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rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Moving fable by Hans Christian Andersen which illustrates the old adage, "be careful what you wish for…" Reading it in the 21st century, it takes on ecological and environmental themes as well.
Thanks, NetGalley, for introducing me to Sanna Annukka's stunning artwork! This one will also make its way to both my personal and classroom libraries.
Thanks, NetGalley, for introducing me to Sanna Annukka's stunning artwork! This one will also make its way to both my personal and classroom libraries.
geekwayne's review against another edition
4.0
'The Fir Tree' by Hans Christian Andersen gets a gorgeous new edition with illustrations by Sanna Annukka. They don't make the story any happier, but they add some beauty to the pages.
The story is of a fir tree living in the woods. At first he is not tall enough to be chosen and resents the rabbits who jump over him. He wants more and yearns for it. Eventually, he grows tall enough and is chosen as a Christmas tree and thinks his life will only get better and better. This is not what happens.
It's a story of dissatisfaction and realizing too late what is lost in the pursuit for what one wants. Hans Christian Andersen can write a sad story, and this one is no exception. I'm glad that this didn't get rewritten in the telling.
The illustrations that accompany this edition are really good. Sanna Annukka's style seems to be geometric shapes and interesting contrasting colors. There are trees in the forest, and fish swimming below a harbor. There are mice and ornaments and even the final pages of the book have beautiful images of the tree's final moments. I'm not sure it's a Christmas classic like I know them, but I love this edition of the story.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Ten Speed Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
The story is of a fir tree living in the woods. At first he is not tall enough to be chosen and resents the rabbits who jump over him. He wants more and yearns for it. Eventually, he grows tall enough and is chosen as a Christmas tree and thinks his life will only get better and better. This is not what happens.
It's a story of dissatisfaction and realizing too late what is lost in the pursuit for what one wants. Hans Christian Andersen can write a sad story, and this one is no exception. I'm glad that this didn't get rewritten in the telling.
The illustrations that accompany this edition are really good. Sanna Annukka's style seems to be geometric shapes and interesting contrasting colors. There are trees in the forest, and fish swimming below a harbor. There are mice and ornaments and even the final pages of the book have beautiful images of the tree's final moments. I'm not sure it's a Christmas classic like I know them, but I love this edition of the story.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Ten Speed Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
twstdtink's review against another edition
3.0
When I was eight, someone gifted me a copy of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" because I loved the Disney version so much. This would be the equivalent of giving someone who loves animals a taxidermied bunny. For those who don't know, the mermaid DIES at the end. Oh, don't act like I spoiled it for you. That mermaid has been dead 179 years. Hans Christian Andersen is an amazing storyteller. He's the Tim Burton of the 19th century. But, he is NOT a children's writer.
"The Fir Tree" is a short story about a tree who is never happy and always wants more. When it is small, it wants to be big. When it is big, it wants to be cut and to see where all the other cut trees go. In the end, the tree realizes that it should have enjoyed its life while it lived it, too late. The tale is a traditional grass-is-greener type story. It would make a great gift for high school graduates. This edition, with illustrations by Sanna Annukka, especially, as it is beautifully bound in green fabric and gold leafing. It's also small enough to fit in a stocking.
When I ordered this book, I thought it might be a nice story for my 5-year-old, who is rather mature for his age. After reading it, though, I reconsidered the idea. Children are too literal. He wouldn't understand the metaphor and would only see the death of a tree. And honestly, I would like to continue being able to buy Christmas trees each year.
"The Fir Tree" is a short story about a tree who is never happy and always wants more. When it is small, it wants to be big. When it is big, it wants to be cut and to see where all the other cut trees go. In the end, the tree realizes that it should have enjoyed its life while it lived it, too late. The tale is a traditional grass-is-greener type story. It would make a great gift for high school graduates. This edition, with illustrations by Sanna Annukka, especially, as it is beautifully bound in green fabric and gold leafing. It's also small enough to fit in a stocking.
When I ordered this book, I thought it might be a nice story for my 5-year-old, who is rather mature for his age. After reading it, though, I reconsidered the idea. Children are too literal. He wouldn't understand the metaphor and would only see the death of a tree. And honestly, I would like to continue being able to buy Christmas trees each year.
cerilouisereads's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sunflowerbookqt's review against another edition
5.0
In the end, the little fir tree's realization serves as a poignant reminder for all of us. It highlights the importance of cherishing and savoring the precious moments that life offers, for they may pass by unnoticed if we fail to appreciate them. The story of the little fir tree teaches us to live in the present, to embrace the beauty of each passing moment, and to find joy in the simple pleasures that surround us.
milly_in_the_library's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully illustrated version of this cautionary tale! I’d frame every illustration in this book 😊
violetreader's review
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
While it is a Christmas story, it's darker than expected... Damn...