The Fir-Tree

"The Fir Tree" by Hans Christian Andersen, published originally in 1845, follows the life of a young fir tree living in the woods (of all places). Compared to the other trees around him, he feels small, spindly and short, and he constantly utters complaint to any and all woodland creatures within ear shot. Most pointedly, he wonders "when will he truly be alive?" When he sees humans cut down some beautiful trees nearby and then drag them across the snow, he asks the swallows, "Where are they going?" In answer they tell him of all Christmas's splendor and beauty of which those lucky trees will soon be a part. Yet when the time comes for our little fir tree to have his turn, he's taught an unexpected and irreversible lesson.

No one is better suited to adapt this sweet and sorrowful tale than Lilli Carre. Creator of The Tales of Woodland Pete and The Lagoon, her sensibility will graft beautifully over the antiquated yet quirky tale by the great master Hans Christian Andersen.

Lilli Carré is an artist and animator living in Chicago. She has created three books, The Lagoon, Tales of Woodsman Pete, and Nine Ways to Disappear. Her work has appeared on the covers and in the pages of The Best American Comics and Mome.

Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author and poet best remembered for his fairy tales, both original and retold, including the beloved classics "Thumbelina," "The Emperor's New Clothes," "The Fir Tree," "The Steadfast Tin Soldier," "The Princess and the Pea," "The Red Shoes," "The Ugly Duckling," and "The Snow Queen."