How Mr. Bark Lee Came to Be

The idea for Mr. Bark Lee began many years ago with a drawing of a bare winter tree that my sister had entered in an art show. When my nieces and nephews saw it, they thought the tree looked sad—and even a little scary.

I explained that there was nothing scary about it. It was the same kind of beautiful tree they saw in the summertime; it simply looked different in winter.

That conversation planted the seed for Mr. Bark Lee.

Mr. Bark Lee became a wise old tree in the forest where his animal friends could bring their questions, problems, and everyday dilemmas. His name was inspired by Barley, my son’s first dog, an Australian Shepherd—with a little tree humor added to turn Barley into Bark Lee.

The purpose behind the stories comes from my own childhood. I had trouble understanding how the Bible verses I learned applied to my everyday life. I wanted Mr. Bark Lee & Friends to help make that connection easier for children.

In each story, Mr. Bark Lee and his forest friends explore a Bible verse, moral, value, or virtue through situations and questions children can understand. Many of the characters return from book to book, allowing young readers to get to know them and follow their stories as the series grows.

The books have also become very personal to me. Each one is dedicated to someone special in my life—my children, daughters-in-law, best friend, and others who have been part of my own story. Each dedication includes a few words about why that person is special to me.

So, in a way, Mr. Bark Lee & Friends has grown into more than a collection of children’s stories. It is also a collection of the people, lessons, faith, and love that have shaped my life.