book first because of its unusual shape: Lonesome Pine is triangular. The story is about a young pine that yearns to grow and be decorated as a Christmas tree. This book will delight children and parents everywhere. Beautifully done and most unusual. DanPoynter@ParaPublishing.com .

Contemporary Classic, August 31, 2000
Reviewer: Kae Oliver from Glendale, CA United States
A beautiful tale that touches the heart and warms the soul. This is a story that will become part of our Christmas tradition alongside the classics we have known and loved for years. It will also be a gift for each new child in our family, so they can experience the wondrous journey of The Lonesome Pine for themselves. I promise they will preserve this remarkable keepsake book for generations to come.

Recycling Love, August 12, 2000
Reviewer: Mark Buckley
The Lonesome Pine was a wonderful and loving Christmas story. I felt it was written very well with great colorful illustrations. The story was worded in such a way that it was fun to read it aloud. I read the book to a young child about 6 years old and she enjoyed it. The story was unique in the way that normally these types of books, right before Christmas would have a happy ending. well Christmas came and went and the poor pine was still left unsold. The recycling was done very cleverly and you felt the experience the pine tree went through as it went through the mill. When our hero became a Christmas story put on the shelf for someone else to buy was a wonderful ending. The story has a great message for children and adults alike. We are all here for a reason and we may be surprised in what that reason will be.

A reviewer, July 18, 2001,
Such a beautiful book!
This book is so touching and dear. I loved reading the wonderful poetry aloud. It is truly a new Christmas classic. You can read it over and over and never get tired of the story of the Lonesome Pine. Sweet, real and endearing, every page has charming illustrations that make the tree come alive. And I love the triangular shape. You will love it!!

A reviewer (zsyr@aol.com), December 9, 2000,
Love this book
I really enjoyed this book. Some parts almost made me cry. The book is very well written. I also felt bad for the Christmas trees you saw. It was also great seeing you at my school the other day.

A Book for All Seasons -- Not Just Christmas, November 26, 2001
Reviewer: A reader from San Marino, CA United States
While the shape and beautiful illustrations immediately catch a child's eye, the theme of this book is just as much for adults --a la the more sophisticated of Dr. Seuss books. The life lesson of losing out on what you've trained for, worked for, and wanted so badly , but in the end finding where you really belong is lovingly presented by a Lonesome Pine quite literally put through the mill. How nice to say to a disappointed child who doesn't get picked for a team, audition, etc. "Remember the Lonesome Pine". What a gift to remember it myself. Our whole family enjoys this book and the CD as well.

Here's a run for your money, Harry Potter!, November 20, 2001
Reviewer: Lindsey Walker from United Kingdom
I purchased The Lonesome Pine over the internet as it was recommended to me by a friend in the USA. My little daughter has many books but I have never seen anything as original or as inventive as The Lonesome Pine. What Disney did to cartoon fairytales, Ms West has done for children's books. It's the first time I have read a book to Jessie with such excitement in her (and my!) eyes. She was enthralled. It could be read on any level. We couldn't wait to turn the next page! This entertaining story would twist and turn and I had no idea how it was going to end. I have never written a review before, but I was so impressed I felt I had to. I only have one thing to say - Please bring the book to England!