Testimonials
“My daughter, Lena, loves your book. We have several books about moving (we are a military family so we do this often). Your book is the one that really showcased the beautiful experience of moving and rang true with our elementary school age daughter. On her last day of her previous school, we brought a copy of the book to read to her class and donate to the class library. We also gave her classmates seed packets of forget-me-nots. We’ve purchased this book for other military friends who are moving and even donated a copy to her new school where we are now. It’s an international school and I think it will be particularly helpful as there are always new students arriving and departing. At Lena’s new school, for “Dress as your favorite book character day,” she wanted to be the tree from Beloved and the Pepper Tree, as you see in this picture.
Thank you for your interest and for creating such beautiful story.” - Lena’s grateful Mom and Dad
“I LOVE Beloved! My kids read it every week! They can’t wait for the part where the Pepper Tree promises Beloved a special gift before she moves homes. As a mom, it reminds me that change is how we grow and NOTHING separates us from that which loves us. Enjoy this masterpiece and gift of a book!” -- Page Margaret - Spiritual Counselor and Speaker
“I loved this book and its message about a young girl and the wise pepper tree she befriends. The story is about growing, adapting to change, and keeping your friendships with you at all times, even if distance separates you physically. It's a valuable lesson for children and a good reminder for adults. The illustrations are magical and it's now become my go-to book when I'm buying presents for my friends' or relatives' children.” -- Jackie
“This is a delightful story for children of all ages. It deals with change and change is hard for most of us, even when it doesn't need to be.” --Robert A. Elliot
“Wonderful, uplifting thoughtful story! Especially helpful for children who have to move from a beloved home! Loved it.” – Barbara S.
“This is such a special story that warms the heart in the most beautiful way. The way that the main character deals with change, loss, and grief, and finds a way to transcend those difficult feelings that can arise in such a process is so valuable for children to connect with. My 8 year old son really related with the main character, Beloved, and felt inspired by the story. He could connect easily with her feelings, and loved when Beloved realized that her friendship with the Pepper Tree lives within her, and that she carries it with her everywhere she goes. This is a beautifully written and illustrated story that can help children accept and move through the loss they may experience in their own lives. I highly recommend it.” -- Nikaya
“I received this beautiful book as a gift to share with my grandchildren. And I will. But it is so much more than that. The story is sweet and engaging. The illustrations are darling. It is a heartfelt story of saying goodbye to the pepper tree as an old friend but carries the message of love growing in new ways in the child’s life. Love this wonderful book.” – Alice Bandy
“A heartfelt book about a young girl named Beloved and her best friends, a pepper tree. The book touches on many important themes around love, connection, change, letting go and moving on. The author beautifully captures the essence of these sometimes challenging transitions in life and has enormous depth in its simplicity. The playful illustrations bring to life its important messages. The book's essence stays with you.” -- Laura Beth
“This is a beautifully illustrated book accompanied by a story that is heartwarming. I went to the book signing to meet Ann and others.....it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday. She read an excerpt to the children of attendees...... the kids were all ears!” -- A Delighted Patron
“We gifted this book to a military family who was in the process of moving overseas. The two young children were both really upset about moving. Beloved in the Pepper Tree quickly became their favorite book and really helped with their big life change. On the last day at school, the first grader shared the book with her class. Afterwards, she gave each classmate a packet of seeds to have a little something to remind them of her. This book helped the girls be excited for their next adventure instead of dreading it. It also helped her classmates who were sad that their friends were moving away. Thanks Ann! Your book is going to help so many kids!” -- Kristin Farnsworth
“I had to make a difficult work decision. As I turned to grab a tissue, I saw Ann’s book, Beloved and the Peppertree, which fits so well right now. Maybe I have to leave something that I love and that brings me joy, but I can take what I already have and use those seeds to plant so much more (someday).” - - Jodi M.
“Arts Facilitator Ann Gonzales has written a book with a message children need. Beloved and the Pepper Tree is a thoughtful and delightful book about a child facing change and moving forward. What I love about this book is that it addresses the real emotions involved in moving away from a treasured home…it doesn’t sugar coat them. There is no fairy tale ending, but instead there is a maturation in progress as Beloved faces her circumstances head on. Beloved ends up better able to cope with future challenges as a result of the lessons she learns in this tale. I can see this book being of great value to anyone facing a move or change. It would be an ideal going away gift, and also a terrific welcome present for a family arriving at a new destination.” — Steve Rodgers, President/CEO Alchemy Advisors, Consulting/Author/Speaker
“Beloved, each time we move to a new place, try something new, or make a new friend, we change in ways we could never imagine,” the Pepper Tree said. Loving our new book “Beloved and the Pepper Tree” by Ann Gonzales! The kids loved the book! You know it’s good when they don’t make a peep throughout the entire book. Thanks for sharing with us! — Jaclynn Thompson
“Beloved and the Pepper Tree” tells the story of Beloved, a little girl who had to move away from her best friend, Pepper Tree. When Beloved has to move, she is upset to leave her best friend but is told a story about how her best friend will be with her wherever she goes. While the story does not specifically mention deployment, I feel it would be very appropriate for all military families as the story addresses how to keep someone in their heart, no matter where they are. Military families constantly deal with deployments and changes of duty stations so I feel this would be a great resource to provide to military families. — Wilma, Military Mom
Pictures DO speak louder than words as you see these two brothers so happy to be Fans of Beloved. — A Fan’s Neighbor’s Boys
“I was delighted to receive your BEAUTIFUL book as part of your Grandparent’s Bundle (puzzle, cards, and CD). I’m especially excited because my youngest grandkids are visiting with me now and tonight is our special ‘sleep-over’ where I plan on introducing them to Beloved. Although my kiddos are a little older (7 & 10) I do think they have enough imagination to engage. I’m really excited to make (and share) this experience with both of them…a sweet story bonding opportunity. By the way, the book is much more tactile and visually beautiful than anything online. The colors and illustrations are stunning and are richer in reality, and it feels ‘soft’ and tender when touched. In fact, the entire ‘book’ experience is totally awesome all by itself. Clearly a lot of thought and TLC went into its production. I have also joined ‘Beloved’s Neighborhood Club’ and look forward to accessing the information about the sock puppet as I’m hoping to follow the clues as I’ve already set aside special socks for our ‘after breakfast’ activity. I will try to take photos of our ‘grandparent’ experience and will be happy to share as soon as I’m able. I also love, Love, LOVE how the wisdom cards pull out and draw in all the elements from the book and captures the essence of the story’s purpose. I thought that alone was awesomely brilliant! We read almost all of them together. Best wishes for everyone on this delightful “Beloved” journey! — Sheila and her grandchildren
'“A good friend, Ann Gonzales, wrote a wonderful book for children, Beloved and the Pepper Tree. She has now added children’s “affirmation” cards. We used them for the first time this morning. Sarah got the Seeds card, Seeds are Possibilities, and the affirmation is Anything is Possible. Cove got the Mouse card. It is about Paying Attention. They both loved them. What a great daily practice for kids to practice Mindfulness and the Laws of Attraction.” — Mary Lou Pugh Rodgers and her grandchildren
