Terrance McPhee and the Toy Eating Tree

Terrance McPhee and the Toy Eating Tree is a whimsically heartfelt picture book that turns a real childhood moment into a poetic, read-aloud adventure. When Terrance’s beloved paper airplane gets eaten—yes, eaten!—by the tallest tree in the neighborhood, he and his colorful crew of friends must get creative to get it back.

Told in lyrical rhyme and bursting with playful energy, this story encourages children to:

• Try their best and never give up
• Ask for help when they need it
• Play, rest, and trust the process
• Discover gratitude in life’s unexpected moments

With vibrant, motion-filled illustrations and a lovable cast of characters, Terrance McPhee brings to life the timeless experience of childhood problem-solving—with a twist of imagination, a touch of magic, and just the right amount of mischief.

The Story Behind the Story
Inspired by a real toy-in-a-tree incident from many years ago, this book began as a poem written by author Kathleen Kichline for her grandchildren. What started as a shared family memory blossomed into a full-fledged children’s book through her first collaboration with artist Scott Ward, who brought the story to life with expressive illustrations based on her grandson’s early sketches.

About the Author
This is Kathleen MacInnis Kichline’s debut children’s book. A lifelong writer and teacher, she is best known for her books and studies on women in Scripture, where she brings curiosity and compassion to their sacred stories. Holding a Master of Divinity from Seattle University, Kathleen has spent her career exploring the inner lives of women, leading retreats, and writing with soulful insight.

Now, with Terrance McPhee and the Toy Eating Tree, she brings her storytelling to a new generation—offering laughter, love, and wisdom in every rhyme.

About the Illustrator

Scott Ward is a Pacific Northwest artist celebrated for his expressive, color-rich style and imaginative visual storytelling. Known for his work in both fine art and children’s books, Scott brings warmth, whimsy, and depth to every page. Terrance McPhee and the Toy Eating Tree marks his first collaboration with author Kathleen Kichline—a joyful creative partnership that transformed a personal poem into a world alive with energy, character, and color.

Kathleen MacInnis Kichline is a lifelong writer and teacher who has spent decades exploring the sacred stories of women in scripture. With a Master of Divinity from Seattle University, she has written numerous books and studies defining a theology that continues to inspire deep reflection and conversation. Her debut children's book, Terrance McPhee and the Toy Eating Tree, is based on a treasured moment with her now-grown grandchildren. Originally penned as a poem, the story has blossomed into a whimsical picture book celebrating imagination, teamwork, and the joy of trying your best. Kathleen lives in Northwest Arkansas with her husband, Brian. Whether writing for adult readers of faith or young ones full of curiosity, she brings a voice of warmth, wisdom, and wonder to everything she creates.

Scott Ward is a Pacific Northwest artist celebrated for his expressive, color-rich style and imaginative visual storytelling. Known for his work in both fine art and children's books, Scott brings warmth, whimsy, and depth to every page. Terrance McPhee and the Toy Eating Tree marks his first collaboration with author Kathleen MacInnis Kichline, a joyful creative partnership that transformed a personal poem into a world alive with energy, character, and color.