“Allie and the Wandering Albatross: In search of the Most Beautiful Tree in the World” by Mary Kathy Gray is a children’s adventure that combines knowledge about trees with a religious conclusion. Proudly published by Citi of Books, this is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.
Mary Kathy Gray was born in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1969, Mary Kathy and her family moved to Arkansas where they operated a commercial poultry and cattle farm. Today, her sons, Larry and Michael live near her home in Dardanelle, Arkansas. In 2017, she became Mary Gray-Sand, marrying Duane Sand who has a son, David.
She was trained as a classical pianist while attending colleges in Texas and Arkansas. Today, her business career has led to helping older citizens with their Medicare Insurance as an Independent Agent. In 1986, Mary Kathy felt led by God to write expressions of His love through poetry, scripture studies, prayers, short stories, novellas, novels, and inspirational articles. She is a contributing author of six books.
“Allie and the Wandering Albatross: In search of the Most Beautiful Tree in the World” follows seven-year-old Allie, a curious girl from California, on a global quest to find the most beautiful tree in the world. Guided by a mysterious calling, Allie embarks on her journey with Augie, a wise Wandering Albatross bird who can fly her anywhere. Starting from her home near Sequoia National Park, where she meets the talking Giant Sequoia General Sherman, Allie leaves a note for her parents and sets off to explore.
Allie’s travels take her to eight countries, each featuring a unique, talking tree that shares its beauty, cultural significance, and uses. In Mexico City, she encounters the fragrant Jacaranda tree in a vibrant park filled with music and dancers. In Brazil’s Cerrado Savanna, the glowing Yellow Ipe tree impresses her, but she narrowly escapes danger from locals. In Africa, the Baobab “Tree of Life” provides shelter and introduces her to a welcoming village, where she receives gifts like a blanket and food. In India’s Gulmohar Park, the orange-flamed tree symbolizes cultural vibrancy and medicinal properties. In China’s Tianmu Mountain, the ancient Gingko tree, a “Living Fossil,” enchants her with its golden leaves. In Russia’s Gatchina Park, the White Birch tree represents peace and healing. Finally, in Germany’s Linden grove, Allie learns about its role in folklore and crafts, and she stays with new friends Alexander and Emma.
Throughout her adventures, Allie collects souvenirs, photographs cultures, and faces challenges like wild animals, language barriers, and close calls. She learns about each tree’s beauty, from their blooms and wood uses to their spiritual and practical roles in local lives. However, after months away, Allie returns home weary and unsure which tree is the most beautiful.
Upon arriving back in California, Allie reunites with her parents and, seeing their Christmas tree adorned with lights and a nativity scene, realizes the truth: the most beautiful tree is the one symbolizing the love of Jesus Christ—his birth, life, death, and resurrection. The story emphasizes themes of faith, cultural appreciation, and the idea that true beauty and dreams can be found close to home. Allie’s journey teaches her that life’s greatest treasures often lie in spiritual and familial connections rather than distant travels.
“Allie and the Wandering Albatross: In search of the Most Beautiful Tree in the World” by Mary Kathy Gray is now available for purchase through the links provided below: