Margarita Stewart, Reading Specialist

It was a “surprise” to the Gr.1 students when they realized that the tree "was talking"!  This allowed the students to become mesmerized into an imaginative story world filled with funny conversations and antics between Paislee and the tree.

Mrs. Brooks, Kindergarten

Paislee and the Talking Tree is a beautiful story that truly captures the reader’s imagination. Bruce Simpson expertly weaves humour, compassion and environmental teachings together to engage the reader on several different levels. It is a book that will be treasured by young and old readers alike.

Lindsay Zier-Vogel, Author

Paislee and the Talking Tree is a beautiful, gentle story about our engagement with the natural world and the power of imagination. It brings neighbourhoods to life and allows readers of all ages to reexamine their own relationships to the fauna outside their front doors. 

Lindsay Zier-Vogel, Author of Letters to Amelia

Marcie, Colby’s Mom

My son was so enthralled by the story, that he pretends he is Sugar during imaginary play”.

Grade 5 Class

Paislee is our hero!  We are in love with her kindness, innocence, and belief in the power of nature.  We can't wait to see what happens when she finds other trees (and maybe flowers and rivers...?) to talk to.  It's screaming "sequel", Mr. Simpson! -

Mrs. Kuttenkeuler's class, Bellmoore School

Bernadette Rule, Author

I love Paislee and the Talking Tree. I love the concept, the simple and profound truth of the story. I love it’s understated ecological echoes, from Paislee’s ability to listen to Nature, to Rae Bates’ inspired setting of the story on garbage pick-up day, which teaches about recycling, while also giving everyone in the neighborhood an excuse to be interacting. But much more importantly, my five grandchildren, ages one to four, love this book. They want to hear it again and again.