The story tells of a tree which no one likes because of the way he looks, however this tree can speak and he tells of his feelings of rejection. It provides a lesson for children of all ages. No matter how you look outside there is beauty within. A remarkable ending.

Mary Ann Concilio embarked upon her creative journey at an early age. As a marketing rep for McCann Erickson, she assisted producers in the development of commercials for television programs such as A Charlie Brown Christmas. She enjoys charcoal sketching and photography, and Guild Hall in New York and Treasures and Trifles in Virginia have displayed her work. She was first published in the Hampton Press in New York, with the display of her unique presentation "The American Flag" for the July 4th celebration.Receiving an award for her "Winter Scene" at the Nature Center in New York, she also read at The Yonkers Library for young children. This inspired her to write about "Tommy the Talking Christmas Tree," which is loosely based on her cousin who lives with autism.She aspires to be a role model and confidante to those children who are challenged and in need of guidance.