Albert's Tree by Jenni Desmond

Never, never underestimate the power of a great story twist! And appealing illustrations and brilliant end papers. This book has it all. Jenni Desmond - well done!

Look at that face on the cover. Bear looks so content. We can guess he has found HIS tree! 

"Spring had arrived and Albert woke from his long sleep. 'Horray!' he shouted. As the snow was quietly turning to water and trickling down from the mountains, Albert raced to his favourite place. His tree."

This tree is perfect. Not too hard, soft, slippery or prickly. This is a place of peace and quiet.

BUT all readers know that at this point there is sure to be a complication. And yes, there is. Albert hears a noise. It sounds as though his tree is crying. Albert decides to ask his forest friends. Rabbit explains that digging holes makes him happy so the pair of friends dig lots of holes but the tree keeps crying. The Caribous suggests gathering lots of grass because it is delicious to eat but the tree keeps crying. The crying becomes louder and more intense.

Bear is at a loss what to do so he climbs his tree and he "gave the tree a huge, kind, bear hug." There are ten more pages in this book but I don't want to spoil the surprise. Bear does make a discovery about his tree but I am certain you will never guess the truth. This is a book you should add to your read aloud list. It would be perfect to share with a preschool group.

The picture book is as cozy and familiar as a teddy bear’s embrace, but smart touches elevate the story. They include vignettes against white space that contrast beautifully with more detailed and colorful spreads that give a wider view of the world around Albert. And by naming Albert alone of the characters, Desmond keeps readers’ sympathies squarely on the well-meaning mammal. If that weren’t enough, the endpapers include a lovely cutaway view of underground hibernation and a hilarious offhand joke that add beauty and charm, respectively, to an already endearing effort. There are lots of children’s books about cute bears who talk like people, but few are as cleverly put together and as witty as Albert’s little adventure. Kirkus Star review

Here are some other books by Jenni Desmond:

I have previously talked about these:

Puffin 

On the Night of the Shooting Star

The Zebra who ran too fast