“The Barry Tree”, an enchantingly told and illustrated children’s book by Tanya Sugarman, is a rare treat for children and adults of all ages.

The book describes the love between a little girl and her baby brother, who share in richly illustrated flights of fancy. Sumptuous colors and dazzling designs enhance the imaginative language. Through word and image the reader experiences tales of the two children as they pretend to be circus acrobats and daring bareback riders.

Illness and death are introduced with the greatest tact and sensitivity. The glorious adventures are sadly curtailed as little brother’s health fails. The author is careful to tell this part of the story in a safe and reassuring manner for her young readers. Beautiful words and images help the big sister, as well as the reader, find the consoling power in love and memory.

Tanya Sugarman is a lifelong educator as well as a mother and grandmother. Her deep sympathy with children has inspired her writing and illustrating. “The Barry Tree” is a book that celebrates the joys of imagination and adventure, while also guiding the reader through difficult passages of loss.

Anne Lefkovitz, Retired Chair,
School District 65 Drama Department Drama Specialist and Fine Arts Coordinator, Martin Luther King, Jr. Laboratory School Evanston, Illinois