What does an old locust tree know about growing up? Find out in this heartwarming story about a father and son, and a favorite tree.
A father recalls his favorite tree when he was a boy. How he loved that tree, and spent hours in that tree. And now, as a father to his own kids, he hangs a swing from the old locust. The tree understands how special that is, and shares some wisdom with both father and son.
A special book for dads to enjoy with their kids, 'Me, G, and the Locust Tree' encourages fathers to cherish the precious years of childhood with a bit of wisdom from a tree who has witnessed the cycles of life. Written in the spirit of 'The Giving Tree', with beautiful, colorful illustrations that capture the joy of childhood.
Perfect for children ages 3-10, this is a story to draw families together, about that all-important relationship between fathers and their children, that both parents and kids will cherish for years to come.
Clay Anderson is husband to Karen, and father to two boys and two girls. After reading dozens of great books to his kids, he found himself enchanted by the magic of picture books, and decided it was time to write his own.
Clay's roots are deep in the Chicago suburbs, where his kids are now growing up in the same house where he was raised. He works in IT for a Christian publisher by day, and publishes children's books by night. Clay has worked with children and youth for more than twenty years, including two stints as a youth pastor.
Book review: Me, G, and the Locust Tree by @clayandersonauthor. I was impressed by the quality of this book. Big, sturdy, glossy pages, adorable illustrations. Seriously, the illustrations. The story itself is a relaxing story of simple times and family generations. It was better than I expected. I’m so happy to own a copy of this now. You should get one, too! Thank you @clayandersonauthor for the copy of this book—all opinions are my own.
hey, Mr. Clay ...can you please fix this book ...your other book "All is Bright" was better in that ...it had that "zoom in feature", this book needs that asap please. you see that "zoom in feature" is a must. yes, you can read this book ...the illustrations and text are just big enough ...but the zoom in feature will add to the enjoyment. i am not sure why some books have it ...reading from a kindle FIRE ... through KU ... it truly doesn't matter ...but all kindle books are not equal ...that zoom in feature is a must ... no matter adult or kid book ...it is needed. the illustrations are so cool ...that feature would allow for kids (parents reading, or maybe the child is old enough to read themselves?)
When I was a kid, my grandparents had a beautiful Weeping Willow tree in their front yard. When they died, the house was sold, and the new owners cut down that tree. So I felt an immediate connection to this story. A home, even a tree, can feel like a family member, and it's a touching story for those that can keep them in the family for generations. The illustrations are colorful, but calm and refreshing. They work very well with the story. It's also nice to see a feel good "Dad" story. Simple, sweet with a heartwarming message. An excellent choice for a bedtime story.
A bit nostalgic but a very poetic book - a good reminder to "cherish every moment...while it lasts."
The story is a heartwarming depiction of life and although many fathers play a secondary role in their children's lives they must be the trees providing stability, motivation, and shelter. The comparison between humans and trees regarding the passage of time is not forced but rather a gentle lyrical metaphor. The visuals are adorable and easy-to-follow roadmaps of the story. Recommend.
I received a free copy of the book from the author.
Me, G, and the Locust Tree, by Clay Anderson, tells the story of outside memories being passed to future generations. The beautiful artwork, simple yet meaningful text, and overall book quality make this a pleasant reading experience. Our family appreciated the father's perspective on growing up, outside play, and spending time with your children.
Adorable picture book about a boy and his tree. Sweetly drawn illustrations. Heartfelt story of a father sharing a piece of his childhood with his own son. Great book for father son story time.
Beautiful book that’s perfect for a nighttime tuck in
I really had a great time reading through the pages of this book. The beautiful images are richly illustrated. And I loved the relationship between a father and his son.
Such a sweet book that reminds you childhood is fleeting- enjoy the moments because they don’t last forever. Definitely would recommend... along the lines of The Giving Tree but still very unique in its own manner.
This book touched me. As a kid, I had special places in my yard. One of them was even a tree! There are not enough books like this that scratch that certain itch between father and son (or daughter). Read it now!
What a beautiful story! It so nicely communicates that it is so important to just cherish what you have at this moment. Because, nothing is permanent. Blew my mind away. Amazing book!
Me, G and the Locust Tree is a semi-biographical children’s picture book by US author Clay Anderson. With gorgeous illustrations by Elie Nuryanti, the book has a poignant message about the passage of time and growing up, and the importance of appreciating what you’ve got, while you’ve got it.
Unlike the majority of children’s books, Anderson’s debut is told from an adult’s point of view. A father describes how he spent much of his childhood climbing, role-playing and swinging in his beloved maple tree outside the family home. Sadly, the tree later becomes diseased so they have to chop it down, but when he grows up and starts a family of his own, still living in the same house, his son Garrett (G) now derives similar pleasure from another tree – the locust tree that didn’t get any attention from the father when he was a boy.
Then, in a touching and magical scene, the locust tree and the father have a pretty deep conversation that will tap into parents’ fears of times changing, of their kids not staying small and cute forever, but it does so in a philosophical and ultimately reassuring way – by reminding us of the inevitable cycle of life and how, while Garrett will grow out of his love of playing in the tree, he will always have fond memories of it – “And like the maple, I’ll go back to just being a tree, and that’s OK.”
While children are sure to enjoy this story too, I would say that this book is likely to be most dearly loved by parents due to its powerful message. It is a unique and perfectly crafted picture book and we look forward to reading more by this excellent author.
Me, G, and the Locust Tree, by Clay Anderson, is an illustrated children’s book about life cycles—our life cycles to be specific, and how ordinary things around us, like trees, can come to mean something endearing. This appears to be taken from a true life experience of the author, which to me always lends credibility to the story. The maple tree was his as a child, and now the locust tree belongs to Garrett, his young son. I want to begin this with the artwork. It is clear and color-filled, with plenty of detail for the type of story this is. It’s the type where a child will take time enjoying the pictures, and noticing all the animals and birds, and soccer balls included along with everything else. The tones are soothing and attractive. Elie Nuryanti did an outstanding job. Like Puff The Magic Dragon, Pete’s Dragon or Winnie the Pooh, this story reminds us that children do not stay that way forever, creating a bittersweet experience, but one that reveals a renewed hope—that the next generation is certain to come along and re-experience the beauty and wonder that the previous generation enjoyed. I see this as a soothing bedtime story that will be read over and over by parents and grandparents to young children. Me, G, and the Locust Tree, by Clay Anderson, reaches out to us, helping us to relive our childhoods and reminding us that if we have young ones we care for that time is fleeting, they will not be children forever, so enjoy this moment you have today. Highly recommended.
I really like this book. I have read it with my 3 year old son about a dozen times now. The art work is great. The message which could be the standard, 'appreciate every minutes because they grow up so quick' was more nuanced. As a stay at home Dad and previously a nanny for my two nieces, I have spent the last 10 years with babies or toddlers. It can be incredibly frustrating at times, but also lots of wonderful.
What I don't need is to be told to appreciate every moment. What I do need, and what this book does, is a reminder that what we have now is wonderful and won't always last as it is right now. But we don't want it to. We want kids to grow up to be competent, loving adults. We want there to be times to look back lovingly. But we also want to be encouraged now to know that parenting is a good.
So I think I will probably buy this for a number of parents. Because like a lot of kids books, this is a message for parents more than the kids.
I love this book! So strange i thought I have already sent a review for this book but I guess I was wrong. This is a book worth buying and keeping for all ages.I enjoyed reading it to my ten month old