This is the story of a Christmas tree that no one wanted because it was not perfectly formed.

As in traditional fairy tales, the little tree and “his” animal friends are endowed with human characteristics. But the efforts of the little tree’s friends to help him look straighter are unsuccessful. 

So the little tree despairs of being taken home by a family in the container where his roots have been protected so that he can be planted in the earth after the holiday season has past.

Then he is discovered by a little girl who is spending Christmas in the mountains with her family. Like the little tree, they are homeless, and a forest is more comforting than the city when you have only a van in which to live.

The uplifting ending of this environmentally and family oriented story resonates with a basic truth:  It is okay to be different.

A reader tells how "The Crooked Little Christmas Tree" has become a part of her family's holiday tradition.

"I just finished reading The Crooked Little Christmas Tree to Spencer and Avery! They loved it. We have made it a Christmas tradition. We turn the lights low, sit in front of the Christmas tree and read and read. That is my favorite tradition with my grandchildren."

From Gene Miller
Pecan Creek Ranch
Llano, Texas