Alison McGauley – Kenzie’s Little Tree

Alison McGauley was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and attended both Sir James Dunn C. & V.S. and the Sault Collegiate Institute. After earning a BAH in Psychology from the University of Guelph and a BEd from Western University, Alison began her teaching career in 2005. She earned her reading specialist certification and is currently a special education resource teacher.

“As an elementary teacher and children’s author, I work to inspire a love for books. My passion is creating stories with big heart for little readers. I aim to write entertaining and empowering books that resonate with children and caregivers.

As a person living with multiple chronic illnesses, (ulcerative colitis and ankylosing spondylitis) I hope to create many books that speak to children and families who are impacted by illness or disability.
When I’m not teaching, writing, reading, or networking about chronic illness, I enjoy family adventures and being surrounded by trees and wildlife in forests and trails nearby my home in the region of Waterloo, Ontario, where I live with my partner, two daughters, and Ragdoll cat.”

Visit: alisonmcgauley.com

Alison’s debut picture book is Kenzie’s Little Tree (March, 2025), illustrated by Emilie Leduc, and published by Orca Book Publishers.

Kenzie’s Little Tree – It seems delicate, just like her mom, who doesn’t always feel well. As the seasons change, her mom’s health has ups and downs, and the tree sways in the wind and weather. Sometimes her mom is too tired to play, and they just cuddle. Other times, she has to go to the hospital. During the winter, she’s away for many days. When a snowstorm hits, Kenzie frantically tries to keep the tree warm. And she worries: Has she broken her promise? But no matter the challenges, come springtime, the tree is still there, blossoming and strong―just like her mom, and just like Kenzie.