The Wisdom Tree

by David Kempf, Andrew Kempf, Mel Hohn (Illustrator)

This is a previously-published edition of ASIN: B07F9DYJJW. For all editions see here

Addiction is a problem for many families. Using fairy tale imagery and allegory, authors David & Andrew Kempf explore this critical issue in a way that children ages eight to twelve can understand.

The raccoon family knows that father has a problem. So do all of the animal neighbors in the forest. Only by going on a spiritual journey to a sacred tree to meet a mysterious bear can the poor raccoon father overcome his troubles. If he chooses to accept the gift of recovery, this will be the most important day of his life.

With beautiful illustrations by artist Mel Hohn, The Wisdom Tree offers a solution to a serious problem in a fun and entertaining way.

ebook

First published July 4, 2018

About the author

David Kempf has written over fifty short stories, many of which deal with themes of horror fiction. He has won several writing awards including first place in the short story competition of Millersville University’s Lemuria magazine. Two of his short stories were selected in the 2007 publication of The Grackle, his graduate school’s literary magazine. David is featured on two short fiction websites, one American and one British. He holds an M.S. from Chestnut Hill College and a B.A. from Millersville University. Dark Fiction is his first novel. His novel Travel Bug combines dystopian science fiction and horror. His next novel Damned Fiction is a sequel to his first novel His latest book They Laughed at Me is a dark comedy. David resides in Dublin, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Kim Cormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic children's book with purpose.

I love children's books with intelligence, deeper meaning and purpose. This would have come in handy many moons ago. Love the illustrations.

[Shawn O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children love this book. A+

[David Kempf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep. I am reviewing my own book this time. I suppose I should say our book. My little son and I worked very hard on this project together. There is of course one other person who deserves much praise here. Her name is Mel Hohn, a wonderful illustrator from British Columbia. Thanks for your help, Mel. You saw the images we wanted for our vision and you made them come alive off every page. Well done. Finally, I give more credit to my Son Andrew than myself for coming up with the imaginative characters in the book. He came up with Selfie Spider. Check it out. You won't be sorry. I promise. Writing a children's book about addiction is very tough. Believe me I know. Beating addiction is even tougher. Believe me I know. If this book helps one family then all our work hasn't been for nothing. It is my greatest hope that it does.

[Jim Liston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addiction is a common problem that is difficult for adults to understand, even more so for children. The Wisdom Tree is an illustrated, fable-like story that portrays a raccoon family with a father addicted to Yuck Juice. It shows the addiction’s effects on the family and friends and the father’s path to overcoming the addiction.

As a child, I grew up with alcohol addiction in my family. I struggled to understand it and felt helpless as I watched and felt the pain it caused. I think this book would have helped a lot by explaining the problem and offering some hope. I recommend it to anyone aware of children that are living with addiction in their family.

[Derek Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for kids who are dealing with addiction in their household. A gentle tale told through the POV of a family of raccoons, we see a father raccoon's descent into metaphorical alcoholism and how it affects his wife and son. The father goes on a search for answers and along the way encounters different animals in the grips of other vices, from drugs, to cigarettes, to screens. In the end, he meets a wise bear who gives him sage advice on gratitude that sets him on the path toward healing with his family. I recommend this book for any family or person that is struggling with addiction and think it could help children have a better understanding of their loved one's behaviors that they may be helpless to control.

[Lorraine Evanoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of David Kempf’s novels, which are predominantly of the thriller and horror genres, I was intrigued to see him branch out into children’s books. But then I am reminded of Grimm Brothers’ Fairy Tales, and it all made sense.

Lessons can be learned either the hard way or the easy way. For children, it’s better to learn the easy way, through our elders’ experience, or in this case, cute furry and feathered friends.

This charming tale of primal wildlife wisdom in the face of real and symbolic challenges is at once thought-provoking and insightful. Adults and children should read it over, and over again!

[Kamo Marketer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wisdom tree that really help young children to understand the addiction in families i really love reading the book it say it all and extremely powerful book that help young one's.i like the creativity and skills used to deliver the message I'm a fans of David kempf Andrew kempf and would definitely recommend to my fellow readers to read this book and their children I'm looking forward to reads your next book .
Please buy this book for your children and five star rating as mine cause this really help our children toward families
Dont forget to rate this book it wonderful and help our children.

[Jim Kukral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book that helps families deal with the real life problems of addition.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From an educator's perspective, this would be helpful for it would be a way for kids to to start conversations with teachers or counselors if they experience this at home.