In her book Tree Soldier, Sarah M. Flores writes about a boy named Billy. Billy is sad because he does not have all the newest toys and gadgets that other kids do. While out on a walk, Billy runs into a walking, talking Tree Soldier. He learns that it does not matter how much or how little stuff each person has, but whether they are connected to and loved by others. A great concept to teach kids between the ages of three and ten, especially in this day and age where new gadgets are coming out every second and kids are constantly being bombarded to want this or that new thing. The illustrations by Maksym Stasiuk enhance the beautiful story.

When I saw Sarah M. Flores’ book title, Tree Soldier, my attention was captured. The illustrations by Maksym Stasiuk enhanced the appeal. I was not disappointed. Each picture is stunning and the story is written in an AABB rhyming style, great for small children and their parents alike. My kids are just getting to the age where they want every new toy they see advertised on TV, so I appreciated that Tree Soldier made it easy to say, “Yes, new toys are nice, but what really matters is that we love each other and spend time together.” I think this would be a great gift for parents or grandparents to give to little relatives in the 3-10 age range. The only drawback I saw was sometimes the rhyming scheme felt a little forced, but other than that, everything was perfect. Great little book! Highly recommended.

Tree Soldier by Sarah M. Flores is a children’s storybook illustrated by Maksym Stasiuk. When little Billy decides he is bored with his house and his family, he feels he needs more toys to make him happy. When he goes outside to play, he meets an enchanted tree named Tree Soldier. When Tree Soldier asks him to go on a walk with him, Billy obliges. On this walk, Tree Soldier shows Billy a mansion with a pool and a big curvy slide. Billy decides the family must be happy because they have so much. But when he peeks inside a window, he sees he is wrong. Tree Soldier then takes him to an old, small, rundown house where Billy is sure the family inside must be very sad. Billy is wrong again. Billy learns a valuable lesson that day. It’s not important how many things you have, but how much love you have.

Tree Soldier is a super-cute story with a beautiful moral for kids of all ages (Even many adults could learn a thing or two from this book). The best things in life are truly free. Family, love, communication, all available at no additional cost. The story is told in a delightful rhyming fashion and the illustrations are eye catching, colorful and engaging. The best part about the book, in my opinion, is that Tree Soldier didn’t tell Billy how he should feel. He didn’t tell Billy he was being selfish to want more. He showed Billy and allowed the boy to come to his own conclusion. Beautiful work from Sarah M. Flores. As a childcare worker and a mother of three, I would love to have this book in my home and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a good, strong, moral picture book.