“As a book lover and a children’s bereavement educator, I was captivated by Leigh’s beautiful tale, To Be A Christmas Tree. It is a touching story about love, loss, and the immeasurable value of family. Leigh’s writing is magical and rhythmic. Her words allow the reader to be moved by the experiences of the characters. Her endearing writing draws you in and enables you to feel what the characters are feeling - which is what good storytelling does. I believe reading this story with children is a wonderful way to create conversation about the important topics of connections, family, and grieving-life experiences we will all go through. Discussing the themes of Leigh’s story with kids are both valuable and validating for children and especially needed in today’s world. I know this book will be a classic. And, a beautiful story to be read by young and old alike for years to come. I can’t wait to read it with my grandchildren and to the kids in my grief support groups.” — Dana Hahn, Founder of the Luke Hahn Foundation

“The best children’s books are the rare ones that are a joy to read for kids and their grownups alike. As soon as I opened To Be A Christmas Tree, I knew I had found one of these gems. I loved the whimsical, gorgeous illustrations by Tricia Kleinot, which swept me along and captivated my two young children. I was immediately entranced by author Leigh Marino’s lyrical, vivid prose. In gentle, rhythmic rhyming lines, she weaves the story of a young Christmas tree from his own stirring perspective. She captures the heartbreak of rejection, grief, illness, sadness, and longing—and the magic of friendship, love, and hope. It’s a moving, stunning read for all ages.” -Hannah Howard, author of Feast: True Love in and out of the Kitchen and Plenty: A Memoir of Food and Family.