Arbor Day Square

About Arbor Day Square

Inspired by the creation of Arbor Day, this gentle picture book illuminates the experience of establishing roots in a new home and the comfort that a familiar landscape can provide.

Katie and her papa are among a group of settlers building a town in the middle of the dusty, brown prairie. Every week the trains bring more people who build houses, fences, and barns. But one thing is missing: trees.

The townspeople take up a collection to order trees from back east and Katie adds her own pennies and Papa’s silver dollar. When the tiny saplings finally arrive, Katie helps dig holes and fetch water. Then, in a quiet corner off the public square, Katie and Papa plant a flowering dogwood in memory of Mama.

Kathryn O. Galbraith’s gentle story of community building, the timelessness of love, and the power of ritual will resonate with readers.