Our Treehouse Book Launch: A Small Beginning with a Lasting Meaning

A Small Beginning with a Lasting Meaning

A heartfelt reflection on the successful book launch of Our Treehouse, the first publication from Moms Playground, celebrating community, creativity, and the power of shared stories at the Emma Clark Library.

Last weekend, we celebrated the successful launch of Our Treehouse, the very first book created by Moms Playground. It still feels unreal that this small project, born from many hands and hearts, has grown into a real book—one chosen as part of our local community’s “Local Focus Collection.” Knowing that a book made by mothers will be read by our own children one day, and continue to exist as part of this community, fills me with deep gratitude.

The entire process of bringing this book to life felt like a dream, and seeing that dream materialize into an actual event was incredibly meaningful. The launch was not simply an occasion to introduce a book; it was a moment to honor the first steps that Moms Playground has taken together. I felt especially moved remembering how our group started during the COVID years—masked, distanced, meeting on a playground just to share stories and find support. Those casual conversations turned into regular gatherings, and eventually, into the publication of a book. It reminds me that our dreams were never “just dreams”—they became something real.

During the event, we took commemorative photos with the founding members, enjoyed a quiet coffee break, and spent time in the small display area where the book’s illustrations were exhibited. Standing together with the team who had been part of this from the very beginning, all the memories came back effortlessly. Each person had carved out time from their busy lives to collaborate, and the process itself became something precious and powerful.

A particularly special moment came when Emilia read aloud my recently completed story, Sprout Story. Perhaps books exist precisely for moments like this—to reach someone’s heart, to be spoken again in someone’s voice, and to create new meaning each time they are read. I hope Our Treehouse will continue to find new life in the homes, hands, and hearts of many people, sparking new stories as it travels.
The launch took place in the Emma Clark Library cafeteria, where the illustrations from Our Treehouse were lovingly displayed. Familiar images took on a new presence when set in an exhibition-like space, reminding me that these drawings were never just pictures—they were milestones in a shared journey. I took a quiet moment in front of the artworks, reflecting on the time and love behind them, and I felt clearly how Moms Playground has grown into a true community. The warmth and strength of our group were unmistakable.

It wasn’t a grand or flashy event. Instead, it was the kind of gathering that brings deep peace—a space filled with sincerity and genuine support. In that short hour and a half, we shared coffee, shared our book, shared ideas, and shared pieces of our lives. As mothers, creators, and members of our local community, we were able to show up fully as ourselves. Later, when I looked again at the photos of our founding members standing in front of the displayed illustrations, I saw expressions that said everything—joy in what we accomplished together, comfort in one another’s presence, and hope for what comes next. Those expressions revealed the true meaning of this book.
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In the end, Our Treehouse is not simply a book. It is a “first home” we built together. I hope many more stories will take root around this home, and that the warmth we shared today will be remembered for a long time to come. It was a small beginning—but a day filled with enormous meaning.
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