To Be A Christmas Tree

Award-Winning Children's Book from the publisher who brought you The Invisible String...

To some, finding a Christmas tree is a boring chore or an old habit that comes once a year. To others, it’s a magical adventure. But to each “tree” it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment, their destiny–to bring joy and enchantment to families and kids of all ages.

To Be A Christmas Tree is a new holiday children’s book that follows the heartfelt journey of a tree from his youthful years to his crowning moment–to be a Christmas tree–the centerpiece in a family’s home. But it doesn’t happen so easily.

In this beautifully illustrated story, readers will watch this special tree grow as he copes with rejection, separation from a loved one, illness, sadness, and the frustration of watching other trees get happily snatched and taken away year after year. Leigh Marino’s artful storytelling skills lead children through these hardships in a way that will help them to cope with grief & loss and the setbacks of life, all within a heartwarming holiday message.

So . . . how does this tree keep his hope alive? It happens one day when a small and furry new friend comes along and offers a scent of encouragement, inspiration and support – a true friend who knows when to hold a hand, and when to let go.

As you keep your Christmas tree dream alive,
It will give you the strength you need to survive.
We are born and we grow to fulfill our destiny.
It’s an honor to be a Christmas tree!

Silver Winner of the 2025 COVR Visionary Award for Children's Books