Another Way to Climb a Tree

Another almost perfect book, but again something is just not 100% perfect. I like the story: a little girl loves climbing trees: trees that others will not climb, trees others fall out of, all kinds of trees. But when she is sick, she must learn how to be creative so she can still climb the trees she misses and who miss her. Yet, something is missing. Perhaps I would have liked to see her interact with people more. Or perhaps have her not the only one really in the trees. I do not know.

It is neat that the author, Liz Garton Scanlon, does not tell you that the girl has chicken pox, they let Hadley Hooper (the illustrator) do the talking. Therefore, the text and illustrations play off each other and complement each other. The illustrators are a unique combination of being realistic with a slight surreal element to them as well. The way the girl is envious of the sun and moon being able to climb her trees is a real attitude of a child. The exasperation on her face as she plops into the chair is felt by the reader. And the (spoiler) how she figures out how to climb and still unable to be outside is clever.

This book is a book that might work out if your child or grandchild is sick in bed or sick at home. Perhaps if you have an adult who used to be the little girl, they would like the nostalgia of  it.