Beth Anderson, Children's Writer

Where do you find inspiration? Barbara Herkert found it growing near her home. Here she shares how she brought the source of her own inspiration to young readers in THIS OLD MADRONE TREE. 

GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below to be entered  to win a copy of THIS OLD MADRONE TREE!    

And congratulations to Emily Starr, winner of THE ODDBALL BOOK OF ARMADILLOS, complete with card deck for “The Adaptation Game,” from Elizabeth Shreeve!

Uncovering Strength, Resilience and Hope

by Barbara Herkert

My family and I moved to the beautiful Olympic Peninsula in Washington State in September of 2019. One of the first things that mesmerized me about our property was the magnificent Madrone tree overlooking the Hood Canal. I knew about Madrone trees but had never observed one up close. It seemed magical somehow.

That Fall, kayakers paddled beneath it, river otters frolicked in the waves just off its shore, and sea birds collected around it to fish. The lower twiggy branches seemed to point to rich clam beds. The last of its red-orange berries were gobbled by Stellar jays, robins and flickers. It was a delight to witness.

I dreamed of writing about that tree. Of painting it. Its magic escaped my brush and pencil somehow. How could I capture its mystique? I waited for the answer.

Winter lashed the Madrone tree with wind and rain. I worried that it might fall. But the old tree held on through the storms.

And then, just as the first promise of spring arrived, Covid hit. We were isolated in a new place, a new town. I can’t really explain it, but somehow that Madrone tree kept me company.

I watched the tree through the seasons—the way it physically changed from blossoms to berries, the curly russet bark exposing chartreuse skin beneath, falling brown leaves giving way to new growth. I observed the different animals and insects that came and went in and around the tree. All that life and luster gave me strength. It gave me the courage to hold on, just like the Madrone tree had during Winter’s wrath.

That’s when I realized that I would write an homage to that old tree and the beautiful place we now call home.

The old Madrone tree taught me resilience through the storms of life. It gave me hope that eventually, everything would be all right. As I thought about all the children who were scared and uncertain during Covid, I knew that the lessons learned from the Madrone tree would resonate with them, too.

Artist and scientist Marlo Garnsworthy gave the story a whole new dimension with her amazing paintings and vast knowledge of the natural world. Children love to find the animals and insects in the illustrations, a sort of “seek-and-find”, while the patient Madrone looks on. In the process, they learn about the diverse natural life in the Pacific Northwest. And they learn about the seasonal changes of this fascinating tree.

Today, the Madrone tree outside our home stands taller and prouder than ever before. I am grateful to be here in its presence. I am also grateful to my agent, Karen Grencik, and my editor, Madeleine Dunphy, for seeing the wisdom and comfort this tree’s story could bring to children. And to Marlo, for making this book a treasure to hold in your hands.

What inspires you? What gives you strength and courage when in doubt? I use this prompt in a writing exercise with students when I visit classrooms. As writers, teachers and parents, we can use this prompt, too. I’m certain if you look around you, you will find inspiration, even in hard times. Look closely. Follow your heart. It will guide you.

Don’t forget to leave a comment below to be entered in the GIVEAWAY for THIS OLD MADRONE TREE! (US addresses only, please. Winner announced 10/04/24)

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