After several recurring dreams about a tree where children would encounter God, Traci Vanderbush felt led to write a book for children that would release emotional healing, based on some of her personal experiences with the Father. Within the dreams, she kept hearing "Mr. Thomas and the Cottonwood Tree." She began researching cottonwoods and found that they exude a resin that some refer to as a "Balm of Gilead." This confirmed to her that there would be healing within the story. Her husband, Bill Vanderbush, offered illustrations which they chose to keep simple and without color in order to allow childrens' imaginations to paint a picture. Based in Austin, Texas, William and Traci continue their journey into discovering the immense goodness and grace of God, and His ability to bring healing and redemption into the most impossible situations. As a wife and mother, Traci desires to inspire others to hold to a hope that exists beyond our realm. For more information, please visit www.billvanderbush.com.