Book Description
Fun fables from the forest for readers 4 - 8. Author C.D. Baker invites children to discover five virtues of a happy life through stories told by trees. The power of gratitude, humility, selflessness, kindness, and forgiveness are revealed in memorable tales that children are sure to love...and to remember.
Seedlings
The above illustration is from C D Baker's dedication page and reads:
To Davy and Will; once Seedlings, now Trees.
Friday 56
"No, Pop Pop, we can save him... I know it." She hugged Garden beech's wide trunk.
Favorite Story Line
"Did you know that trees speak to each other when the wind moves through their branches?
Blue Spruce
"I know that I am beautiful," said Blue Spruce to Douglas one morning. "But I think I need something more."
Review
An excellent interactive book for young readers, families and teachers. These beautiful short stories convey a special moral, typically with trees as characters. Thankfulness, forgiveness, humility, helpfulness and kindness are major themes brilliantly woven in story form and enhanced for the visual learner through splendid illustrations. I especially like to ask the questions the author has posted after every chapter, plus there's a page for drawing Christmas trees, or anything you'd like.
Blue Spruce is a favorite with our grandchildren, a widespread coniferous tree that has a distinctive conical shape with hanging cones but is so unsatisfied. Next, we learn about a maple tree with silver leaves underneath and a large Norway maple shade tree who can't grow well next to selfish Shady Maple. Then, a fast growing tree named Poplar sees that Mulberry, a small deciduous tree can't keep up but together face a strong lightning and thunder storm. Towards the end we read about the dialogue between a wise mighty Grandfather Oak and lazy Slope-Oak tree that may grow into something very large or impressive. Lastly, a heart-warming garden transformation through time, with much pruning, a vision of hope and love fulfilled. I love the author's writing style of talking trees and I can picture them in my own backyard. This is a superb legacy to share with all of our grandchildren.
Get this one, it doesn't disappoint. You will be blessed and I long for the story to be a movie one day!
5/5 stars. Highly recommend this one for home, school and church libraries to my friends.
About the Author
C. David Baker writes full-time from his small farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania where he and his wife raise livestock with an interest in natural and humane methods. The father of two sons, he has written seven historical novels and two books of Christian reflection, which have been variously published in the U.S., U.K., Ukraine, and Germany. 'Seedlings' is his first children's book. Baker has a Master's degree in theology from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. More information is available at, www.cdbaker.comAuthor Interview
I was delighted to catch up with C.David Baker upon his return trip abroad. He agreed to answering a few questions in my interview with him... just for you dear readers. Hold on to your hats. You'll indeed be blessed to hear from the author of Seedlings.
Tell us a bit about your book and where it’s available.
Seedlings is a short collection of fables about the lives of young trees who learn timeless virtues for a happy life. Not a religious book, it nevertheless ends each of five stories with a brief excerpt from the wisdom of the Bible. Each story also offers a few discussion questions that will help the young reader apply the story to her own life. Color illustrated, large print; recommended for children 4 - 8.
It is available in paperback and Kindle editions on amazon.com
What was the inspiration for your book?
I was walking with my 3 year-old niece who was frightened by the roar of leaves above us as a storm approached. I told her not to be afraid because that's just how trees talk. She seemed to be comforted by that and so we walked back to the house with me telling her stories of talking trees. I was struck by how important the stories became to her. I then spotted my two young sons and realized that I had directed all of my writing to adults, ignoring the children in my world. So I decided I'd write a couple of books that could mean something in their lives. Seedlings is one of those books.
What was your aim for this book? What did you want readers to think and feel when reading it?
I wanted children to be encouraged toward those timeless virtues that could make their lives happier and healthier. To do that, I wanted to present them with memorable characters in imaginative circumstances. I'm hoping this simple book will become a shared experience for parents and children, one that will they think of fondly over the years ahead...like I do about my mother and The Little Red Caboose.
Do you have any other books currently available?
This is the only children's book that I've released. I have another pending illustration. However, I have published seven novels for adults and two books of spiritual reflection. You can find them at my website: www.cdbaker.com
What will you be working on next?
I presently researching a historical novel for adults set in 17th century Ireland. Pirates, scallywags, a beautiful Irish siren and a foolish boy all lead the reader to consider what a truly meaningful life looks like.
How did you originally get into writing?
I think it was fourth grade when I wrote a comic strip for the elementary school newspaper. It was quite a kick to get shoved into my locker with demands to know what would happen next. :)
Otherwise, I've always been writing something, though my family had to eat so I strayed for some time as a started a business.
What do you enjoy most about being a writer?
I have no idea. Not negative reviews though.
Actually, I suppose it's that sense of congruency when you 'feel' like you're doing exactly what you were made to do.
