The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen

He's just a little fir tree that yearns to be bigger.  He doesn't like it when a bunny can jump over him.  He wants to be big and tall like the older trees.  He doesn't think past getting big.  He doesn't care where they go, he just wants to go with them.  He's not satisfied with growing up in the forest and having bird friends.  He's going to get his wish...

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.  It has been published so you can get a copy now.

One of the reasons I wanted to read this book is because a new illustrator did the graphics.  Sanna Annukka does modern contemporary work and her illustrations are more of an art form than a picture of a tree.  Her artwork does add to the story and you might want to buy the book simply for the illustrations.

When the tree finally fills out and matures enough to make a lovely Christmas tree, it's cut down and transported.  Christmas is a wonderful event and it enjoys being the highlight of the day.  So he's a bit disappointed when all the ornaments and presents go away and he's stuffed in the attic.  He has lots of time to think about how nice the forest was and how much he misses his animal friends.  He wonders what will become of him; he doesn't have to wonder long.

The basic message in this story is be happy where you're planted.  Don't always wish for more because that might not make you happy.  These lessons apply to people as well as fir trees.

When we had Christmas trees, we always bought live ones and then replanted them around our home.  It cost a bit more but it added a tree instead of killed one.  I guess I'm a bit of a tree hugger.