This is a tale of an elm tree, and three sisters,
and this is the beginning of it.

Thus begins this family story, which the author heard many years ago from the real Mary, who was her Mother's cousin. Growing up on a Midwestern farm, Mary, Mable, and Molly can see the flat horizon in every direction.

"What this place needs is a tree," they agree, and find one to plant in their empty yard. As the girls mature, the elm grows, weaving itself into the fabric of their lives. As the years pass, many events take place under the tree. Eventually, three new sisters; great granddaughters arrive to play under the elm tree, so the story can begin again.

Erika Weih's evocative folkstyle paintings compliment the simple, poetic retelling and celebrates the life of the tree and the family it belonged to.