AUDREY'S TREE HOUSE

A little girl who declares that her dad’s house is too small for her spurs an epic building project.

Hughes uses dialogue between daughter and dad to move the plot forward, Dad suggesting the chicken coop, the garage, and even a shed, and Audrey turning them all down. Then Audrey points to a tall tree in their yard, and good-natured Dad gets to work. An elaborate twisting staircase with a rail for sliding down is built. Next a bathtub for snorkeling is hoisted up into the treetop. Her industrious father supplies each of Audrey’s seemingly endless requests for a bed, a stove, and chairs. When all seems complete, Dad makes his way toward his house—and Audrey begins to have second thoughts about staying alone in her new treehouse. Luckily Dad, as always, responds with the perfect answer of where she can stay always, regardless of how big she is. Bentley’s watercolor-and-pencil illustrations portray Audrey with curly red hair and lots of spunk. Readers will identify with her desire to have everything perfect in her new play house and her courage for independence but also will relate to her need for an ultimate place where she belongs.

Share as a Father’s Day story or when the weather turns warm, but be ready for treehouse blueprints.