tinareynolds's review

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4.0

Lovely translation. Interesting illustrations - quite modern but nice.

cherylanntownsend's review

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4.0

This is why I don’t do “live” trees for Christmas. I pull the same little fakeness out of its box, plug it in, and feel no remorse!

A little fir tree is growing up in a forest, observing and aspiring. Envious of the bigger trees, wanting more. Curious as to where some go when taken away.

One holiday, he is big enough to be a family Christmas tree. Off he goes and enjoys the bedazzled night of adoration. But soon enough, he is stowed away until spring where he is taken back outside, and... well, it’s horrible!

The edition I read is beautifully illustrated by Sanna Annukka and has a lovely cloth cover via Ten Speed Press.

candacerobinsonauthor's review

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First, the edition that I received has a spectacular cover! I have never read anything by Hans Cristian Andersen! I loved the illustrations, and wow the story itself was a depressing one. It had me feeling pretty sorry for the tree! Full review on my blog https://literarydust.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/review-the-fir-tree/

lnatal's review

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3.0

From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
Out in the woods amongst his many large companions, a nice little fir tree is keen to grow up. Read by Paul Copley.

thebookgirl's review

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5.0


This is one of the most beautiful classic editions I have had in a while. The book The Fir Tree' by Hans Christian Andersen is a beautiful short story about a fir tree that is living in the woods. He is still rather small so hasn't been chosen. He wants to grow up and be a big strong tree with all his might. The new editions is beautiful while the story is not.

This fir tree yearns and yearns to grow up. Eventually the fir tree grows tall enough to be picked as a Christmas tree. Unfortunately are little tree friend has no idea what that means, he believes his life will only be better, he will be happier. Of course he is wrong. It is too late, and his fate is sealed.

The story of growing up, dissatisfaction, and lost of childhood in pursuit of lofty goals is the moral of this tale. The author of course can write a super sad story. I haven't always been a fan of his work for this reason. I am extremely happy this story wasn't retold.

The illustration are magical. Sanna Annukka has a style that is interesting and brand new. She uses geometric shapes that create at a whole new level of interest. There are nice contrasting colors that show a variety of scenes like a forest, fish swimming, and other beautiful ornaments. It is not your typical illustrations. It is a breathe of fresh air.

I received a review copy of this ebook from NetGalley and a print version from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.
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