Reviews:

One of the perks of being the editor is getting to read children's books and having a good excuse for it! Geared towards younger children (ages 4-8), Chelsea's Tree is a simply delightful book! A hardcover book with a corded handle for easy carrying, Chelsea's Tree is designed to "in preventing or alleviating a stepchild's anguish and confusion as two families strive to meld into one". The story of Chelsea begins with a call from her grandparents. They are bringing over her very own family tree to plant in her yard. As her grandfather plants the tree, Chelsea's grandmother begins discussing with Chelsea the differences in her family and how having even more people in her family means having that many more people to love you. The book is also meant to be interactive for children and parents. An abundance of room for carrying family photos, a map to mark far away relatives around the world, and plenty of stickers for family members keep children involved with learning more about their family. A handy glossary in the back of the book describing how various family members are related is also very helpful. The author has also included a variety of resources for parents - stepfamily organizations, web sites and recommended books for both children and adults. Chelsea's Tree is a wonderful book for younger children, especially young girls who will relate to Chelsea's story.  Review by Kim Peterson, Editor of FamilyFusion.com

Through the story of Chelsea and her family tree, this interactive and fun little book helps children visualize how many people are part of their families and care for them. This can be especially helpful for children in blended families who have a wide assortment of relatives and step-relatives involved in their lives, and the book can help them acknowledge all of these special people. The book includes original illustrations and looks like a small photo album. It can hold 4" x 6" photos. Photos, drawings, and small treasures can be added to the book's blank pages by the child. These pages are meant to be interacted with, written on, and treasured! Appropriate for children under age 10. --Dawn Miller The StepfamilyLife.com

Excellent!!  November 15, 2002
As the mother of 6 children, which include "his, mine, ours and adopted", in a military family where growing up around our extended family wasn't possible, I wish this book had been available when my children were small. It's a warm, witty and wonderful way to explain extended and blended families to children. It also has an ingenious handle and space for the child to include within the pages favorite photos and small mementos to carry around, then they can pull it out and review the contents whenever they wish. To top all that off, it has a map and stickers so the child, with an adult's help, can put a sticker on each place in the world where someone lives who loves them. I LOVE the idea and the love that clearly shows through the writing. I would highly recommend this book to anyone! By Laurie L. Wicks

Finally a book that reflects and celebrates diverse family structures!
September 19, 2006

I was incredibly impressed with this book. The story relevant to today’s blended families and celebrates all who come in to our lives that create our family grown from Love.

This book is multi functional and interactive. Includes maps with stickers so the child can see where all their loved ones live. This also opens up the child's eyes to see how many in the world love and care for them. This book also has an area to put pictures of families and loved ones. All with a handle to carry around!

This is a worthwhile book and gift. My daughter will enjoy this book for many years to come.  By Creative Diva "Naturally Creative"

Keeping Families Close. April 30, 2008
Chelsea's Tree is filled with beautiful illustrations and relevant language and includes maps of both the United States and the world. Having raised three children in a military family, I wish we would have had something like this to help our children trace our families, my children's own travels and the many stations we called home. The many pages for pictures would help a child keep his memories close by at all times and the clever handle makes that especially easy. By  Joyce A. Hilliard "retired military wife"

A Review of Chelsea's Tree.  April 30, 2008
Chelsea's Tree The presentation of this book is beautiful. It is definitely not a book to leave hidden on a book shelf. Although the story is geared toward children of blended families it is appropriate for all children with large families. The second portion of the book is a photo album that provides a place for family photos. Stickers are provided with names of the family relationships. This is a wonderful keepsake book for children. By Victor W. Jones

A child’s life raft in a sea of blended families.  April 30, 2008
I just finished reading this wonderful book. I only wish I could have had this book when my children were younger. I can certainly see how the unique way this reading engages parents and children into action, (which is how we learn best) instead of just reading.  
By Andrea S. Coats

August 2002
Children often experience anguish and confusion when two families are merged into one. Marcy McCann’s Chelsea’s Tree is a great way to help children cope with their new situation. The story revolves around a little girl who explores the differences and benefits of her new family. The hardcover book, aimed at children ages 4 to 8, also includes maps and stickers to show where relatives live, a photo album section, a glossary of family relationships and a list of resources. Your Stepfamily Magazine

Chelsea's Tree, April 1, 2008
Chelsea's Tree is a lovely and charming resource for parents, grandparents and other members of blended families. Children love to take an "action-oriented" approach to discussing their experiences and this is the perfect tool for that purpose. Also, as a retired marriage and family therapist, I think this little book would be very helpful in a therapeutic situation to allow children to explore their feelings in a positive, non-judgmental context. The sticker feature that allows a child to build his or her own blended family tree is a fun activity for the whole family, adults and children alike. By  Rosalie H. Norem "Rosalie Huisinga Norem

A Wonderful Gift to Give & Get, April 1, 2008
I gave this book to my Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren & kept one for myself. All the gifts were given to children who are all part of blended families. I will continue to give this book as gifts because of the thoughtful and loving way in which it celebrates diverse & blended families. Beautiful,  interactive book for all to enjoy.
By May C. Hopkins

Chelsea's Tree, November 6, 2007
I was thrilled with the whole concept of this book. It not only shows that a child of divorced parents have a larger world of people that are their family, the idea of their having their own special photo album is fabulous. I highly recommend this book for any one who has a child in their life that has step parents, cousins, multiple grandparents, etc. Wonderful! By Shirley S. Miller

As a minister and pastoral counselor I often work with blended families.  This child friendly book is an excellent resource.  Both children and adults will enjoy reading Chelsea’s Tree and using the activities in drawing closer together as a family.  
Rev. J. Alexander M. Div.,  M.S.

Chelsea’s Tree is a charming, original way to help a child to make sense of his or her world.
Judith L. Hunt, M.A., Licensed Mental Health Counselor

While giving a child the feeling of ownership and belonging, Chelsea’s Tree encourages family interaction that aids in gluing relationships. The book guides the child towards concrete activities that will lead to a precise understanding of his/her family association.  It is very important to help children in blended families achieve a sense of self and relatedness. This book does this in a caring manner.
Lionel Bryan M.D. Psychiatrist

I got the book and read it and all I can say is WOW!!!  It is fabulous.  It brought tears to my eyes.  When will you write the next one!!!???  Kathleen Anne Clark, Esq.

"As a minister and pastoral counselor I often work with blended families. This child friendly book is an excellent resource. Both children and adults will enjoy reading Chelsea's Tree and using the activities in drawing closer together as a family."
- Rev. J. Alexander M. Div., M.S.