Rooted: A Young Tree’s Journey follows a young tree as he embraces the cycles of life in the forest and gains an understanding of his role as a provider of shelter and protection. I think this original idea is intriguing. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a story?

Loyalty of a mother bird and the theme of relationships prompted the thought of “Nurtured,” a title for a new book.  But I realized I could use this idea to create a sequel to Rooted:  A Seedling’s Journey.  The mother bird could make her nest on Dendro’s branches, the first nest he would host.  The tree’s hesitation in welcoming noisy chicks would add dimension to the story. And this is how the “Rooted” series was born!  

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book? 

Key themes of Rooted:  A Young Tree’s Journey are: 
– Making choices:  Reliance on generational wisdom and being true to oneself
– Being welcoming:  Choosing to be friendly opens doors for new relationships and opportunities
– Dedication:  Persistence and focus are endearing character traits
– Learning from others:  We are significantly influenced by the actions of others
– Choosing friends:  Look for good qualities such as dependability and good character
– Managing feelings:  Identifying and regulating emotions can positively shift perspectives
– Value relationships:  Contentment and satisfaction are benefits of investing in others

What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?

In the last scene, through self-regulation, Dendro models a growth mindset that reflects resilience. Dendro’s mood shifts when he dismisses negative thoughts and instead focuses on gratitude and valued relationships.  Children also deal with difficult emotions, but connections are built when they can identify with characters in a story.    

Where does the next book in the series take the characters?

In Rooted: A Mature Tree’s Journey, the third book in the series, Dendro’s character growth continues. Dendro experiences physical changes and becomes more of an extrovert. He develops a special relationship with siblings who visit him often in the forest. When Dendro faces a dangerous threat, the siblings heroically intervene to save their beloved tree.  The story highlights the bond between humans and nature and the importance of leadership as Dendro continues to mentor the young seedling. 

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