My Dad is a Tree

As her father sweeps up the garden leaves, Madeleine pretends to be a tree, so she can stay outside all day long. She encourages her dad to join her and demonstrates how he should stand, with his arms outstretched like branches and his feet planted firmly on the ground like roots.

Although he is busy, Dad agrees to play along, and as he stands, rooted in the garden, he begins to enjoy the experience. He is pleasantly surprised when an owl falls asleep on his shoulder and a robin makes a nest in his hair. However, he is a little alarmed when bugs crawl all over him and a kite tangles around his head. When it begins to rain and night falls, Madeleine reminds him that trees don’t mind getting wet and are not afraid of the dark.

Jon Agee’s distinctive artwork is infused with his trademark, quirky humour to create a delightful tale that celebrates the simple joy of a child’s make-believe world. The father-daughter relationship is touching and young children will love how Madeleine successfully cajoles her father into spending the day outside with her, engaging with nature.