In the Tree House (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781554536351)

As this enchanting picture book begins, a young boy is fondly remembering last summer, when his dad built an awesome tree house in their backyard. "My brother and I spent most of that summer in the tree house. It was the best summer ever." Sadly, everything has changed this year. His brother is now "too busy with his friends" to come to the tree house at all. But then one night the power unexpectedly goes out while the young boy is there by himself, and he's treated to an amazing view of his neighborhood, blanketed in darkness and lit only by the stars. And then, just as unexpectedly, his brother appears, wanting to join him, to savor the magic of the night. Author Andrew Larsen has created a fantasy-inducing (what child doesn't pine for a house in a tree?) and emotionally satisfying story that young children will want to revisit again and again. His unique use of the first person to tell the story along with his simple, spare style evocatively relates the feelings the young boy has toward his special corner of the world and his older brother, without being overly mushy. The emotional poignancy is further enhanced by Duýan Petričic's expressive and detailed artwork. This book makes a great resource for lessons on community, siblings or growing up. Separately, this book could also be used for classroom discussions about the environmental issues connected to the rate and severity of blackouts in recent years.

Author: Andrew Larsen
ISBN-10: 1554536359
ISBN-13: 9781554536351
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Language: English
Published: 04/01/2013
Pages: 32
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.10h x 10.30w x 0.40d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.5
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 162556 / In the Tree House


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2013
School Library Journal 04/01/2013 pg. 134
Booklist 04/15/2013 pg. 64
Quill & Quire 05/01/2013 pg. 31
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2014 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw