Secret Tree Fort

Reviewed by: Melissa Madigan - Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

This beautifully illustrated story comes from the perspective of one imaginative little girl as she tries to captivate her preoccupied older sister with tales of an increasingly fantastical tree fort. A rope ladder and water-balloon launcher in case of a pirate attack? Check. A trap door to gaze up at the stars? Check. A secret storage compartment for marshmallows AND chocolate? Check and check. Despite the girl's fanciful anecdotes, her big sister remains engulfed in her book. What on earth will it take for her to look up? The story ends with a brief rumpus and a subsequent, sweet reconciliation between the two siblings, and is relatable to anyone who has had a squabble with either family or friends. The exquisite details of the pictures are worthy of the close examination of a lap-sit/1:1 story time, yet the story itself is engaging enough to fare well for a read-aloud telling.

Overall Book Score: excellent