The Little Fir Tree
A small tree wishes to be bigger but learns to appreciate the present.
In a green, peaceful forest stood a little fir tree named Fifi. Fifi was small and skinny with soft green needles and tiny pinecones. Every day, she looked up to the tall trees around her and wished she could grow bigger, taller, and stronger.
"Oh, how I wish I were tall like the mighty oaks and grand pines," Fifi would sigh. "Then everyone would notice me!" But for now, she was just a little tree, barely reaching up to the bushes nearby.
One sunny morning, Fifi’s friend Benny the bluebird flew down to perch on her branch. "Good morning, Fifi!" chirped Benny. "Why do you look so sad today?"
"I want to be big and grand," Fifi replied. "I want to be tall like the other trees. Then I would be important and everyone would admire me."
Benny flapped his wings kindly. "But Fifi, you are special just the way you are. Look at all the little creatures who love you! I build my nest here because your branches are so soft and safe. And the tiny bugs find shelter in your needles."
Fifi thought about Benny’s words. She looked around and saw a small ladybug resting happily on one of her needles. She heard the buzz of bees dancing around her branches and the gentle rustle of leaves that gave shade to little animals.
Days passed, and Fifi began to notice more and more wonderful things about being a little tree. She was just the right size for the forest's small animals and birds. Her pinecones were just perfect for squirrels to carry. And the soft needles made a cozy place for berries to fall around her base.
One afternoon, a gentle breeze whispered through the forest. "Fifi, little tree, do not wish to be bigger," the wind sang. "Your size is just right; you bring joy and light."
Fifi smiled, feeling warm inside. She realized being small wasn’t bad at all. She was useful, loved, and important in her own special way.
From that day on, Fifi didn’t wish to be taller or bigger. Instead, she stretched her branches happily, proud to be the little fir tree she was. And the forest was even more beautiful because of her joyful spirit.