Miracle of Little Tree : The 9/11 Survivor Tree's Incredible Story

Little Tree is happily growing near the Twin Towers in New York City on the morning of September 11, 2001. Suddenly a terrorist attack changes him and the world, forever. Finding himself burnt, broken, and alone under tons of debris, he can do nothing to help himself. Yet he finds inner strength through his personal mantra to be "brave, strong, and calm."

After nearly a month hidden from sight, Little Tree is miraculously discovered to be alive. Rescued as the last living thing removed from the devastation at Ground Zero, he now faces fear of the future. Preparing himself for the unknown, Little Tree again finds courage in his words to be "brave, strong, and calm." Strangers become his friends, nurturing him back to health. With scars on his trunk, missing limbs, and a changed appearance, Little Tree strives to thrive. Unexpectedly returned to his home site, he becomes renowned as the 9/11 Survivor Tree, a symbol of perseverance, hope, and healing.

Pain, sorrow, and loss affect us all, including the young. Those challenges can overcome us, or we can empower ourselves to persevere through them. Miracle of Little Tree tenderly shares with the young, how through personal determination, combined with loving support, outcomes can be surprising and even incredibly inspiring!

Linda S. Foster always knew her life's work would be centered around children. With a B.S. and M.Ed. degrees in elementary education with supervision certification, she spent her career focused on helping students, teachers, and parents turn struggles into successes. Upon retirement, she moved to New York City to be "granny nanny" for her first grandchild where she became acutely aware that children's questions about 9/11 needed tender answers. With Alicia Young's inspiring illustrations, Linda hopes Little Tree's story will be a tribute to all lost and hurt on 9/11, as well as a sensitive source of empowerment to all persevering through loss and challenges.

Raised in a very artistic home, Alicia Young was surrounded by constant creativity. She received her BFA degree in Painting from Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts in Connecticut in 2009. Since then, Alicia has enjoyed illustrating children's books, painting murals, and sharing the joy of art everywhere she goes. Alicia was blessed to work on the illustrations for this special book, and she prays that it will bring encouragement to all who read it. God can help us overcome even the most difficult trials!