"Madeleine!
I have a tickle on my nose.
And an itch on my wrist.
And something is scratching my ankle.
That's OK, Dad.
A tree doesn't mind
itches and tickles."
A tree doesn't mind
itches and tickles."
Oh, Madeleine! You are one lucky girl to have such a patient and accommodating dad. I do hope you know that.
Jon Agee has a real knack for writing stories that have real appeal for young readers. He knows exactly what will make them happy, and tickle their funny bone as well. While her father is raking up the yard, young Madeleine decides she will pretend to be a tree. Why, her father asks. Turns out Madeleine wants to be outside all day long, and this is the way she intends to do it. She encourages her father to join her.
He agrees, if only for a few minutes. For the rest of the day he maintains his position, welcoming a tiny owl, a robin's nest-building, chickadees making his arm a perfect place for a concert, and a crowd of other creatures finding him to be a perfect gathering place. All the while, his wee daughter encourages him to remember that he is pretending to be a tree.
Rain does not deter the charade. Dad accepts the use of a tiny umbrella brought by Madeleine for needed protection. She reminds him that trees 'don't mind getting wet'. They stand together in the pouring rain until the sun sets. Only in darkness does her father finally insist that they give over to admitting they are not trees, and that they need to get inside. Delighted to have spent the entire day outside, Madeleine is content to go in.
Witty, signature illustrations and quirky humor are sure to charm those who read this book. I can already hear the plea for a repeat read!
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