Like Alvin Tresselt’s classic “The Dead Tree”, the life of a tree is the foundation for this parable about self-realization. Tucked inside its pinecone cocoon, the seed travels on the evening breeze to its new home in the meadow. With a lot of help from the rain, the pinecone breaks down and the seed is free to sprout.

Deep in the meadow floor the sapling struggles to fulfill its destiny to become a tall tree. As it reaches toward the sun, the tiny tree provides shelter for wildflowers and birds. The tree also learns that rain and snow and wind are all necessary in order to grow strong. In fact it is through loving nature that the tree understands the true meaning of its own roots.

Ramsey’s digital, enhanced photos are the perfect medium for illustrating both the power and sensitivity of nature. The pine cone’s deep blue eyes create a personality and an emotional attachment to the story. The eyes will certainly capture children’s attention – much like Hidden Pictures – while they hunt for them on each page as the sapling grows into a tree. And in turn the little tree’s story will open their eyes to the wonders of nature. Meanwhile adults will discover a poetic chronicle that reminds us what really matters in our lives. The universal theme of individuality gives “Me, the Tree” an enduring quality reminiscent of Douglas Wood’s “Old Turtle”. I recommend this book for all ages.

Copyright (c) 2006 by Peggy Tibbetts
Bookideas.com and Midwest Book Review

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Just Be You
by Ann Louise Ramsey
Reviewed by: Peggy Tibbetts

Once again Ann Ramsey creates her own distinctive brand of magical realism through digital imaging in Just Be You. Honey, the Cocker Spaniel, is the star of this quest for self esteem. She is surrounded by ducks. So naturally she tries very hard to be a duck. One day she looks in the mirror and sees someone very different. She begins to explore what makes her unique.

Ramsey weaves the story into the enchanting illustrations with her trademark poetic charm and grace. The result is a timeless fable for all ages.

Readers young and old alike will delight as Honey leaps off the page and grabs hold of their hearts. What a face! What a range of emotions! What an actress! Honey definitely has a future on the big screen. Join in this adorable pup's crusade. Prepare to fall in love. I hope this is the start of many more Honey adventures to come.

Copyright (c) 2008 by Peggy Tibbetts
Bookideas.com and Midwest Book Review
http://advicefromacaterpillar.wordpress.com/

Me, the Tree by Ann Louise Ramsey. This is another delightful spiritual children’s product. It is a creative hardbound photo-picture book that takes a child on a fanciful journey with a tree-being from seedling to adulthood with sweet easy-to-read two-line rhymes. Nice! Go to www.methetree.com. A+

Raphaelle Tamura
Star of Peace Newsletter, Spring 2006

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Little blue eyes appear in every photograph in the book, "Me, the Tree," written and published by Ann Louise Ramsey,
who lives in Peach Valley and works in Glenwood Springs. The eyes belong to a little pine cone who eventually grows into a magnificent evergreen tree in a meadow "where no other tree had grown before." Ramsey photographed the mountains and forests around East Divide Creek and the Flattops, so children will enjoy finding the blue eyes in each photo. The story focuses on nature's beauty and how it can inspire self-motivation and belief in oneself. Ramsey is a poet and a photographer who has published four previous books of poetry.

Mary Eshbaugh Hayes, Contributing Editor
"Around Aspen" in the Aspen Times Weekly
May 28, 2006

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Alyssa Mueller, 11 years old
Staten Island, NY
April 2006
...thank-you, Alyssa! Your letter made my day!...love, Ann

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Connie Allen, 11 years old
Glenwood Springs, CO
October 2006
...and thank you, too, Connie, for your kind letter of support for "Me, the Tree"...love Ann

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Ann Ramsey has created a gem, full of appreciation for nature and life through the birth of a pine tree.
Children find the photos to be very engaging, and the poetry gives a flow to Me The Tree that is sure to be enjoyed by all ages.

April Paine
Early Childhood Educator
Glenwood Springs, Colorado

* * * * * * * * * * * * *