Garwood Comedian Pens Children's Christmas Book

GARWOOD, NJ — Garwood resident and Cranford native Joseph Carney is spreading the Christmas spirit in his first children's book "Douglas: A Christmas Tale."

In the 48-page book, Carney brings a Douglas Christmas tree to life. Carney never really fit in growing up and is sharing his childhood journey of inclusion through Douglas.

"When my family went Christmas tree shopping I decided to put a personality to the trees. To imagine if they were a person and gave Douglas a personality," said Carney. "I reflected on my childhood. I had many surgeries growing up and was a homebody — a momma's boy. My safe place was at home. I had a hard time making friends but I always loved people and entertaining people."

Carney decided to share his story through Douglas.

"I wanted to show that no matter what was going on around me it didn't change who I was," said Carney. "What better way to have kids understand that we are all different than looking at Christmas trees. We all judge them on size, looks, color. It was just a natural flow for me to make Douglas into a character."

In the book, Douglas is the happiest, most spirited tree on the fictional Maggie’s Farm. Throughout the Christmas season, he watches all of his friends on the farm getting picked for new homes at the holidays, as he is left behind until something amazing happens on Christmas eve.

Carney is married to Kathleen with a daughter Margaret, who is attending Rutgers, and a son Joseph, a junior in high school in Clark. Instilling inclusion in his family has always been a lesson in their home.

"No matter what we are — race, color, creed, sexual orientation — we have to not only get along but we have to show tolerance," said Carney. "That is the most important thing to my wife and I."

Carney said the release of his book is perfect timing with everything going on this year.

"2020 is a great year to get this lesson," said Carney. "There is too much anger and division over so many different things."

The book is available to purchase as paperback or on Kindle by clicking here. For more information on the book or to find out about book signings visit facebook.com/douglaschristmastree.

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