The me tree

A bear decides it's time to leave the nest--er, cave--in this humorous fable by Belote. Perusing a wall of accommodation listings, Bear zeroes in on one: "Seeking Solitude? Buy a Tree House Today!" Adults will find humor in additional details: "Move-in ready! Utilities on!" Bear decides to move in, but savvy readers will note foreshadowing: a squirrel grins from the window above the door. Oblivious, Bear declares, "A tree just for me!/ I think I'll call it.../ The Me Tree!" while labeling everything with yellow sticky notes: "My ladder," "my porch," "my yard!" Soon enough, however, Bear discovers the tree house's squatters: squirrels eat the popcorn, Sloth hogs the toilet, a manatee uses Bear's loofah in the bath. All Bear wants is some privacy--until they're gone, and he reads the notes they've left. Bright digital illustrations enliven this chaotic picture book extolment of "the more the merrier." Ages 4--8. (Nov.)

A disgruntled bear searches for solitude. The cave is much too crowded; Bear needs to find another place to live. The community notice board is filled with options, but none is more appealing than a treehouse. A whole house in a tree? Bear plants a signpost out front so everyone knows that this is the titular "Me Tree." But alas, Bear is not alone. There are squirrels munching on popcorn in the theater room, bees buzzing in the bedroom, and a very (very) slow sloth using the toilet. Bear bellows in frustration: "I just want to be… / ALONE!" The menagerie of animals slumps sadly away. (Sloth even carries a note that reads: "I am sad.") The text is paced for emergent readers, but those wanting more of a challenge can also scan the plethora of notes and signs found within the art. Belote's humor shines in the details (the ingredients listed on the "Acorn Flakes" box, for example, include "dirt" and "more dirt"). Some vocabulary, such as potpourri, seems a bit much, but most words skim easily along, thrumming with Bear's grumpiness (and eventual change of heart). (This book was reviewed digitally.) Celebrates both alone time and community--each one makes the other sweeter. (Early reader. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

A bear decides it's time to leave the nest—er, cave—in this humorous fable by Belote. Perusing a wall of accommodation listings, Bear zeroes in on one: "Seeking Solitude? Buy a Tree House Today!" Adults will find humor in additional details: "Move-in ready! Utilities on!" Bear decides to move in, but savvy readers will note foreshadowing: a squirrel grins from the window above the door. Oblivious, Bear declares, "A tree just for me!/ I think I'll call it.../ The Me Tree!" while labeling everything with yellow sticky notes: "My ladder," "my porch," "my yard!" Soon enough, however, Bear discovers the tree house's squatters: squirrels eat the popcorn, Sloth hogs the toilet, a manatee uses Bear's loofah in the bath. All Bear wants is some privacy—until they're gone, and he reads the notes they've left. Bright digital illustrations enliven this chaotic picture book extolment of "the more the merrier." Ages 4–8. (Nov.)