Mawmaw went to Heaven, leaving Pawpaw sad and lonely. As Christmas draws near, Pawpaw drives Tanner Truck into the hills to gather Christmas trees. Pawpaw chooses Bella Tree as his special Christmas tree. Watching Bella Tree sparkle makes Pawpaw smile. But when Christmas is over, it’s time for Tanner Truck to take Bella Tree away. What will happen to her? And how will Pawpaw keep his recently found smile?
“Tanner Truck and Bella Tree” is a little gem of a book that gently helps children come to terms with death and grief. In the telling of this tale, which includes talking dogs and giggling trees, children are allowed to identify with others who may feel as they do. Ultimately, what this book does best is to guide children to the understanding that those we love are never far away as long as we keep our memories of them alive.
Sally Karioth PhD ARNP CT
Professor Florida State University
Author of If You Want to Know if You're Dying Ask the Cleaning Lady: and Other Thoughts on Life and Happiness
“Tanner Truck and Bella Tree” is unique. Not only does it engage the reader with its story, it also speaks to the deep feelings we all have about loss and about healing. Dr. Shank does a wonderful job of taking us along on a journey that not only touches our hearts, but moves us through the grieving process. I salute her.
Cassy Pickard, RN, MSN, MBA, PhD
“Tanner Truck and Bella Tree” is a delightful gift from two little artists and their great aunt, children's author Marilyn Shank. Created through their shared grief, the fable is alive with color and emotion and love, even humor–making grief tangible and manageable for other grieving children. And it's a great story.
Laurie Helgoe, Ph.D., psychologist and author of Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength
“Tanner Truck and Bella Tree” is a little gem of a book that gently helps children come to terms with death and grief. In the telling of this tale, which includes talking dogs and giggling trees, children are allowed to identify with others who may feel as they do. Ultimately, what this book does best is to guide children to the understanding that those we love are never far away as long as we keep our memories of them alive.
Sally Karioth PhD ARNP CT
Professor Florida State University
Author of If You Want to Know if You're Dying Ask the Cleaning Lady: and Other Thoughts on Life and Happiness
“Tanner Truck and Bella Tree” is unique. Not only does it engage the reader with its story, it also speaks to the deep feelings we all have about loss and about healing. Dr. Shank does a wonderful job of taking us along on a journey that not only touches our hearts, but moves us through the grieving process. I salute her.
Cassy Pickard, RN, MSN, MBA, PhD
“Tanner Truck and Bella Tree” is a delightful gift from two little artists and their great aunt, children's author Marilyn Shank. Created through their shared grief, the fable is alive with color and emotion and love, even humor–making grief tangible and manageable for other grieving children. And it's a great story.
Laurie Helgoe, Ph.D., psychologist and author of Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength
