The Better Tree Fort

by Jessica Scott Kerrin, Qin Leng (Illustrator)

“Let’s build a tree fort,” Russell says to his dad when they move into a house with a big maple tree in the backyard. His dad doesn’t know much about building, but he gamely follows Russell’s plan. Several trips to the lumber store later, the tree fort is done. There is no slide, balcony or skylight like Russell imagined, but it is perfect — right up until he notices another tree fort going up three houses over.

When Russell goes over to investigate, he meets Warren, whose bigger tree fort has castle turrets and working lights. Russell is in awe until it dawns on him that it’s not worth worrying about who has the better tree fort when he has a loving dad there to build one with him.

In this subtle, humorous story, Jessica Scott Kerrin explores the idea of keeping up with the Joneses — and what that means when you’re a kid with a tree fort. Qin Leng’s lighthearted watercolor illustrations show the unshakeable bond between a father and son, as well as the delightful details of two tree forts.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family, Construction, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Stem

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2018

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please pass me the tissues because this story got the waterworks going. Russell dreams of building a tree fort in the maple tree behind his new house. He and his father spend weeks putting it together. Although it doesn't look exactly like Russell's plans, we see Russell and his Dad enjoying their together time. Soon a neighborhood boy also receives a tree fort that Russell goes to check out. I won't give away the rest but" oh it made me cry!" Great message about appreciating what you have .

[Roya · Rating 3 out of 5]

قطعا "خونه‌ی درختی" چیزیه که همیشه حسرتِ داشتن‌شو می‌خورم :((((

[Åmîrö ghaderi (≡^∇^≡) · Rating 5 out of 5]

عالی بود. برام من که عاشق خونه های درختی‌ام خیلی لذت بخش بود.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Russell and his father move to a new house, the young boy decides he wants a tree fort with all the trimmings, from a slide to a skylight. His father doesn't know much about building, but he gamely steps up, and together they build the best tree fort they can. Then Russell spies a swanky new tree house going up down the street, and visits the young boy whose play-place it is. Although it has everything Russell originally wanted, the perceptive young boy realizes something: there will always be a better tree fort than his, but there will never be a better dad...

A perfect Father's Day book for the picture-book set, The Better Tree Fort depicts a loving, healthy relationship between father and son, while also exploring issues of possessions and comparative affluence, and how we feel about them. It's a common human trait to compare ourselves to others, and become jealous of what those others have, but author Jessica Scott Kerrin demonstrates how foolish this is, when the things that can make us truly happy - like loving relationships - have nothing to do with how plush our tree forts (or houses) are. The artwork by Qin Leng, which are done in ink, watercolor and color crayon, are quite appealing, capturing the fun that Russell and his father have together. Recommended to anyone looking for good new picture-books about fathers, or for children's stories addressing possessions and (possible) jealousy.

[معصومه توکلی · Rating 5 out of 5]

عنوان ترجمهٔ فارسی: قلعه‌ی درختی

فکر می‌کنم یک ترجمهٔ دیگر ازش هست با عنوان «خانهٔ درختی بهتر»
که آشکارا ترجمهٔ دقیق‌تر و بهتری است.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my emotional weaknesses in books is when adults spend a lot of thought and time making or gifting something to a child that the kids then don't appreciate (stab to the heart!). I thought this book would be same, but luckily I got all the feels while also enjoying a much happier ending! A little boy and his dad work forever making a (ramshackle) tree house. Then the boy next door gets a fancy schmancy tree house that his dad hired contractors to make. The little boy with the ramshackle tree house still appreciates his, though, because of all the fun he and his dad had making it and enjoying it together. Cute, even if the ending felt a bit abrupt.

