2016 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards: 2nd Place for Children's Nonfiction. "The Old Man and The Tree" is the tale of two unlikely friends: a young man named Fred and a growing maple tree. When Fred purchases a home with a fledgling tree in his backyard, all he wants is some shade, but what develops is a bond between man and nature and true friendship. As the pair ages together, like the seasons, their relationship goes through changes as well. Based on author Richard Schlatter's own experience, "The Old Man and The Tree" teaches the important lessons of loyalty and respect as they apply to...