A Tree in the Sea

The challenges of overcoming our differences and the joys of new friendships are captured in the whimsical illustrations of the world-renowned float designer Blaine Kern (1927-2020). The debut story written by his wife, Holly, uses songlike verses to take beginning readers on a dreamlike tour under the sea. There, wanderers meet a tree that is totally out of its element. Rooted to the sea floor yet surrounded by the wonders of the ocean, the tree realizes how lonely life is without friends. It is so hard to make friends when we are different! When the tree’s new companions are threatened, it uses their differences to save the day. In typical Mr. Mardi Gras® fashion, the story ends with the aquatic playmates coming together in a parade celebrating their friendship.