School Library Journal Review

K-Gr 2-Finding the right tree for playing is hard work, but this narrator has plenty of spirit, trying again and again. Enthusiasm abounds as he runs from tree to tree, only to find that each one is already inhabited. He enters the world of backyard animals from squirrels to spiders, and hears and sees them playing, too. Finally, in a tree that holds a world just for him, he falls asleep, utterly exhausted. Repetition is cleverly entwined into this rhythmic narrative, such as "On moss-covered rocks, crickets chirp, `Chirree!'/as I look, look, look for a tree for me." Primitive-style painted images combine with a collage technique, resulting in a look that is similar to the artist's previous work. What is different here is the use of more white space, which emphasizes contrast, makes the words more visible, and adds to a sense of openness. A fine pairing of author and illustrator, resulting in an appealing story.-Tina Hudak, Takoma Park Maryland Library, MD (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.