The Joy of Being Me, a Tree is inspired by a grand ole maple tree rooted at the entrance of our church’s youth center. The tree’s low limbs and long reach have invited generations of all ages to gather beneath her canopy and explore in her branches. In the comfort of her shade, adults lose themselves in conversation while watching their children circle up into her limbs, and youth cluster to mingle in the brinks of her shadow. Her essential role becomes clear as budding friendships blossom and community connections grow. Wondering what the tree would say if given an opportunity to tell her story, Susan Plenge gives this maple a voice to express her joy as she discovers her purpose in serving others where she has been planted.

Come celebrate your purpose! As reflective as the servant’s heart in The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and with the confidence in I’m Gonna Like Me, by Jamie Lee Curtis, The Joy of Being Me, a Tree captures the joy of discovering and embracing who we are called to be where we are planted. Intended to be a fun and imaginative read, the story of the tree comes to life through colorful words and illustrations. The Joy of Being Me captures the magical experience of a child first learning to climb a tree and the nostalgia felt by adults as they remember the sticky, sappy fingers and the fresh smell of leaves.