The people behind the book
We made this book for our own children and are sharing what we are still learning at home.
It started with a word
We looked for an alphabet book that went beyond apples and balls and introduced words like worth and gratitude. We found books we liked, but none had quite the mix of words, rhymes, and questions we were looking for.
So Natalie began writing rhymes, one letter at a time, and Adrian began drawing.
What we come back to
We are parents, not experts. We read, try things at home, and still have hard days.
We try to connect before we correct.
We try to give our children words for their feelings, needs, and experiences.
We try to ask one open question, then listen.
We miss the mark sometimes. When we do, we try to reconnect.
For Olive and River
“May you always remember the brilliance within you, and let your light guide the way.”
A note of thanks
We were proud to learn that ABCs for the Soul won a Gold Medal in the 2026 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and was named a Finalist in the 2026 Independent Publisher Book Awards.
Follow along on Instagram at @olivetree.tales (opens in a new tab)