The Little Christmas Tree

by Thomas Meyer, Philippe Goossens (Illustrator), Marshall Yarbrough (Translator)

Overview

It’s the size of one’s heart that matters most in this heartfelt Christmas story for young readers!

Alex the Christmas tree is teased because he is the smallest fir tree in the tree nursery. He can’t hold as many ornaments, he can’t stand as tall . . . Alex isn’t sure any animal family will want him as their Christmas tree. When the families come to choose their fir tree, Alex isn’t noticed at first. But then Selma, the smallest rabbit of all, discovers him. The rabbit family takes Alex home, and they all celebrate and sing together–even Alex, the littlest Christmas tree with the biggest holiday spirit!

Swiss best-selling author Thomas Meyer tells the story with humor and a big dose of Christmas spirit. Philippe Goossen’s pictures create a warm mood, and his characters win hearts–big and small.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780735845411
Publisher:	NorthSouth Books
Publication date:	10/08/2024
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.46(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.25(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Thomas Meyer was born in Zürich, Switzerland. After studying law for three semesters, he became a copywriter. Since 2007 he has made his living as a writer. In 2012 his highly regarded debut novel appeared. A film adaptation under the title The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch was released in 2018. The Little Christmas Tree is his second children’s book. Thomas Meyer lives in Zürich.

Philippe Goossens was born in Brussels, Belgium, where he still lives today. Since completing his studies at the Institut Saint-Luc, Goossens has worked as a freelance illustrator, and for some time now has focused on books for children and young adults. At NorthSouth he is known above all as the illustrator of the Owl Howl books. The story of the howling owl chick is a NorthSouth classic. About his creative work he says, "When the crayon sets off on its great journey across the paper, the table vanishes, the walls disappear, and unexpected notes come in."

Marshall Yarbrough is a writer, translator, and musician. He has translated works by Ulla Lenze, Norman Ohler, and Wolf Wondratschek, among other authors. He lives in New York City.

Editorial Reviews

05/10/2024

K-Gr 2—Meyer's seasonal tale of a small fir tree, Alex, who is bullied by a larger fir tree, Kurt, as they both prepare to become holiday trees. According to Kurt, Alex's diminutive size means that he will never be a suitable decorated tree. As the holiday approaches, will Kurt be proven right? Meyer's story is a fairly standard, uplifting Christmas-themed tale. It flows well, it trots along at good pace, and there's not much objectionable in the lesson it imparts. However, it's also not especially memorable. The idea that fir trees talk provides the largest dose of fun, but beyond that, it's a pleasant story about overcoming self-doubt with no real surprises in the execution. Similarly, Goossens's charming full-page illustrations show exactly what's going on. Everything is perfectly straightforward; this is upbeat, cheerful, and story-hour friendly. VERDICT Young kids may find the fir trees particularly amusing in this amiable Christmas story.—Kate Stadt

School Library Journal