Scan barcode
beammey's review against another edition
4.0
I had never read this novella before, but of course I'd heard of the author! It was so, so sad, but had a great lesson in it. The cover is absolutely gorgeous and draws you in. It's an easy read and one I think children and adults will like. I would recommend this book. 4 out of 5 stars.
woolfardis's review against another edition
2.0
First and foremost, the story itself isn't anything particularly grand. It has a moral and I can view how, at the time of it being written, it was a wonderful and perhaps innovative. There's an imagination here that you don't always get in stories (even those that are deemed successful or popular). Having said that, there's really nothing splendid about the story and any kind of magic that one may expect from a Christmas story just seeps away after the first few words.
However, I will include praise for the beautiful geometric illustrations that adorned my personal copy of this book. They capture the essence of the story in a very unique way and give you a glimpse at what the story is trying to do (but failing).
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Shop | Etsy
However, I will include praise for the beautiful geometric illustrations that adorned my personal copy of this book. They capture the essence of the story in a very unique way and give you a glimpse at what the story is trying to do (but failing).
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Shop | Etsy
emma_louise_books's review against another edition
5.0
Like The Nutcracker, this book is another enjoyable festive read with gorgeous contemporary artwork by Finnish illustrator, Sanna Annuka.
dabieyo's review against another edition
3.0
Lovely read about our need to be able to appreciate things as long as we have them. Also very, very sad. Plus, the cover for this edition is stunning!
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.
graceoc's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely but also depressing story from the perspective of the a fir tree during Christmastime.
I got from it that you should be grateful for the moments you have and to not wish life away.
The illustrations in the edition I have are stunning. I don’t tend to go for blocky and modern but Sanna Annukka’s designs work so well with the story.
I got from it that you should be grateful for the moments you have and to not wish life away.
The illustrations in the edition I have are stunning. I don’t tend to go for blocky and modern but Sanna Annukka’s designs work so well with the story.
nemra's review against another edition
5.0
The beautiful story is retold through the beautiful illustrations of Finnish illustrator Sanna Annukka. It's amazing.
katieadaniel's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jovvijo's review against another edition
3.0
Good: We learn that living in the moment is wonderful! Of course it is, it's now, so I agree totally!
Bad: Geez that tree! Ups and downs and then... DEATH! Someone was a grumpy guts when they wrote this, hmm?
Overall though I do like that it's different from the norm, that yes, life isn't always what you want and yes, you have to make your own happiness from what you have. You ram that down our throats good Mr Andersen! :P
So I recommend this book to folk who are strong enough to know life isn't always peaches & pie, or who are so angry at the world that this book MAKES ME FEEL ALIVE!!!
For everyone else, there's Disney.
Bad: Geez that tree! Ups and downs and then... DEATH! Someone was a grumpy guts when they wrote this, hmm?
Overall though I do like that it's different from the norm, that yes, life isn't always what you want and yes, you have to make your own happiness from what you have. You ram that down our throats good Mr Andersen! :P
So I recommend this book to folk who are strong enough to know life isn't always peaches & pie, or who are so angry at the world that this book MAKES ME FEEL ALIVE!!!
For everyone else, there's Disney.