We’ve been huge fans of Margaret Wise Brown from day one. (Which means, before I even had children! As a child myself!)
Her poetic writing can be the simplest of the simple for little ears (such as in Goodnight Moon)….but can expand into rich, detailed stories for preschool and elementary-aged children.
The Little Fir Tree is a much treasured story by Brown. It is a holiday tale that encompasses everything that is best about the season, including diligence, hope, and promises kept.
A little fir tree stands alone, rooted far away from the dense, coveted forests nearby. He longs to be a part of something special….a part of someone, somehow.
A little boy’s father helps make that dream a reality. The little tree begins to get a glimpse into a loving family with a tragic story. Year after year, the tree is allowed to share in the season of Christmas with this same family. Yet one year, something’s not the same. The little fir tree is about to behold a miracle!
My children really enjoy hearing this warming tale, the gorgeous illustrations by artist Jim LaMarche capturing their attentions just as strongly. This is a book any family should read together during the holidays. The questions and discussions that will follow will be priceless.
You can purchase The Little Fir Tree directly from HarperCollins for $15.99, or look for it wherever your favorite children’s books are sold.
Win it! HarperCollins is offering a copy of The Little Fir Tree to one of you! To enter to win, just comment below with your favorite aspect or part of the Christmas holidays. I’ll close the contest next Thursday, November 19th, when I’ll announce all of the winners of the Muse Reviews’ Cozy Christmas Reads event. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!
CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.
Staci A (2 years ago)
I love that during the holidays we get to spend more time together as a family. One of my favorite things is going to pick out a tree together!
Amber (2 years ago)
It’s so hard to pick just one thing – I love it all! I guess it would be a tie between the lights and the music.
Katrina (2 years ago)
I love decorating for the holidays….makes everything seem happier.
julie L (2 years ago)
To me, it has always been a magical time of the year. We like to make sugar cookies and decorate them.
I am a big fan of Margaret’s books
amanda thompson (2 years ago)
my facorite part of the holidays is getting together with family that u havent seen since last year!
Melissa L (2 years ago)
During the holidays i love the coziness that i feel within the house with all the decorations, cooking, and family time.
Melissa (2 years ago)
A tradition that we started with our kids is the “Best Decorated House.” We pick a night to ride around and then pick out 2-3 houses that are beautifully decorated. The kids have the final say. Then we knock on the door and give them a candy cane and printed certificate. The kids look forward to this each year and it’s great seeing the smile on the pepople’s faces that we pick!
Jana (2 years ago)
Oh I agree with another comment that it is so hard to choose just one aspect. I love celebrating our Saviors birth, I love how people are full of joy, I love Christmas music, I love gathering with family and the smells of Christmas just to name a few.
Birdie S. (2 years ago)
I love the smell of our newly cut Fir tree througout the house……it signals all my senses “tis the holidays” !!!!!!
Elsie (2 years ago)
My favorite part of Christmas is going with my family… to a nearby church to view the awesome display of Nativity creches on display, each belongs to someone in the community, loaned to the annual event…such beauty, and a joyous tradition for us
Kristie (2 years ago)
We haven’t made it the last couple years, but I have always enjoyed the Candlelight Service at our church-especially at the end when everyone has their candle lit, the lights are dimmed and we sing Silent Night-it’s beautiful!
Jaimie K (2 years ago)
I love that there’s just a happy, more loving, more giving feeling in everyone.
karen pepin (2 years ago)
I love driving around and looking at all the lights with my kids!
Jessica (2 years ago)
I love the holidays and the warm clothes you get to wear. My fav thing about this holiday season is that I have a baby now! How special that he gets to have Christmas for the first time. I LOVE reading books to him and would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have this
Thank you!
Deb K (2 years ago)
I love getting together with all of my grandchildren~Brings such joy to me!
Jaime P (2 years ago)
Favorite part of the holidays is getting the family together
Honey Mommy (2 years ago)
We love spending time with family that we don’t get to see very often. We drive to Tucson and have a great time with the Grandparents!
Desi (2 years ago)
My favorite part of Christmas is celebrating it’s true meaning and being with my family.
jacque (2 years ago)
I would say getting together with family and hanging out in the kitchen with my mom and sisters. Thanks!
Lindley A (2 years ago)
Our favorite part is the annual family cookie decorating contest- thanks!
Candace (2 years ago)
My favorite part of the holidays is taking my children out to see the Christmas lights.
TRACY HEYER (2 years ago)
Being with family and knowing that we have been blessed.
Janelle (2 years ago)
Frosting the Christmas cookies. We make some every year and the kids enjoy the tradition. I also love the Christmas Eve services at our church.
Winning Readings (2 years ago)
Christ is the best part! Singing “happy birthday, Jesus” and we want to do a Jesse tree this year.
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
Posted about this at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2009/11/little-fir-tree.html
Wendy (2 years ago)
My favorite aspect of Christmas is sitting in my living room with just the tree lights on, and curled up with a wonderful book.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net
Pamela S (2 years ago)
My favorite part of the holidays is just spending time with family we don’t get to see on a regular basis. It’s so fun to get together to share a meal, open a few gifts, and laugh about old times. THanks.
Patti Bright (2 years ago)
I love all the magic in the air during the holiday season…it just seems like everyone is nicer & hopeful
plb8156@aol.com
Melissa Nunley (2 years ago)
I enjoy the holidays because it’s really the only time of the year that me and my husand can see family – this year it’ll be a year and two months since we’ve saw them!
Katherine C. (2 years ago)
I love singing Christmas Carols!
Daniel M (2 years ago)
the big family dinner
Laureen (2 years ago)
My favorite part of Christmas is the thrill my children have in putting up the tree as a family and the memories that different ornaments evoke. Thanks!
Marie (2 years ago)
Baking! I love Christmas/holiday baking
Lysa Thornton (2 years ago)
Oh my…not sure I have a favorite! Baking cookies, picking out our tree, reading or playing games around the tree with fire in fireplace. It’s a lovely time!
melissa (2 years ago)
I love decorating the tree, we turn on Johnny mathis and go to it
Heather (2 years ago)
Spending time with my family.
lorene (2 years ago)
That my parents come in from another state
lace (2 years ago)
My favorite part of Christmas is being with family.
Naddez (2 years ago)
I love the Christmas decorations.
valerie2350 (2 years ago)
love all the family gatherings
Janet (2 years ago)
I love the family being together and the memories of Christmas past.
Nancye Davis (2 years ago)
I love going to the Christmas Eve services at my church.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net