'Family Trees' will tell tales in Concord

CONCORD - How fitting that the town where Louisa May Alcott, author of "Little Women," grew up should host an annual celebration of children's literature.

The 13th annual "Family Trees" at the Concord Museum features about 30 decorated trees that might have been taken from the pages of children's books.

A "Very Hungry Caterpillar" tree, based on the Eric Carle tale, is the exhibit's centerpiece. But we're curious to see the trees inspired by Judi Barrett's "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" or "The Secret of the Old Clock," the first of the Nancy Drew mysteries. Girl Scout and senior groups, high school art students, and artsy-craftsy families and individuals do the decorating.

"People use a book to take off on their creativity," says Carol Haines, a former librarian and the museum's director of public relations. "We select a mix of classic and contemporary books so that all generations can find something to relate to."

Paddington fans will find a tree commemorating the 50th anniversary of the publication of the first book about the duffle-coat-clad bear. On weekends costumed characters, including Peter Rabbit, Pat the Bunny, and the Very Hungry Caterpillar, will greet kids and families.

But on any day, says Haines, "It's great to see grandparents and grandchildren looking at books together."

"Family Trees: A Celebration of Children's Literature," Dec. 5- Jan. 4, Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road, Concord, 978-369-9763, www.concordmuseum .org. Through December Monday-Saturday 9 a.m-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5, Jan. 1 9-5, starting Jan. 2 Monday-Saturday 11-4, Sunday 1-4. Adults $15, seniors $10, ages 4-18 $6, includes Family Trees and all other museum exhibits.

PATRICIA HARRIS