School Library Journal
Andersen's strange tale of remembrance and regret hardly seems likely holiday fare for children. A small fir tree longs to grow and is never happy with his lot although the wind and the sunbeams tell him to be happy in his youth. Finally, the fir is chopped for a Christmas tree and revels in the celebrations. But in the spring when the brittle tree is hauled down from the attic and put in the bonfire, he realizes too late, ``if only I had been happy when I could.'' Using a variety of watercolor washes, chalk overlays, and fine line, Watts reinforces the storyline, but even her frequent use of yellow and orange cannot warm up this bleak story that suggests to adults that youth is wasted on the young.
From the Publisher
"Elegant"
— Vogue.com
"These two volumes – reprints of Andersen’s classic fairy tales – are published in new hardcover editions featuring illustrations by Finnish illustrator Annukka. Annukka has designed for Marimekko previously, and incorporates Finnish mythological symbols into her distinctive screenprint illustrations."
— Publishers Weekly
FEB/MAR 06 - AudioFile
Paul Kennedy narrates Andersen’s dour fable in an avuncular manner that, despite his real expressiveness, will be hard for adults to take, but the story is too complex and bleak for an audience as young as his manner calls for. He reads with a Canadian accent. The brief story is broken up frequently by the Canadian Brass performing excerpts of Christmas music; the arrangements are often interesting but not necessarily kid-friendly or upbeat, especially the discordant and decidedly minor “What Child Is This?”. When the story’s ending--bitter, sad, regretful, resigned--is followed by “O, Christmas Tree,” it seems ironically cruel. Unfortunately, this program is misconceived for adults and children alike. W.M. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine
