Schools. Housing. Food. Culture. Fun. In a play on the French word for Basel – “Bâle,” -- Bâlehoo offers expert answers to top expat questions about living in and around Basel, Switzerland. All this plus personal anecdotes on everything from move meltdowns to speeding tickets, recipes, recommendations and handy hacks for thriving in your new home town.
In the sweet Swiss village of Muttenz, a little girl named Francyli dreams of candy all year long -- but especially at Christmas! Her vivid imagination turns everything she sees to candy - from her ice skates to the houses around town. But her favourite dream of all? Turning the Muttenz village Christmas Tree into a magical tree covered in candies! With just a few nights before Christmas...will Francyli's sweet dream come true?
Join Brownie, a Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog, on a holiday adventure through her new hometown of Portland, Oregon (PDX)! 
Brownie, the Bernese, is a big ball of fluff. When it comes to food she can't get enough! This Christmas, her endless appetite lands her lost and hungry in downtown Portland. She makes some friends - and some messes! - as she tries to find her way home.
From the tree at Portland's Pioneer Square, the Christmas Ships, and the lights at SE Peacock Lane to Powell's City of Books and the iconic St John's and Burnside Bridges, Brownie's adventures highlight some of Portland's many treasures.

Brownie's Big PDXmas

Join Brownie, a Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog, on a holiday adventure through her new hometown of Portland, Oregon (PDX)! 

Brownie, the Bernese, is a big ball of fluff. When it comes to food she can't get enough! This Christmas, her endless appetite lands her lost and hungry in downtown Portland. She makes some friends - and some messes! - as she tries to find her way home.

From the tree at Portland's Pioneer Square, the Christmas Ships, and the lights at SE Peacock Lane to Powell's City of Books and the iconic St John's and Burnside Bridges, Brownie's adventures highlight some of Portland's many treasures.










​Sweet words about "The Candy Tree"

2021 IPPY Award Winner
2021 Moonbeam Award Winner

​"An engaging, charmingly illustrated holiday story.... Stoner's story is a delight."- Kirkus Reviews
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"Full of whimsical, intriguing characters, childhood fantasies, and Christmas spirit, this delightful book beautifully explores the themes of imagination, kindness, friendship, and sharing....This is an absolute delight." BookView Review (Gold Seal)

"The Candy Tree captures what the holidays are really about: supporting others, connecting with others. putting others at the forefront. Love. Kindness. Generosity. Those are the greatest gifts we can give each other in the holiday season and The Candy Tree reminds us of that. It's a delicious read." Cheryl Strayed, author of New York Times bestsellers Wild, Tiny Beautiful Things, and Brave Enough

Reader reviews:

Charming and beautiful story. 7 year old granddaughter and I love it! - Debbie H. (Amazon review)

​"Nice writing and a great message.... My kids couldn't stop looking at the beautiful pictures of all the candies. It actually inspired us to try a candy tree of our own this Christmas!" - Donna L. (Barnes and Noble review)




​Kind words about "Bâlehoo"

"Beautiful and well-written, reading Bâlehoo feels like getting personal advice from a friend. So, whether you’re a long-time expat, just arrived, or considering becoming one, Bâlehoo is a must-have for every expat’s survival kit." - BaselLife Magazine

It’s so great! ...Such a refreshing, easily digestible guide with excellent tips and photos!" - Janice, US expat, Basel

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