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Christopher P. Stanley grew up in Grove City, OH and had a childhood that centered around imagination, play, and exploring the outdoors (mixed in with a healthy amount of Nintendo). A large part of his, perhaps over-active, imagination is owed to books – Where the Wild Things Are, Vinegar Pancakes and Vanishing Cream and "every single Dr. Seuss book" make up just a small sampling of the children's books that filled him with wonder - and continue to do so to this very day!
Christopher graduated from Ohio Dominican University with a degree in Education, and has been an educator for the past 10 years in both the K-12 and Higher Education settings. He currently lives in Upper Arlington, OH with his wife, Morgan, and their four children - Rylee, Olivia, Lylah, and Samuel - who remind him every day of the magic that is childhood.
Christopher is an author and co-founder of Jump Splash Books, and he aims to highlight imagination and celebrate the joy of childhood through his stories. He co-founded Jump Splash with his childhood friend and artist Alex LeVasseur, and the name of the company encapsulates their vision - through imagination and wonder, we can find joy; even in something as simple as jumping in a puddle.
Reviewed by Hilary Hawkes for Readers' Favorite
The Tree Watcher by Christopher P. Stanley is an inspiring and beautifully crafted children’s book. A little boy sits at the base of a huge, old tree and gazes up in wonder. The reader is invited to ponder at the size of the tree, what it must have seen through the decades, possibly centuries it has been standing there. Trees are special and wondrous things, and begin life small like the child. And, like the child, they grow! The seasons come and go and the tree’s splendid colors inspire and delight us. Its branches provide welcome homes for the birds. Imagine the tree having a voice, a song of its own – listen and you will hear it.
This is one of those very special books that parents/adults can share with a child on a very meaningful level. Christopher P. Stanley knows just how to combine simple text for children that complements the full color illustrations on every page - drawing the reader into the book’s beautiful, mindful message. The Tree Watcher will encourage children to notice and think about how special and significant trees are, and to catch some of the magic and inspiration they offer us. The small child gazing up in wonder, noticing and observing, allows the reader to notice too - and consider, pause, and appreciate how extraordinary trees are.
The colorful illustrations are eye-catching, unusual, almost photographic, and I especially love the look of wonder in the little boy’s face and the bright coloring in the autumn/fall picture. We are invited to listen as well as look: “If you listen closely can you hear the subtle music?” Yes! Like the child when we notice with wonder and imagination, as though seeing for the first time, we sense the true beauty and significance of the world around us. The Tree Watcher is a very special, calming, and mindful book that will encourage children to keep noticing and using their imaginations. It would make a soothing bedtime story, but also prompt discussions about caring for nature and the world around us, and appreciating the beautiful things in life in general. Sincerely recommended.
