Kenzie's Little Tree

  • Illustrated By: Emilie Leduc
  • Pages:32
  • Publisher:Orca Book Publishers
  • Themes:chronic illness, family support, sick mother, picture book, health challenges
  •  
  • Available:03/11/2025
  • Lexile:590L
  • Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient:N
Hardcover
9781459837911
$21.95
EPUB
9781459837935 LICENSE OPTIONS
$17.99

When Kenzie picks out a small tree for her family's backyard, she promises to take care of it.

It seems delicate, just like her mom, who doesn't always feel well. As the seasons change, her mom's health has ups and downs, and the tree sways in the wind and weather. Sometimes her mom is too tired to play, and they just cuddle. Other times, she has to go to the hospital. During the winter, she's away for many days. When a snowstorm hits, Kenzie frantically tries to keep the tree warm. And she worries: Has she broken her promise? But no matter the challenges, come springtime, the tree is still there, blossoming and strong—just like her mom, and just like Kenzie.

"Tender and poignant, Kenzie’s Little Tree considers the emotional impact of chronic illness on a family from the perspective of a young child. A sweet story that gently underscores the importance of hope, patience, self-care and the healing power of love.”

– Deborah Kerbel, author of No Huddles for Heloise

"In Kenzie’s Little Tree Alison McGauley gracefully and lyrically explores the impact a parent's chronic illness can have on a child. Kenzie is faced with forces that are much bigger than she is, but her loving resilience carries the day. Emilie Leduc’s illustrations bring the story to life with a stylized softness that will comfort the reader. Seasons come and seasons go, but McGauley assures us that spring’s blossoms most always follow winter’s chill.”

– Andrew Larsen, author of Jungle Cat and the Sally’s Puppy Adventures series

"Charming pastel illustrations complement the lyrical text. Together they work to foster resilience and hope in the face of chronic illness, through the metaphor of passing seasons and the natural world.”

– Jennifer Harris, professor and author of She Stitched the Stars

"Kenzie’s Little Tree made me smile, laugh and cry. I'm in awe of Alison McGauley’s stunning words and Emilie Leduc’s breathtaking illustrations. I can’t recommend this beautiful book enough.”

– Hasan Namir, author of Banana Dream

"A beautiful story about family, connection, making memories and strength amid chronic illness and pain. Kenzie and her family celebrate each season and each other. Mom has health struggles, but just like Kenzie’s little tree, Mom is strong. Readers will feel comforted by the lovely illustrations, the lyrical writing, and the warmth and resilience of Kenzie and her family.”

– Jolene Gutierrez, teacher, librarian and author of Mamiachi and Me

"Kenzie’s Little Tree, by Alison McGauley, Orca Book Publishers, is an insightful story about a child’s worry for an ill parent. Alison has found a genuine and gentle way of speaking to children with parallel themes of nurturing and hope. This story will bring comfort to any child who has this burden to carry.”

– Loretta Garbutt, author of A Stopwatch from Grampa

"This sweet, charming text draws a parallel between caring for a new tree as the seasons change and dealing with a loved one’s chronic illness. This use of metaphor illustrates how a family can draw on its own strong roots and face challenges together. An excellent pick for families navigating health issues.”

– Anna Lazowski, author of T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes

"For Kenzie, Mom’s chronic illness is part of normal family life—but only part of it. Kenzie is worried and afraid, but she works through those big feelings. Kenzie’s Little Tree shows that is normal, too. Alison McGauley’s sweet, honest story helps families living with chronic illness understand and accept the range of emotions they feel, from fear and guilt to peace and joy. As the mother of a child with complex medical needs, I would have read this book to her siblings when they were growing up.”

– Heather M. O’Connor, author of Fast Friends

"Alison McGauley does a phenomenal job of personifying the experience of motherhood with chronic illness in Kenzie’s Little Tree, while explaining things gently to children to help show what it’s like to grow up in a family where a parent deals with unpredictable health. The illustrations and play on words will move you and bring you through the highs and lows and seasons of being a family where health is uncertain on any given day. As a woman with Crohn’s disease and a mom of three, I was moved to tears by this book in the best way. It can be a challenge to know how to explain complicated chronic health issues to children; this story paves the way for deeper conversations and understanding, while reminding children that regardless of whether a parent or caregiver is unwell, their love is a constant that they can count on.”

– Natalie Hayden, blogger and IBD advocate

"There are few stories created for children of a parent who live with a chronic illness. Kenzie’s Little Tree helps kids make sense of their world, which often looks different than that of their friends. Parenting while living with a chronic illness brings specific challenges, but it is also beautiful and full of unexpected gifts for a family. The lively illustrations taking Kenzie and her family through a year of seasons is coupled with a story of resilience and hope that I know will become a comfort and a treasure for the children who see themselves depicted in the story.”

– Amber Tresca, medical writer, journalist, and IBD patient advocate

“This poetic picture book is a love letter to all families who manage chronic illness on a regular basis. A heartfelt book that will resonate with families familiar with the struggles that come with chronic illness.”

– School Library Journal (SLJ)

Download the Kenzie's Little Tree Family Discussion Guide.

Download the Kenzie's Little Tree Teacher Guide.

Download the Kenzie's Little Tree Coloring Sheet.