I started working for tree care companies when I was in high school, and by the time I was in my 20’s, worked as a climber, spending many engaging hours pruning in the upper branches.  This gave me a beautiful perspective, literally and figuratively, of the land and sea stretched out before me, and the happy immediate surroundings of branches and birds.  I grew to love trees. 

At the same time, I wondered about the Christmas tree tradition, especially the tradition of cutting down some of the most majestic, beloved trees for the holidays. That led me, years later, to write an article that appeared in the New York Times about alternatives to enjoying holiday trees.  That became the seed for this children's story.