The Little Fir Tree: From an original story by Hans Christian Andersen

By Author / Illustrator

Christopher Corr

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd

ISBN

9781786036629

Format

Hardback

Published

01-10-2019

Synopsis

Deep in the forest, there lived a beautiful little fir tree who longed to see the world. When the tree is taken to town at Christmas, it feels like all his dreams have come true. But what will happen the day after? Find out in this beautifully illustrated modern retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's festive tale.

When he was surrounded by the splendour of nature, the little fir tree could only think about what he wasn't and what he didn't have and couldn't see. After the initial excitement of venturing out, though, he finds that the world isn't quite what he expected.

As the story of the little fir tree unfolds - brought to enchanting life with the colourful, folk art-inspired artwork of acclaimed author/illustrator Christopher Corr - so does a touching lesson on appreciating what we already have and a hopeful message of rebirth.

Reviews

Christopher Corr has taken a traditional Hans Christian Andersen tale and adapted it into a modern retelling. Deep in the forest, there lived a beautiful little fir tree. The shone warmly, the sang and the a cool breeze blew, but the little fir tree was unhappy. Before reading, I was unfamiliar with this tale so I was looking forward to experiencing it for the first time. The story begins as we are introduced the little fir tree. This sweet little tree is fed up of being too small to experience what the taller, older trees do. Everyday he longs to have birds build nests in him and to sing their songs to him. As the seasons change into each other, he notices some of the other trees being chopped down. Confused, he listens to the birds explain that they are now being used for homes and ships. Adamant that this is the way to see the world and live a better life, he lives for the day that he gets chosen. Christopher Corr has woven the text beautifully to the point where you feel a real connection to the little fir tree itself. You begin to understand how much it is craving what it wants and it begins to make you think about what is going to happen on the other side of Christmas Day in the family home. The text is also accompanied by pages and pages of bright and wonderful illustrations which make the book beautiful to share. This traditional tale touches on the concept of 'be careful what you wish for' as well as 'don't wish your life away'. Both these prompt good discussions around the story and allow children to consider the feelings of the tree. It also allows the children to make links to their own experiences and instances of when they have craved something that hasn't been what they expected. This text would make a great addition to a PHSE library as well as introduce children to unfamiliar traditional tales. This will become a regular read for many festive periods to come. Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Kyle Matravers, teacher