I am the Tree - by Kelly Bauer (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"It was a beautiful vibration, a hum, the words being whispered by a bumblebee"...

Nature is calling us

...to bring us a message of Harmony, Laughter, Love and Joy

...to bring us back to our roots and connect us with one another

...that the whole Earth might vibrate as one.

Can you hear it? She did.

The writing of this book was inspired by true events. The author, like so many people today, felt anxious and uncertain about the future of humanity, the future of our planet, and her own part in all of it. When she was little, she had such magical dreams for her future and the world in which she lived. How could she get those back?

She sat under a tree, dug her bare toes into the soil, closed her eyes and listened to the words of a bee who brought a message of hope.

Review Quotes

"I Am the Tree may be one of the best picture book reads of 2023 to date. Its extraordinary power reaches adult and child minds on many levels and its reflections promise new interactive experiences, discussions, and life lessons. Any library interested in provocative, wide-ranging messages for all ages will find I Am the Tree absolutely compelling, while parents and individuals will consider it worthy of personal collection keepsake status, to pass down between generations." - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review"Kelly Bauer has crafted a modern fable that feels timeless and classic. Stella Maris' masterful illustrations are as extraordinary as Kelly Bauer's story. Each is a work of art, with details that amaze, delight, and portray an enchanted world and, at the start, vaguely sinister. The presence of light in Maris' illustrations perfectly complements Kelly Bauer's remarkable story. I Am the Tree offers hope, love of self, and the oneness of all life-a message children and adults need to hear more than ever in these troubled times." -Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite"Kelly Bauer has done excellent work with her story I Am the Tree. The whimsical theme is bound to engage the reader till the end. The illustrations are phenomenal. I loved the way that Kelly used concise vocabulary to deliver a clear message to the reader. The language is expressive and powerful, which makes it a perfect read for young children to teach them to acknowledge nature and trees. The necessity of sensitizing our kids about co-existing with nature and building empathy toward the environment is crucial in today's world driven by technology. The story can be a medium to encourage children to spend more time outdoors. It is a definite must-read." -Ananya Hazarika for Readers' Favorite"A beautiful story, I Am The Tree, follows a little girl's journey to find meaning in her life by connecting with nature. The plot exemplifies a compelling message of how humans are fundamentally linked with nature and with each other, something that many of us lack. Upon completing her journey of self-discovery, the little girl understands that love is essential and that we are all united- that we are all one! The story weaves a universal theme of interdependence that will bring comfort to readers of all ages. Amidst high tech and false narratives, I Am The Tree reminds us to appreciate the grandeur and legitimacy of our world. Bauer's low key style offers children an earthy alternative to hand-held devices and clamorous social media. Another strategy I appreciated was keeping the little girl's name anonymous. This gives young readers the opportunity to make a deeper connection to the story by filling in the blank with their own name. Maris's superb illustrations are sweet and tranquil. They capture the magic and serenity of the story. The pictures of the tree particularly appealed to me. -Ellwyn Autumn M.Ed."Do you remember that feeling you got when your life unexpectedly paused because something external- be it a movie, nature trail, experience- seemed to not just speak to you, but SEE you? Kelly Bauer has written a book (a book for all ages disguised as a children's book) that will most likely give you that feeling of awe, wonder, inspiration and belonging. Not only is the story breath-taking, but so are the illustrations. Each word and design within I am the Tree is crafted with intention and purpose. It's a masterpiece."-Rob Gregerson, Owner of Legato Productions