One Day They Tied Gilbert to a Tree

Step into the long, lazy days of 1940s and 1950s summers in southern Minnesota, where Cullen Park buzzed with the energy of kids playing tag, painting paper flowers, and listening to stories under the trees. Young Donna Rae spent every summer morning there with her best friend Barb—and a whole cast of neighborhood characters. But one day, something unexpected happened that changed how everyone remembered that tree in the middle of the park. Based on real events and drawn from true family history, One Day They Tied Gilbert to a Tree is a warm, humorous, and sometimes surprising story of childhood mischief, friendship, and resilience. Told through vivid illustrations and a nostalgic voice, this book captures a moment in time when children ran free, parks were their kingdoms, and even a questionable prank could become part of family legend. Perfect for young readers and their grownups, this story honors the ordinary summer moments that become extraordinary memories—and celebrates the joy of sharing them across generations.