The Me Tree

A bear decides it’s time to leave the nest—er, cave—in this humorous fable by Belote. Perusing a wall of accommodation listings, Bear zeroes in on one: “Seeking Solitude? Buy a Tree House Today!” Adults will find humor in additional details: “Move-in ready! Utilities on!” Bear decides to move in, but savvy readers will note foreshadowing: a squirrel grins from the window above the door. Oblivious, Bear declares, “A tree just for me!/ I think I’ll call it.../ The Me Tree!” while labeling everything with yellow sticky notes: “My ladder,” “my porch,” “my yard!” Soon enough, however, Bear discovers the tree house’s squatters: squirrels eat the popcorn, Sloth hogs the toilet, a manatee uses Bear’s loofah in the bath. All Bear wants is some privacy—until they’re gone, and he reads the notes they’ve left. Bright digital illustrations enliven this chaotic picture book extolment of “the more the merrier.” Ages 4–8. (Nov.)