'Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature,' Concord, Nov. 21 - Jan. 1

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The Garden Club of Concord chose "Willow and the Snow Day Dance," by Denise Brenner-Nelson, illustrated by Cyd Moore, for its 2011 Family Trees decorating.

There's nothing like the sight of dozens of gorgeously decorated trees to get you into the holiday spirit -- and here's a festival of trees with a unique twist that's perfect for families. The Concord Museum is hosting it's 17th annual "Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature" from Nov. 21 through Jan. 1. During this time, the museum’s galleries will be filled with 36 fanciful trees of all shapes and sizes, decorated with original ornaments inspired by acclaimed children’s storybooks and contemporary picture book favorites. Each tree serves as a canvas for the artistic creations of a dedicated team of volunteer decorators. Inspired by the storyline, the illustrations, the characters or setting of a particular book, the decorators let their imaginations take flight, much to the delight of visitors of all ages from all over New England. Selections for this year include: "Dear Mother, Dear Daughter: Poems for Young People" by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Gil Ashby; "When We Were Very Young," by A.A. Milne; "The Story Tree: Tales to Read Aloud" by Hugh Lupton, illustrated by Sophie Fatus; "Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise," written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola; "A Mountain of Mittens by Lynn Plourde," illustrated by Mitch Vane; and many other favorites. And, if you visit over Thanksgiving weekend, you can get crafty with your family with special projects related to this year’s books. Pick your favorite bear from "The Teddy Bear’s Picnic" by Jimmy Kennedy and create a tiny teddy out of clay or cut-out and decorate a felt mitten inspired by Lynn Plourde’s "A Mountain of Mittens." Read the poetry books featured in the "Family Trees" exhibit this year, then work as a family to write some "poet-tree" on an autumn leaf to share with others! Wed., Nov. 21 - Jan. 1, 2013. All ages. Adults, $15; seniors, $10; ages 4-18, $6; under 4 and members, free. Family Trees craft activities, Fri., Nov. 23 & Sat., Nov. 24, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free with Family Trees admission. The Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd., Concord. www.concordmuseum.org