The Giving Back Tree

 

The Giving Back Tree

by Tarky Lee

 

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GENRE: Children's (and all ages)

 

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BLURB:

 

The Giving Back Tree is an original take on the classic tale of a tree who gave everything. Love is a healing force in this tender and magical story that reminds us the end is also a new beginning. We CAN grow back.

 

 

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EXCERPT

 

A Word With the Author

1.Did you always want to be an author?

 

Being raised by a writer, I wondered if I would someday want to write a book myself. I wasn’t sure, but at the same time, writing many pages of journals, poetry and little note cards of ideas scattered around my house. Around the age of 30, I felt I had learned how to tell better stories and knew that I would be a writer of many books. I am starting now and look forward to seeing which books are born. 

 

2.Tell us about the publication of your first book.

 

The Giving Back Tree is such a beautiful heart project that was born after reading Shel Silverstein’s original book The Giving Tree to a kiddo before bed one night. She broke into tears and was so sad for what had been done to the tree. I felt I had inadvertently introduced some harsh life lessons. So we sat there together and I said, “Life keeps going, so what is the story of the stump? Maybe that’s not the end of her story.” We sat there and imagined a little girl finding her and caring for her in all the ways she needed and finding the courage to grow back. A year and a half later and The Giving Back Tree is here. I am so excited to be sharing it with the world and connecting a new generation of children to expanded lessons on giving and loving. We CAN grow back. 

 

3.Besides yourself, who is your favorite author in the genre you write in?

 

I really loved reading In My Heart by Jo Witek (Author), Christine Roussey (illustrator). The lessons are so simple that a heart can feel in so many different ways. I always felt it helped the kids I  worked with process their day in a more holistic way. 

 

4.What's the best part of being an author? The worst?

 

Best part is knowing you CAN tell a story well. The worst is doubting if you are worth telling it. If you’re smart, you’ll ignore the worst part as often as you can and tell your stories anyways.  

 

5.What are you working on now?

 

Now I am working on a few different stories and will have a tough time choosing. The lead idea  for my second book is about laughing at things we are afraid of. I learned making kids laugh before bed is a great way to end a day. I want to be part of that. 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

LINKS:

 

To purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Giving-Back-Tree-Tarky-Lee-ebook/dp/B0BQRD8GCK/ 

 

To purchase on Barnes & Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-giving-back-tree-tarky-lee/1142866984

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

Tarky Lee is an Oakland, California based queer artist, writer, activist, and professional child care provider. She believes the stories we tell ourselves and others have the power to reshape our lives and heal our hearts. This is her first illustrated publication. She looks forward to sharing many more of her books, ideas, and art with the world. 

 

Tarky is a name given to the author by a powerful spirit she nannied named Alaska. Lee is the author's middle name. The pen name Tarky Lee is a dedication to the child that lives in us all. 

 

To follow this and other works @TarkyLee or email TarkyLeeBooks@gmail.com

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TarkyLee/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tarky-Lee/author/B0BR2VMWT9

 

 

 

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

Tarky Lee will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway