The belonging tree

PreS-Gr 3--Life has been pretty simple on Forest Lane. Squirrels live up in the tree and down in the tree, and the Gray squirrel family (Pa, Ma, and little Zeke) live in the middle. The neighborhood is just as it should be: Everyone helps each other out, spends time together, and eats together. Then the bluebirds come, and along with them, singing and noise. The Gray family does everything they can to to get rid of the bluebirds, and then the chipmunks arrive. They steal acorns and have a lot of crying babies. Winter arrives and Zeke is bored, though his parents are happier. With spring comes the beavers, and Pa and Ma are so frustrated, they move the family out. When Zeke gets stuck in a serendipitous storm, the potential tragedy shows the Gray family that the true meaning of being a neighbor is helping and caring for one other. With its very basic message of tolerance and inclusion, this friendly, accessible book will hit home with many readers. Beautiful watercolor illustrations bring the forest to life. VERDICT With essential themes woven into a charming story, this is a recommended general purchase.--Kristen Todd-Wurm, Middle Country P.L., NY

In the big oak tree, life couldn't be better--there are squirrels everywhere. But with summer comes discord. Who invited the noisy blue jays? And why are there so many chipmunks? Hey, where did those beavers come from? Pa and Ma are not amused. Archie Bunker--like proclamations issue forth from disgruntled Pa. "Blue jays don't belong here!" Pa grumps. And: "Beavers are the worst neighbors of all!" When they pack up and move across the river, Ma tells her son, "Look, Zeke! There are lots of squirrels here, just like you." But Zeke misses his friends. On his way to visit them, a sudden storm wreaks havoc. He is stranded on a branch, dangling over the river, when his family's maple tree comes crashing down. The former neighbors come to the rescue and return the squirrel family to the oak tree, where they all truly belong--together. Cocca-Leffler's message-driven story is easily accessible, with concise, clear sentences, and Lombardi's bright, humorous, and inviting illustrations of the forest setting are eye-catching. However, there's a jarring disconnect between the anthropomorphized squirrels and beavers and the realistically rendered chipmunks. Also, one sequence of spreads, in which the squirrels move from the left bank to the right but Zeke's old friends wave at him from the right bank, is visually confusing. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.) Despite visual hiccups, this much-needed tale of cooperation and inclusivity will be welcomed by readers of all ages. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.