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by Kathleen MacInnis Kichline

An Uproarious Story

TERRANCE McPHEE and the TOY EATING TREE

TERRANCE McPHEE and the TOY EATING TREE, a new, uproarious story told as a wonderful rhyming read-aloud for families and educators of young children. Written for children, ages 4-10, TERRANCE McPHEE features a young boy who receives assistance from a fluttering “friend” when his toy plane gets stuck in a tree.

In this delightfully fun sequential story, young Terrance McPhee launches his paper airplane from the top of a hill, only to have it soar off course and land in the limbs of a tree.

Friend after friend comes to help free Terrance’s plane from the clutches of the branches—first by hurling an action figure, followed by a gorilla toy, a basketball, and even a boomerang—but the tree seems to gobble each one up. When the unlikeliest of helpers comes along—a butterfly!—the friends are in for a big surprise.

The published author of five praised books, Kichline’s rollicking rhymes and Scott Ward’s vibrant illustrations make this a wonderful read-aloud for families and educators of young children. The story’s positive themes of resilience, friendship, and working together provide a lasting message that endures long after the book is closed. Terrance McPhee and the Toy Eating Tree is available now at bookstores everywhere.

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Hi,

I'm Kathleen MacInnis Kichline

Growing up as the oldest of eight children, Kathleen spent every Saturday of her childhood going to the library with her family and returning home with armfuls of books to read. This family celebration of books was once featured in the local paper of Saratoga Springs, NY, with a picture of the four eldest poring through books wearing matching outfits their Gram had made for them (photo alongside). This love of reading followed Kathleen into adulthood where some of her happiest memories as a parent and grandmother have been reading aloud to her children and grandchildren.

Learn More About kathleen

Don't take our word for it

Listen to what the students from Founders Classical Academy have to say about Terrance and his TMP3!

Review

by Suzie Housley from the Midwest Book Review

Synopsis:

Terrance McPhee and the Toy-Eating Tree is a charming picture book that transforms a childhood moment into a playful, poetic adventure, inspiring excitement in parents and educators. When the tallest tree in the neighborhood unexpectedly captures Terrance's treasured paper airplane, he and his lively group of friends must rely on their creativity and teamwork to get it back.

The story, written in rhythmic, lyrical prose and filled with energetic illustrations, encourages young readers to persevere, ask for help when needed, embrace play and patience, and find gratitude in life's surprises, fostering confidence and reassurance so they ask for help when they encounter a problem.

Critique:

Terrance McPhee and the Toy-Eating Tree is a delightful tale that shines with Kathleen MacInnis Kichline's jolly words and Scott Ward's vibrant illustrations, which reflect diverse characters and inclusive themes, bringing each page and character to life.

Kathleen MacInnis Kichline masterfully conveys the wonder, curiosity, and inventive spirit of childhood, seamlessly weaving imagination, playful mischief, and meaningful lessons throughout the narrative.

Together with Scott Ward's vivid illustrations, the author creates a whimsical and enchanting world brimming with heart, humor, and adventure, captivating readers from the first page to the last. This book would make a delightful addition to any school library, inspiring anticipation among book buyers and educators.

Editorial Review:

Recommended for ages 4–10 years

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Available Now at Hiwassee Mercantile

Now available for immediate pick up in time for Christmas.

TERRANCE McPHEE AND THE TOY EATING TREE is available at Hiwassee Mercantile, (corner of Hiwassee Blvd (AR 72) and Hiwassee Road). Hiwassee Mercantile' s address is:
13587 AR-279, Gravette, AR 72739.

All students, families, and friends of Gravette Upper Elementary can swing by and purchase a copy of the book they loved hearing on December 18 at their assembly.

Merry Christmas!!

About

Kathleen MacInnis Kichline

Terrance McPhee and the Toy Eating Tree marks Kathleen’s debut as an author of children’s books. While it is a departure from her usual genre of Women’s Studies and Scripture, it marks the return to a life-long passion, sharing her love of reading and story with children.

Terrance McPhee and the Toy Eating Tree had its start as a real-life adventure with two of her young grandsons. They’d received a toy plane from their dad and set off to send it flying at a nearby park. But when the plane became lodged in the limbs of a tree, it took a series of attempts, some creativity, and lots of teamwork to retrieve their prize. The incident became part of shared memory and lore, something they look back on together and which became the basis not only for the whimsical story, but for life lessons as well.

Kathleen believes a great book is one with an enduring message about what is important in life. She hopes her young readers come away from her story with a positive perspective on overcoming obstacles and that this feeling stays with them long after the book is closed.

When she isn’t writing, Kathleen enjoys traveling, spending time with family, walking in the woods, baking, entertaining friends, and kayaking. Having served as a pastoral associate for many years and as adjunct faculty at Seattle University in the Seattle area, Kathleen is now retired and lives in northwest Arkansas with her husband.

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