Today I welcome Alex Giardino whose beautiful book, ME + TREE, illustrated by Anna & Elena Balbusso is being released today! If you enjoy book birthdays as much as I do, you should go order it now from your favorite indie bookstore and bake a cake to make the most of the celebration. I’ll wait.
Ready? It’s time to meet Alex.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
My target audience for my forthcoming book ME + TREE, and really for all my books, is either a 5th grade reader, and also a single-mom reader. This sounds odd, but I think I am writing for these two selves I have been.
As a fifth-grade girl, I spent a lot of time alone, going for walks in the nearby hills, talking to myself, imagining stories, and feeling a deep need for connection. In ME+TREE and all my books, my characters are uplifted, healed, and inspired by the natural world.
As a single mom, reading and writing stories have been my solace, my way to connect with others, especially when I felt alone. So just like the girl in ME+TREE connects to an old tree stump by confiding her life story to it, I am connecting through my stories too.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by strong-willed, strong-minded people who fight for justice and against all forms of cruelty. I am inspired by their courage. I am also inspired by artists because I see in them a determination and freedom to follow their visions. Surfers also inspire me, because they allow themselves to be polished by the waves.
What’s the one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
Love.
I mean that.
I hope people read my work and know that love is what holds us. It is what endures.
In all my work, love heals and fulfills my characters. It’s what I hope for all of us.
Alex has generously offered to give one lucky winner a signed copy of ME + TREE. Be sure to to comment on this blogpost to be entered to win. Also, share this post on Facebook or Twitter and mention it in your comment for additional entries!
What’s next for you?
I hope there is a lot of love ahead for me! I am working on two novels in verse and several picture books. I love writing verse. It’s my new thing.
To connect with Alex and learn more about her books:
Website: http://www.alexgiardino.com
Twitter: @Alex__Giardino Facebook: Alex Giardino Instagram: alex__giardino
Laura Roettiger Books 
It was really interesting to discover Alex and read about her work 🙂 and if there’s a word about Alex, we would definitely say ‘love’ 🙂 regards, Amy & Greg
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Thanks for reading and sharing your enthusiasm for Alex and her work.
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you’re welcome Laura 🙂 thank you for sharing her work 🙂 Amy
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Hello Amy & Greg, Thank you for this kind message. Here’s to giving loads of love to trees, Alex
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I cannot wait to read this book, Alex! Thank you for another lovely post, Laura!
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Thanks for reading, Julie. It’s a lovely story.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. I hope you love ME + TREE. Here’s to spreading loads of love for trees, Alex
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Sounds great! To learn how to know yourself, your own strengths and interests- that’s the best gift ever! Internal strength is so important for anyone, especially women these days! I’ll be putting this on my list- thanks for the recommendation
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Jennifer, thank you for reading. This book has such a beautiful, gentle nature. Good luck in the giveaway!
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Hi Jennifer, I couldn’t agree more! Thank you for reading my post and for putting my book of your list. Here’s to love for trees, Alex
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Thanks for introducing us to Alex and her work! Looks like a beautiful book.
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Paula, thanks so much for reading. Yes, it’s beautiful and a wonderful message for everyone. I’ve always said picture books are for every age and this book really embodies that. Good luck in the giveaway!
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Hello Paula, Thank you for dropping by to read my post. I hope you discover much beauty in my book. Here’s to loving trees! Alex
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I have been eagerly anticipating Me + Tree! Ode to an Onion leaves me breathless every time I read it.
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Thanks for reading! This book is truly magical. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Oh my gosh, what a kind thing to say about my previous book ODE TO AN ONION. I sure hope you find much to love in ME + TREE as well. Here’s to loving trees, Alex
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My favorite books are those written in verse, including Long Way Down; The Canyon’s Edge; Alone; and Red, White, and Whole. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book by a new author to me. I shared on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.hammelef/posts/10221408154567106
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Danielle, thank you so much for reading and for sharing this post on Facebook! I love verse novels too and am *trying* to write one. Good luck in the giveaway!
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Oh I am so excited to read Canyon’s Edge and Red, White, and Whole. I loved Long Way Down! Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Here’s to loads of love for trees, Alex
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Wonderful post! I love all of Alex’s books and this one is going to be gorgeous!! Thanks
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Thanks for reading! This book is special and since it’s not mine I’d like to brag that it does exactly what a picture book should do; make you want to read it again! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Hello my dear friend! Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I cannot wait to read all about you in future blogs, xox, Alex
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Great interview! I love Alex’s answers—5th grade readers and single moms. Me + Tree sounds like a beautiful book!
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I know! Her answers were so beautiful and poetic! It’s a fabulous book. You’re going to love it! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Hello Jilanne! I hope we have a chance to meet one of these days, since we are both Bay Area people. Maybe an in-person Kid Quake one year! Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Here’s to loving trees, Alex
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I was that fifth grade girl you described. Congrats on your book birthday, and I look forward to reading it!
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Thanks for reading the interview and yes, you will want to read this book. And then read it again! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Oh this comment really touches me. Thank you for saying that about yourself. I hope you enjoy reading my book. Here’s to love for trees, Alex
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What a hopeful and inspiring interview! And a beautiful book I’ll be adding to my list…
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Fleur, it was a beautiful interview! And the book is really special. I hope you enjoy it.
Good luck in the giveaway!
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Hello Fleur, Thank you for these kind words and for planning to read my book. I am touched. Here’s to be inspired by trees, Alex
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This seems like another book the world needs right now. I’m looking forward to reading it.
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Beautifully said! The world does need this book and now it’s here! It really is lovely. Good luck in the giveaway.
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Tiffany, what a lovely thing to say about my book. I feel like the world needs messages of connection and hope, too. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Here’s to loving trees! Alex
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Congratulations on the starred review from Kirkus. This looks like a beautiful book.
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Hi Janet, Thank you for reading this blog post and for the congratulations. I really appreciate it, Alex
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Thanks for reading! It really is a beautiful book. Good luck in the giveaway.
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There are 3 things I love about this post, Alex. 1) I love the sound of your book, “Tree + Me,” esp because I just came home from a hike through the woods, taking pictures of all sorts of trees 🙂 2) I really love your hope for a reader’s takeaway. Yes to that! And 3) your shirt is so cool and happy! 🙂 Best of luck with your launch and future writings!!
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Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. This is really a wonderful book and as a tree hugger, I want everyone to read it! Good luck in the giveaway.
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Hello and thank you for this wonderful note! I love that you love trees and wander through the woods admiring them, like I do! I hope you will enjoy reading my book. ps. that shirt is a beloved find from a market in Oaxaca, bought many years ago when I lived in Mexico.
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Some clothes def stand the test of time, and they do it well! 🙂
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