The Tree

The Tree is home to all sorts of animals but the excited couple that want to build a house there don’t know that when they cut it down. The animals find themselves with nowhere to live and the couple are distraught they’ve taken it away. They set to work building new homes for the animals, and a new home for themselves along the way that means everyone can live together in harmony, with the tree still standing.

Minimal text supports Layton’s lovely drawings that feel warm, true and from the heart. Excellent page design and production from Walker Books makes it feel special. It’s a worthy book with a substantial message about respecting nature, told simply and gently to introduce young readers to the idea of preservation and conservation.