Welcome Author Alison McGauley – Giveaway Alert

Posted byauthorlaurablogPosted inUncategorizedTags:, , , , ,

Today I am happy to share my interview with debut author Alison McGauley who has written a book that truly comes from her heart and will absolutely touch yours when you read it! You have one more week to preorder KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE, illustrated by Emilie Leduc, available wherever books are sold on 3/11/2025. KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE shares the story of a little girl who picks out a tree to plant in the family’s backyard and promises to care for it while her mom is suffering from chronic illness. The delicate tree serves as a metaphor for Kenzie’s mom’s ups and downs.

Alison has generously offered to share a copy of KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE with one lucky winner. Comment on this post to enter the giveaway and feel free to share on social media to help spread the word. Please tag me on Bluesky but I am no longer on X, tag Alison wherever you share.

Author Alison McGauley

What were you like at the age of your target audience?

I was a fun-loving kid who enjoyed time with friends spent roller-skating, playing at the park, trading stickers, and getting into some competitive games of marbles. I also loved time spent alone to craft, write little books, and read Beverly Cleary and whatever else I could get my hands on from the public library.

Alison McGauley age 6

What inspires you?

As a mom and an elementary school teacher, children are a big part of my life, and they inspire me every day! My own daughters are always creating, and these projects–along with the processes and emotions that are involved–often provide me with story ideas. Talking with children and listening to their enthusiasm about books and stories also ignites my passion for writing.

I am also inspired by my own experiences and often think about memories from childhood as well as adulthood to guide my stories. KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE was inspired by my own family and our experiences navigating my chronic illnesses. 

The natural world is also my muse as we live across from ponds and trails. I love long walks spent observing plants and wildlife while I think about story problems and ideas. 

What’s one thing you hope readers take away from your book?

KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE reminds us that though the world is constantly changing, and oftentimes difficult, we can be bold and strong, just like the little tree and I hope that readers will think about their ability to do hard things. Not every family deals with chronic illness, but we all face difficult experiences and feelings. 

I hope that kids whose families are impacted by chronic illness with see themselves represented and feel part of a community, as it’s extremely important for kids to see their experiences and feelings reflected in books, and that families who don’t live with this reality will learn from reading KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE.

I have discovered the importance of having conversations around difficult experiences, thoughts, and feelings and it is my hope that families and teachers will use KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE to spark conversations with kids. I have prepared a Family Discussion Guide in consultation with a psychologist that can be used to help with conversations.  

Kenzie's Little Tree by Alison McGauley and Emilie Leduc

What’s next for you?

I’m excited to share my debut, KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE, at libraries, bookstores, schools, and events for the chronic illness community!

I am currently working on a variety of big-hearted picture book manuscripts, some of which feature children with chronic illness, and am hopeful that these will someday be in the hands of children. 

You can learn more about Alison’s books and upcoming events here:

Website: https://www.alisonmcgauley.com/

Instagram: @alisonmcgauley BlueSky: @alisonmcgauley.bsky.social
Twitter: @AlisonMcgauley

Published by authorlaurablog

I'm a reading specialist and award winning educator from Chicago. While living in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for nine years, I spent time hiking on the trails with my Goldendoodle Charlie and friends, writing, working in a literacy program at the Boulder Public Library, and mentoring writers and teachers. I love visiting schools. My books combine STEM and Kindness. "Aliana Reaches for the Moon" a picture book that draws inspiration from the moon and the curiosity of children, inviting children to be creative, explore, and experiment. "An Accidental Hero: A Mostly True Wombat Story" a picture book told in the form of a newscast which skillfully balances the serious subject of forest fires with compassion and humor to help children navigate this important topic through the real events of 2020. I moved to Northern New Jersey in 2025 and am working on new projects.

19 thoughts on “Welcome Author Alison McGauley – Giveaway Alert”

  1. My family and I have deep connections to trees also and I love that this book will show readers that everyone goes through hard stuff in life and that although we suffer differently, we can all find our strength and hope for a better future.

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  2. This sounds like a book with so much heart–created through both your personal experience and, I imagine, teaching experience. Learning how to cope with difficult times is an important skill, and building empathy is crucial, too. Warm congratulations on creating a book that will have a place in your readers’ hearts.

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    2. Thank you, Lisa! Yes, I didn’t think about it at first, but I did draw upon my teaching experience. I taught Grade 1 for 7 years straight which involved a lot of teaching about seasonal changes and the five senses which I incorporated a lot in this story. Thank you for the kind words!

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  5. I just saw some photos on IG of your joint book release at Mabel’s Fables! (It’s on my list of Independent bookshops in the GTA I want to visit) Congrats! !

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    2. Hi! Thank you for the congrats! Yes, my launch at Mabel’s Fables was incredible! I got to sign the “Author’s wall” which was a huge honor. It’s a very iconic bookstore and you should definitely visit.

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