What do you find hardest about being a writer?
Finding an audience. Your friends and family will always tell you that you are the best writer since Dickens, but its the broad audience that will ultimately reveal the truth. So finding an audience that either affirms or condemns the work is important...and they are just so hard to find!
Who or what would you count as your main influence?
Hmm. I suppose encounters with my own shortcomings have influenced my writing the most. I find there is a great deal to learn about life once you're willing to drop the pretense. Though I do not consider myself a religious person, I do find it easier to do that as I reflect more deeply on God's love.
What do you enjoy reading?
I actually spend a great deal of time reading non-fiction. My novels are typically historical fiction, so I'm buried in research. But I enjoy books on spirituality, cosmology, and the nature of life. I confess that I struggle to read fiction because I too often find myself studying the author's technique instead of enjoying her work! 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, 'Master and Commander,' and 'Drums Along the Mohawk' remain among my favorites.
Who is your favorite author?
J.R.R. Tolkien
What would be your ideal writer’s haven for creating your book? Would you have a desk in a quiet cabin somewhere or an iPad on the beach?
Oh, quiet cabin!
Actually, I'm fortunate to have a terrific little studio overlooking my horse pastures and within a five minute walk from my beloved creek. I've a big rock at the edge of the water where it rushes past. That's where ideas come to me.
Seedlings is a short collection of fables about the lives of young trees who learn timeless virtues for a happy life. Not a religious book, it nevertheless ends each of five stories with a brief excerpt from the wisdom of the Bible. Each story also offers a few discussion questions that will help the young reader apply the story to her own life. Color illustrated, large print; recommended for children 4 - 8.
It is available in paperback and Kindle editions on amazon.com
What was the inspiration for your book?
I was walking with my 3 year-old niece who was frightened by the roar of leaves above us as a storm approached. I told her not to be afraid because that's just how trees talk. She seemed to be comforted by that and so we walked back to the house with me telling her stories of talking trees. I was struck by how important the stories became to her. I then spotted my two young sons and realized that I had directed all of my writing to adults, ignoring the children in my world. So I decided I'd write a couple of books that could mean something in their lives. Seedlings is one of those books.
What was your aim for this book? What did you want readers to think and feel when reading it?
I wanted children to be encouraged toward those timeless virtues that could make their lives happier and healthier. To do that, I wanted to present them with memorable characters in imaginative circumstances. I'm hoping this simple book will become a shared experience for parents and children, one that will they think of fondly over the years ahead...like I do about my mother and The Little Red Caboose.
Do you have any other books currently available?
This is the only children's book that I've released. I have another pending illustration. However, I have published seven novels for adults and two books of spiritual reflection. You can find them at my website: www.cdbaker.com
What will you be working on next?
I presently researching a historical novel for adults set in 17th century Ireland. Pirates, scallywags, a beautiful Irish siren and a foolish boy all lead the reader to consider what a truly meaningful life looks like.
How did you originally get into writing?
I think it was fourth grade when I wrote a comic strip for the elementary school newspaper. It was quite a kick to get shoved into my locker with demands to know what would happen next. :)
Otherwise, I've always been writing something, though my family had to eat so I strayed for some time as a started a business.
What do you enjoy most about being a writer?
I have no idea. Not negative reviews though.
Actually, I suppose it's that sense of congruency when you 'feel' like you're doing exactly what you were made to do.
What do you find hardest about being a writer?
Finding an audience. Your friends and family will always tell you that you are the best writer since Dickens, but its the broad audience that will ultimately reveal the truth. So finding an audience that either affirms or condemns the work is important...and they are just so hard to find!
Who or what would you count as your main influence?
Hmm. I suppose encounters with my own shortcomings have influenced my writing the most. I find there is a great deal to learn about life once you're willing to drop the pretense. Though I do not consider myself a religious person, I do find it easier to do that as I reflect more deeply on God's love.
What do you enjoy reading?
I actually spend a great deal of time reading non-fiction. My novels are typically historical fiction, so I'm buried in research. But I enjoy books on spirituality, cosmology, and the nature of life. I confess that I struggle to read fiction because I too often find myself studying the author's technique instead of enjoying her work! 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, 'Master and Commander,' and 'Drums Along the Mohawk' remain among my favorites.
Who is your favorite author?
J.R.R. Tolkien
What would be your ideal writer’s haven for creating your book? Would you have a desk in a quiet cabin somewhere or an iPad on the beach?
Oh, quiet cabin!
Actually, I'm fortunate to have a terrific little studio overlooking my horse pastures and within a five minute walk from my beloved creek. I've a big rock at the edge of the water where it rushes past. That's where ideas come to me.
and future endeavors.
“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
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