UNKNOWN

Combining poetry and prose, this tale in the fantasy/parable genre features a grandfather and his grandson who journey to a magical glade of talking trees. There they witness a drama reflecting the human tendency to erect barriers rather than bridges of understanding and connection. One tree in particular plays a role in helping them discover the significance of diversity and inclusion in their relationship with the natural world and with others.

A coming-of-age story, it contains elements of Celtic lore in its focus on listening to and learning from the trees. The bond between youth and age portrayed in the characters and animated in their unique woodland encounter will resonate with children and appeal to adults who enjoy reading to their grandchildren. Concern for the environment as a living entity, encouragement of empathy, and celebration of the wonders of creation are central themes.

Born in Vancouver, the author holds degrees from the University of B.C. (B.A.), Dalhousie University (M.A.), Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary (M.A.), and the University of Edinburgh (Ph.D.). She has taught English literature and academic writing in four Canadian and three Japanese universities. In Tokyo she inaugurated courses in Canadian literature and wrote examination material for the Society for Testing English Proficiency.