Laburnum Trees

[JaimeLea]

I have just written my first childrens book "Jaime Lea and the Bumblebee" which I am going to self publish next month. The story evolved from me seeing the beautiful old laburnum tree in our back garden, in full flower being visited by endless bees. My concern is, should I highlight the fact that laburnum trees can be dangerous to children and if so to what extent. I would hate for someone to buy a laburnum tree, because of my story, and then blame me if their child was poisoned. I don't know of any other children's books that come with a warning note. Any comments would be much appreciated.

I don't think it would be a problem - there are many trees/bushes mention in kids stories.

Certainly place a warning in it if it makes you feel comfortable.

BTW I've never heard of a laburnum tree, so off to check out google!

I don't think you'd need a note. Its the parents responsibility to check what things they put in their garden are toxic.

I grew up on a street full of Laburnum Trees and I'm fine ;)

I love these. We had some in the garden and I have happy memories of big sister #2 trying sitting on big sister #3 trying to force feed her the yellow blossom. Ahhh happy days.

We all survived!

I would put a bit in the back - maybe along the lines that children should not eat/play with/touch etc plants/berries/blossoms unless a grown up tells them its safe.

I remember playing in my Granny'ssandpit which was underneath her massive laburnum tree. My sister and I used to spend hours picking out the seeds and sitting them along hte edge because we knew they were poisonous and shouldn't play with them I'd put a little piece at hte back of the book like you have in childrens nature books showing details of leaf, bark, flower and seeds, and state clearly that it is poisonous. Parents can then deal with the information as they wish. Good luck with the book - it sounds lovely.