This is a beautiful story of love and sacrifice. In a forest lives a fir tree with its brothers. He is magnificent, unlike his brothers. His vanity gets the best of him. Standing tall and proud, looking down on his not so perfect brothers he is noticed by someone out looking for a perfect Christmas tree. His brothers had tried to protect him and are sad he is being chopped down. He is taken home and decorated. He wishes he is back in his forest. One night a young homeless girl comes and looks in the window at the warm fire and notices the tree. This happens night after night. One night so cold and hungry she collapses. When death comes for her the tree is willing to give up his life for hers. This is a beautiful story you will want to read every year to your young ones, and for yourself. ( )

I received an ebook copy of the English translation for review from the author.

In a forest, there grows a tall and vibrant fir tree. It is proud of its deep green and dense needles that “Even the hedgehogs envy”. The little tree’s three brothers, who are either crooked or brown or bald, try to protect it from its own vanity. But the little tree’s desire for admiration -- “Hide my beauty? Nonsense!” -- draws attention that eventually leads to golden balls weighing down its branches, silver tinsel hiding its green needles, and an angel concealing its crowning glory.

Over time, the little tree watches itself turn crooked, brown and bald.

One night a young homeless girl appears outside the house in which the tree now lives. She clears the frost on the window and stares longingly at the home’s warm hearth. The tree looks out longingly at the forest where it once lived with its brothers. They form an unspoken friendship as the girl visits night after night. On the seventh night, tired, cold and hungry, the girl falls to the ground. Death arrives in the form of a raven to claim her, but the little tree negotiates a change in fate.

This is a delightful story to read aloud to younger children and it is accessible to independent readers. Hahnfeld's language is evocative and the the text flows at a good pace. Ukranian artist Anastasia Khmelevska’s illustrations are exceptional and haunting. Her work draws readers into the festive nostalgia of winter landscapes and crackling fires and sparkling tinsel.

Inspired by Hans Christen Andersen, Andrea Hahnfeld’s lovely story is a little bit about vanity, a lot about the heart, and a perfect way to start Christmas celebrations! ( )

A lovely little children's book. The illustrations are what draw me to children's books and I especially loved the artwork in this book. They really complimented the story. ( )

What a beautiful story! I’m not crying, you’re crying! The illustrations are breathtaking and the lesson taught is meaningful. It reminds me in a way of The Giving Tree, which is a classic. My daughter is 3 and I read through the book before reading it with her and I’m glad I did. There are some difficult themes to explain to younger children and the length is a tad long, so I recommend reading it yourself first to decide when it is age appropriate (also to get the tears out first). However, I will definitely read this book with her in a few years and still highly recommend it! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy. ( )

Oh my! What a great story - and beautiful lesson - for all ages to read and enjoy. This book is less than 40 pages, but it seems like it's way longer. The author is very talented and had a way with words with her writing. I would definitely read more from her.

The illustrations are also so beautiful, too. So kudos for that as well. I'd give a 4 out of 5 for this wonderful book. ( )