The Story

The Greenest Tree is a heartwarming holiday story about a little tree that journeys from the woods to become a beloved family Christmas tree. Following little tree’s journey, we discover that the magic of a Christmas tree does not end when the holiday is over. — learn more —

The Medal

The Greenest Tree received International Gold Medal distinction in the 2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards (the IPPYs). Independent authors and publishers from around the world enter the IPPY book awards contest, which recognizes the best independent titles each year. The Greenest Tree took the gold in the popular Holiday category, reinforcing why the book is fast becoming a family reading tradition.

The Beginning

The idea for the book was sparked by a poignant moment between Tracie Morris Schaefer and her daughter one January morning. “My daughter waved sadly to our Christmas tree lying on the curb and she said,‘Goodbye, Christmas tree!’” says Schaefer. “I tried to comfort her by explaining that the tree was going to be picked up by a recycling program and used to rebuild our coastal wetlands.”

Later that day, Schaefer searched for a children’s book to further explain the tree recycling process but could not find one. Schaefer, an accomplished and creative professional photographer, says the idea to write a book on the topic churned within her until she was compelled to release the idea on paper.

With the book’s text written and edited, Schaefer considered how best to illustrate it. The solution came by chance while working on a photoshoot.  Rhett Thiel, the shoot’s art director, mentioned in passing that he was an illustrator and had long wanted to draw a children’s book. Schaefer was only too happy to mention that she had just written one…

The Greenest Tree grew from there and the journey continues!