The Joy of Being Me, a Tree

By Susan Plenge and Susan McLaren

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781973613572

Susan Plenge

Growing up on a secluded farm, Susan Plenge developed a love for discovering Gods fingerprints in nature. She learned that creative storytelling using illustrations from nature is a marvelous tool for teaching life lessons of faith. After living in the countryside of Japan and the Sierras of Nevada, she returned home to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and began working as the Childrens Music Coordinator at her church. For the past five years, she has been overseeing the creative production of childrens musical programs by integrating her love for teaching, ministry, and children. Susan Plenge gives this maple a voice as she joyfully discovers her purpose to serve others where she has been planted. Susan McLaren did not set out to be an illustrator, or even an artist. Her career in health care was abruptly cut short by sudden adult onset deafness, as was her favorite hobby of participating in music through playing of instruments and singing in choir at her church. In her journey through this setback, with guidance - and sometimes nudging - from God, she rediscovered her love for art and began receiving instruction in watercolors, a totally unexplored medium for her. Much to her surprise, she discovered a new love for painting in transparent watercolors; but it was just a hobby until a chance encounter with the author led to the illustration of this book. Although this is Susans first attempt at such a challenge, it has fueled her desire to continue to explore this versatile and challenging medium.

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