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.
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.
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.
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
Laura Roettiger Books 
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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Danielle, I’m glad to hear that the book themes resonate with you. Thank you!
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Thanks for reading and sharing your connections, Danielle. Good luck in the giveaway.
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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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Lisa thank you for reading and sharing such a beautiful thoughtful comment. Good luck in the giveaway.
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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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Looking forward to reading this one – thank you for sharing this story!
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Jamie, thank you for reading and sharing your such a wonderful comment for Alison. 🩷 Good luck in the giveaway.
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Thank you for reading and reaching out! I hope that you enjoy it 🙂
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What an important topic! Looking forward to reading this. Congratulations!
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Hi Natalia, thanks for stoping by the blog and sharing your warm and wonderful words for Alison. Her book is such a beautiful story.
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Thank you, Natalia! Yes, I hope that the book will resonate with families and help them as they navigate difficult experiences.
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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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Martha, thanks for stopping by the blog. I’m so excited for Alison’s book and wish you good luck in the giveaway.
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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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Alison, congratulations on your book! I’m looking forward to reading it.
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Hi Stephanie! Thanks for reading and so good to see your latest book out in the world. Charlie and I are looking forward to getting our paws 😉 on it!
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Thank you, Laura! I hope you and Charlie enjoy it!
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Thanks, Stephanie! Soon we will both be hearing each other’s books at the reading event and I’m excited!
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