Welcome!

Once there was a city. A city like yours or your friend's.

A city that seemed the same and looked like all the other cities that stretch out for miles. Most everyone, who lived there, hadn’t lived there very long.

Most everyone -- but not everything.

The trees had been there a long, long time.

This is the story of Grandfather Tree. He watched as his brother, Lone Oak was cut down. He saw progress take more of his kind.  Now he too faces the chainsaw.

Compelled by a mysterious dream, Aunt Gussie must save Grandfather Tree.  The 150 year old oak is in the way of a new community center road. He will lose his life if she does not succeed in moving him to a new home. Aunt Gussie’s lonely niece Gloria, begs her to find a way. And she cannot ignore the powerful spirit of Chief Wambdi Tanka, who protects the trees.

Aunt Gussie and Grandfather Tree is an inspiring story for children and adults alike. Anyone interested in the environment, connecting communities, and spirituality will enjoy sharing its message with family and friends.

Classroom Visits Inspire and Delight

“My 4th graders and I loved Aunt Gussie and Grandfather Tree with its touching story and beautiful illustrations. My students were enamored with Kay when she came to our classroom for an author visit.”- Karen, teacher at Eden Lake Elementary

“I just loved how you read the book because you put so much action into it!”-Yoon, 5th grade student, Sioux Trail School

“K ayGustafson provided our children with a stimulating, interactive story telling style. The students were engaged in a wonderful creative thinking exercise in which students developed their own characters.”-Dale, Principal, Martin County West

Kay Brown Gustafson, author of Aunt Gussie and Grandfather Tree is available to share her story with young people. The story of moving Grandfather Tree comes alive through the voice of “Aunt Gussie”. It encourages children to follow their dreams, and challenges them to think about environmental conservation. Her school and classroom presentations delight 3rd-5th graders.
The story is recommended by Project Learning Tree for environmental studies and has been nominated for an Independent Book Publishers Award. It is also listed in the National Tree Trust’s Wood Notes as suggested reading. The Grandfather Tree project itself received a National Arbor Day Foundation Award.
To schedule a school or classroom visit contact us.