{Dear Mr. Greenleaf,

 I would like to give you my thoughts on the story, “Under the Crybaby Tree”.  Yes, you are correct.  The message is heavy because the story goes to a place where NO child should have to be. The weight of how to introduce, and explain to our children this changing world we live in is heavy on our hearts. As parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, we need different tools to help us open the lines of communication with our children and “Under the Crybaby Tree” does just that.

 “Under the Crybaby Tree” touches on the subject of decisions and the aftermath of the decision and there’s not just one person who is effected, it’s the entire family.  Pushing through barriers is tough, and publishing a children’s book that examines a family that has been torn apart by bad decisions by a single parent is even tougher.  But, it is an everyday occurrence in our changing world. We steal some of our children’s innocence at a very young age trying to prepare them to be aware, explaining why one family is different than another or why their best friend had to move away because their best friend’s Mom made a terrible decision.  “Under The Crybaby Tree” sends a positive message to the children that live in a household of bad decisions, and that message is, HOPE!

 Our world would be a better world if we all had “Beaver Cleaver” families that only read books without touching on the hurtful side of life. In my eyes, I see a need for someone to step up to the plate and take responsibility for facing the fact that our world, our families and our children are changing and we all need to examine the aspects of the family and our decisions that effect that family. I feel we need both sides of children books, one side that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy and the other side that address issues we hope we never have to face.

 I do appreciate your time,

 Sandra Monroe}

Under the Crybaby Tree

by Sheila Booth-Alberstadt | Illustrated by Sandra Monroe

Life isn’t always fair, especially for children who suffer from their parent’s poor choices. Under the Crybaby Tree tells a story of a Bear named Koya who gets on the wrong path in life and brings two little cubs named Lulu and Kite into her world of self-destruction. As Koya tries to find her way towards a healthier lifestyle, the family comes together to provide comfort to the baby cubs.

Many families across the world will relate to this heart warming story of love and hope. Under the Crybaby Tree delivers a universal message to comfort children who are innocent victims of their parent’s choices and gives the families an invaluable tool in helping explain their circumstances with clarity and tenderness.

Under the Crybaby Tree will encourage children of all ages to make wise choices, in spite of life’s everyday temptations. It will also teach them that with all choices, there are consequences that follow. This story will be a positive reminder to aspire for honorable family values.