The Memory Tree recounts some actual events from Christmas 2007. The storyline, told in first person through the eyes of a toddler, features young Calvin, who delights in riding in Dad's pickup truck to Big Jim's Farm in search of two trees, a tall one for the house and a short one to be planted in the back yard, called a memory tree. As a toddler, he is quite the humorous helper, and together, Calvin and Dad transform this Christmas, because of a memory tree, into a tradition they will recapture for years to come.

Reviews from Pfizer Kids, New London, Connecticut
The Memory Tree was a great way to truly invite the reader to imagine what your holiday traditions with Calvin are. A nice traditional family story-Sue LaBella, Program Coordinator
I loved the concept of this story. I found that, as a toddler teacher, I particularly enjoyed the flow of rhyming lines. I also found myself wanting more details about the 'memory' surrounding the act of tending to the small tree-Hope Wread, Toddler Lead Teacher

FRED NEFF is writing a children's book series from real life fatherhood experiences with his toddler son, Calvin. The Memory Tree is the first in the series.
"Stories told in rhyme seem to captivate children with an expectation of the next line. They love the repetition of being read to-especially in rhyme. The Calvin and Dad series, lets me explore a child's view of these important times with Dad."
"I hope Calvin and Dad stories inspire dads everywhere to invest more time doing simple things in life with their kids (or any kids for that matter) to draw out the extraordinary love that children are just waiting to give in return for Dad's time. This is what creates precious moments and wonderful memories. I try to bring to you, the reader, and the listener, the joys of fatherhood-with a twist-as seen through the eyes of a toddler.