The Little Christmas Tree

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.