My Dad is a Tree

Madeline is pretending to be a tree so Dad decides to join in- just for a minute. As they pretend their arms are branches, their bodies are trunks and their legs are roots, Dad finds a sleepy owl nestling on his shoulder, a robin nesting in his hair, a slug on his shoe…Whatever happens, Madeline is on hand to help and support Dad with the experience. When night comes, Madeline acknowledges that they are not trees, but is delighted that they stayed outside all day- and wonders what they might be tomorrow!

This is such a wonderful book! Dad joins his daughter in her pretending, initially ‘just for a minute’, but in the end committing whole-heartedly to her game. Jon Agee has captured the whimsy and innocence of imaginative play and Dad’s dedication to joining in with his daughter is delightful, the love between them perfectly captured.

There is so much humour captured in the collage-style illustrations as Dad’s expression ‘to camera’ offers the audience a dual narrative to the events. But the story also celebrates all the possibilities when adults slow their pace and invest time and attention in their children’s games, nurturing their imagination and listening to their view of the world. This is sure to become a firm favourite for lingering over and sharing again and again- and who knows what games it might inspire?!

My Dad is a Tree Jon Agee

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252173