Everybody Needs a Hideaway

April 1, 2005
K-Gr 3 -Ben's hideaway is a tree house high in the branches of an old pine in the woods of western Maine. One day, a bull moose stops to rest at the foot of the ladder, trapping the child in the tree. When he does not come home on time, his mother sends their dog after him. On his way, Boo observes several animals and interesting details along the trail. Finally, he arrives at the tree house and scares the moose away with a brave bark. This is a very quiet story. All of the nature information, while somewhat engaging, dilutes the little drama there is in the tale. The perspectives in the illustrations give readers a bird's-eye view of the events. The artwork is competently done and overshadows the meandering text. Add only as a supplemental purchase." -Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.