The First Christmas Tree Helen Haidle and Raluca Burca
The First Christmas Tree - Helen Haidle and Raluca Burca
PREORDER

Little Fir Tree believes he has nothing to offer The Promised One, but he is wrong—and is rewarded with a cascade of glittering stars.

The First Christmas Tree by Helen Haidle and Raluca Burca
All creation gathered to honor the Newborn King. The greatest story ever told, through the eyes of the smallest tree.

The First Christmas Tree

A Legend from Long Ago

An angel called out, “Stars of Heaven!
Come down and light up the branches
of the littlest fir tree!” 

Word spreads among the animals and the trees that The Promised One is to be born, and everyone gathers only the finest gifts in tribute. Yet what can Little Fir Tree’s empty branches possibly offer that would be worthy of God’s Son? Plenty, it turns out, and an angel rewards Little Fir’s kind heart with a cascade of glittering stars. Behold, the first Christmas tree.

The Little Drummer Boy meets Christmas’ Most Recognizable Symbol. The First Christmas Tree is a heartwarming story that bridges traditional Christian values with universal Christmas appeal—all gorgeously illustrated in a package that has the feel of a new classic. 

Categories: picture book, Christian book, gift book
THEMES: Christmas; nativity; Christmas tree; social emotional learning; selfless giving; tradition; values; religious; fir tree;

Publishing date: October 13th 2026
ISBN:9781958325582 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 9781958325698 (E-book)
Hardback: $18.99 US
Length: 32 pages
Size: 11 x 9 inches
Ages: 3-8 
Grade: K-Gr2

AUTHOR: Helen Haidle
ILLUSTRATOR: Raluca Burca

SELLING POINTS

  1. The Little Drummer Boy meets Christmas’ Most Recognizable Symbol. The First Christmas Tree is a heartwarming story that bridges traditional Christian values with universal Christmas appeal—all gorgeously illustrated in a package that has the feel of a new classic. 
  2. Tie-ins to Christmas and winter holiday season
  3. A story of family traditions and love of learning
  4. Christian values, and joy
  5. Backmatter explains  symbols and meanings of Christmas decorations and colors
  6. Award-winning author with multiple Christian books
  7. Gorgeous hand-painted watercolor and gouache illustrations 

Available at your favorite bookstores or online retailers. For WHOLESALE please order through your Hachette account. Also available at any other library or other distributors, like Brodart, Folette, or Ingram, etc. 

About the Authors

Helen Haidle Author
Helen Haidle Author

Helen Haidle Helen Haidle is an award-winning author of more than 50 children’s books, including What Would Jesus Do?, The Candymaker’s Gift, and God’s Amazing Creatures and Me. She is the recipient of two C.S. Lewis Silver Medals and three CBA Silver Medallion Awards. Helen lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, David

Raluca burca Illustrator

Raluca Burca is an illustrator and lover of children’s stories. She studied visual arts in Romania, with a study period in Poland through the Erasmus program. In 2024, at the invitation of the Ministry of Culture, Raluca represented Romania at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

Based in Bucharest, Romania, Raluca runs an online shop featuring art prints and other creative pieces. Visit her on instagram @raluca.burca

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