Our Tree

In Meserve’s new fable, the squirrel Little Red finds it hard to share the tree where he lives. From the start, Little Red proclaims, “This tree is all for ME.” The tree calls the squirrel’s attention to the many other creatures that use the tree, from a caterpillar munching leaves to a flock of swifts that alight on the tree’s branches to an elephant who uses the tree’s bumpy bark for a good scratch. Little Red, however, remains unmoved and complains that the other creatures do not belong. At last, he decides to leave and find a different tree that can be “all for ME.” En route, however, Little Red drops onto a hungry leopard and is saved by the tree’s other creatures. At last, Little Red realizes that “Tree is for everyone.” Meserve’s story emphasizes the importance of sharing spaces and supporting one another. Gentle illustrations depict the tree’s role as a universal symbol of friendship and community, bestowing kind faces that add layers to the personification of the tree and its creatures. —Booklist

A tree welcomes everyone.
Little Red, a squirrel, scampers up a tree, cheerfully announcing that it belongs to him. Tree laughingly corrects him, pointing to a caterpillar chewing a leaf. The squirrel argues that the leaves are also his. Little Red’s displeased when Swift rests on a branch and thanks Tree for the perch. “Branches are for boinging,” says Little Red. “And, Tree, they’re all for me!” Wise Tree smiles, reminding Little Red to look again as Swift’s many friends alight everywhere. Soon, more mammals, birds, and bugs arrive. Tree happily teems with lifeforms: “We live here together, Little Red. I am for everyone, not just you.” Little Red decides to find his own tree, but he slips and lands on…Leopard, who licks her whiskers and quickly climbs the tree, announcing that it’s hers—as are all the animals in it! (Fortunately, Little Red escapes in time.) Tree chuckles, and all the creatures let out a roar; Little Red shouts, “This tree is for everyone!” Leopard flees, and a contrite Little Red begs to stay. Tree agrees and introduces Little Red to another squirrel. This gleeful U.K. import about trees’ crucial roles in the ecosystem delivers an excellent message about inclusion, friendship, and community. The illustrations sing with energetic movement; the lively characters, particularly Little Red and Tree, have very expressive personalities. A charmer about cooperation and living together in harmony. (Picture book. 4-7)–Kirkus Reviews

A squirrel named Little Red is delighted when he discovers a beautiful tree — and he wants to keep it all to himself! But he soon realizes he is not alone in the tree. Birds stop by to rest on its branches during a long flight. An elephant uses the tree’s rough bark to scratch its back. And with all of the other animals, bugs, and birds that call the tree home, it’s just too noisy for Little Red! He decides to set out to find ANOTHER tree, just for himself — but when he has a scary run-in with a leopard, Little Red learns the value of sharing, community, tolerance, and friends who have your back.
Critique: A fun read with an important message about the value of community, “Our Tree” by gifted storytelling author and illustrator Jessica Meserve is an ideal and highly recommended pick for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 3-7. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of “Our Tree” from Tiger Tales is also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).–Midwest Book Review