Christmas Tree Ship

This bittersweet tale is based on the true story of Herman Schuenemann, who, beginning in 1887, sailed down Lake Michigan each year from upper Michigan to bring a shipload of Christmas trees to the city. One year, tragedy strikes and his ship goes down in a storm. ``When the snows of November blew in again,'' however, his wife and daughters decide to carry on the tradition, and the tree-laden schooner sails once again. Winter is at her best here-her strong prose combines with her signature folk-art-like illustrations, this time imbued with the wintry hues of sea, sky and spruce. A touching and memorable tale. Ages 4-up. (Oct.)