The Fir-Tree is a literary fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, about a fir tree so anxious to grow up, so anxious for greater things, that he cannot appreciate living in the moment. It is a melancholy story, warning about the dangers of always expecting greater glory just around the corner, only to be disappointed or to regret the unappreciated instants; only the moment is worthwhile. This is an intensely emotional tale by one of the great masters of storytelling; it is read by Katie Haigh, for the pleasure of children and adults alike.