Three orphans from Kenya stow away on an airplane to embark on a desperate quest to meet the Secretary General of the United Nations in New York City and deliver a message they hope will help millions of homeless and hurting children in Africa. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz becomes their guidebook as they journey alone across the United States.

The trio—one with HIV, one blind amputee, and one who hasn’t spoken for years after watching her family slaughtered—find themselves embroiled in a situation beyond their imaginations as they get close to meeting their goal.

This book was written with the hope of raising awareness of the millions of people in Africa who suffer the effects of malnutrition, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and the unspeakable atrocities associated with armed conflicts.You can help by doing whatever you’re able to do: send a donation,learn what’s going on, offer a home, visit the continent, buy an extra copy of The Leopard Tree.

Profits from the sale of The Leopard Tree will be used to support projects that help those who need assistance in Africa.

The Leopard Tree grabbed every emotion I had and brought it to the surface. I couldn’t put it down! This book allows one to question the fairness of this world and ask how one small person can help. Being a teacher and also visiting Africa myself, I am excited to present this book to my peers and classroom; for I know The Leopard Tree will be an excellent piece of literature that students and teachers can discuss. This book will be a springboard into broadening minds and opening hearts. Congratulations on a superb piece of work!
- Jill Wodiuk

Tim and Lisa congratulations on your book! I felt that you captured the heart of the African children who have aids and disabilities that limit their chance of a healthy survival. I say survival having worked with blind and disabled orphans in central Tanzania in a village called Wasa. After working with blind orphans on my second trip and witnessing such dire straits, I decided return to Africa and construct a wing on an existing orphanage. Reading your book brought back many of the emotions that I felt when I was there. Bravo to you for raising awareness of the plight of the African youth while trying to instill a hope for humanity.
- Joseph Wodiuk (general contractor)

This is a fantastic story. It drew me in immediately and painted a vivid picture of the plight of so many children in Africa. I found it tragic and inspiring at the same time. It was emotional, but also provided much food for thought. In short I loved reading it and think it’s a story well worth telling.
- Sheila Caputo (artist)

The Leopard Tree brings to life, through Daudi, Masozi, and Ramla, the paradox of Africa—it is a continent where so many struggle with so little, and yet, so many live daily with tumaini (Swahili, translates to “hope”). Merriman and Brochu capture the inherent hope and innocence of childhood while also issuing a call for action that makes us all want to join these three children in their quest.
- Julie Cutler (consultant, former teacher in Tanzania)