In a sunny forest, there was a very tall and proud fir tree. It stood above all the other plants, stretching its branches high into the sky. The fir tree loved to brag. “Look at me!” it said one day to a small bramble bush below. “I’m the biggest and strongest tree in the whole forest. No one can match my height and strength!”

The bramble, with its tiny leaves and low branches, gently replied, “That may be true, Fir. You are tall and strong. But because you are so big, people will cut you down to use your wood. I may be small and not very impressive, but no one bothers me. I am safe here, close to the ground.”

The fir tree paused and thought about what the little bramble had said. It suddenly understood that being big and strong wasn’t always the best. Being safe and unnoticed was sometimes a better choice.

Moral:

It’s better to be safe than to be proud.

Additional Lessons:

• Humility: The fir tree learns the importance of being humble rather than boasting about its height and strength.
• Wisdom: The bramble’s wise perspective teaches the fir tree that safety and modesty can be more valuable than pride.

Parenting Tip: Teach your child the value of humility and safety through this story. Discuss how being modest and thoughtful can sometimes be better than chasing admiration or recognition.

Fun Questions for Curious Kids

• Why do you think the fir tree was proud of its height?
• What did the bramble mean when it said it was safe close to the ground?
• Would you rather be tall like the fir tree or small like the bramble? Why?
• Can you think of a time when staying unnoticed helped you avoid trouble?
• Why do people cut down trees like firs? How can we protect trees?
• If you could talk to a plant, what kind of plant would you choose?

Activity Idea

Forest Exploration
Go on a nature walk to find tall trees and small plants. Talk about their differences, how they grow, and why every plant has its unique role in nature. You could also collect leaves and twigs to make a forest collage!

Did You Know? Fun Tree and Plant Facts

1. Fir trees are evergreen, meaning they stay green all year long, even in winter.
2. Fir wood is commonly used to make furniture and build homes because it’s sturdy.
3. Bramble bushes produce delicious fruits like blackberries.
4. Some bramble bushes have thorns to protect themselves from being eaten by animals.
5. Trees like the fir can grow to be over 200 feet tall—that’s as high as a 20-story building!
6. Small plants like brambles are essential for the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for birds and insects.
7. The roots of plants, whether big or small, help prevent soil erosion and keep the ground stable.
8. Fir trees are often used as Christmas trees because of their lovely scent and strong branches.
9. Bramble bushes can grow in almost any kind of soil, making them very hardy plants.
10. Some trees can live for thousands of years—like the Methuselah Tree, which is over 4,800 years old!

Download Free Coloring Pages Related To This Story

Bring the story to life with coloring pages designed to spark creativity and make story time even more fun. Coloring helps kids express their creativity, improve focus, and reinforce the story’s themes in a fun, engaging way. After reading together, let them bring the story to life with colors!

Click on any of the free coloring pages below to download or print it!