A parcel of public property was to be developed for a walking path. Trees of many species and sizes were going to be destroyed. The Joy of Being Adopted follows the life of a small birch tree as it is rescued by a family and then lives its remaining life in a small community. There are two messages in this children's story. First is that plants, like humans, have special needs and gifts and that these can be satisfied by adoption. Equally important is that animals and plants have the capability to love and be loved.