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this day and age where bigger is better, this is a breath of fresh air. Great message to pass along to young readers.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like so many youngsters before him, Russell wants to build a tree fort, and he enlists his father's help in doing so. Although the man has no idea how to do so, he's willing to figure it out, and works hard to make sure the structure is as sound as it could possibly be. But Russell's elaborate plans far exceed his father's construction abilities, and there are features that simply had to be left out. Still, the tree fort is perfect in Russell's eyes. When he happens to see a much more elaborate tree fort being built nearby, he meets Warren, the boy whose fort it is, and is amazed at all it has to offer. Still, it doesn't have everything, and the boy's father had nothing to do with building it. Instead, he ordered the plans used to build it. Russell returns home to his own place with a new appreciation for the great father he has. This understated story has a strong message about being grateful for the small things and not getting caught up in trying to keep up with the neighbors, and its lively illustrations, created with ink, watercolor, and pencil crayon, complement the story quite well. This is a good title for sharing with others to help them appreciate the small and large acts of those who love them. Heaven knows how much time and effort Russell's father extended in learning how to build that fort for his son? But clearly, he loved him enough to do so. In the end, it truly is those little things that count and stick with us and not necessarily the grand gestures.

[SilverNediya]

تصویرهاش
!! :)
ولی داستان یک طور عجیبی تموم شد

[Safa · Rating 3 out of 5]

امیدوارم تا وقتی که بتونم یه خونه درختی بسازم زنده بمونم

[Angelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Storytime With Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Better Tree Fort by Jessica Scott Kerrin, illustrated by Qin Leng, published by Groundwood Books is a wonderful reminder that there are some things that will always be better but nothing is as special as the love of a parent for his/her child.

Russell has just moved into his new house, a house with a giant maple tree in the yard. What better way to enjoy a giant maple tree then by building a spectacular tree fort? Unfortunately, Russell’s dad is not the handiest dad around but not to fear, Russell draws up the plans and they head to the lumber store to buy the supplies and ask for a bit of advice and finally Russell has a fantastic tree fort of his own. When Russell climbs up into his tree fort he is stunned to see that Warren down the way is also building a tree fort, well the builders his dad hired are building the tree fort that is and it is even better than Russell’s.

There are so many relatable moments in this lovely story, like the four extra trips to the lumber store (happens every time my Dad is in town helping us with work around the house). The tree fort may not turn out exactly like the plans Russell drew but that’s okay because it is perfect and the reason it’s perfect is Russell and his Dad built it together. They spend time together in the fort, enjoying peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and have a camp out together in the fort. At the end of the story Russell’s dad remarks, “There will always be a better tree fort” and Russell remind his dad, “But not a better dad.” It’s a beautiful story to remind us all there will always be things that are bigger and better than what we have, but if we take the time to enjoy the company of our family there is no better thing in the world.
Qin Leng's art in The Better Tree Fort is so fabulous. It's light and airy and reminiscent of some of Quentin Blake's work in the ink drawings. I absolutely love the effect of the watercolour and the pencil crayon combined with the ink drawings to create such visually appealing illustrations. It's a style your child can pick up by putting ink to page and giving it a good water colour wash. A wonderful example to inspire some rainy or sunny day creations.

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Let’s build a tree fort,” Russell says to his dad when they move into a house with a big maple tree in the backyard. His dad doesn’t know much about building, but he gamely follows Russell’s plan. Several trips to the lumber store later, the tree fort is done. There is no slide, balcony or skylight like Russell imagined, but it is perfect — right up until he notices another tree fort going up three houses over.
When Russell goes over to investigate, he meets Warren, whose bigger tree fort has castle turrets and working lights. Russell is in awe until it dawns on him that it’s not worth worrying about who has the better tree fort when he has a loving dad there to build one with him.
In this subtle, humorous story, Jessica Scott Kerrin explores the idea of keeping up with the Joneses — and what that means when you’re a kid with a tree fort. Qin Leng’s lighthearted watercolor illustrations show the unshakeable bond between a father and son, as well as the delightful details of two tree forts.
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely adored this book. It’s a picture book aimed at young readers who can read somewhat on their own, or with minimal assistance. The illustrations are watercolor and ink and are perfect for helping the story along.
The last page says it all:
“There will always be a better tree fort.”
“But not a better dad.”
Awwww, I love how the author put this story together to send a beautiful message to children. Sometimes better is not always quality. Lovely!

[Julianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Better Tree Fort is the story of a boy, Russell, who builds a tree fort with his father. It doesn’t have a skylight, an escape slide, or a balcony like he dreamed of having, but he made the tree fort with his father, and that was why he loved it. Across the street, a bigger, better tree fort is made, and Russell goes over to visit. Russell meets the owner, a boy named Warren, and Warren seems to be upset at the thought of someone ever having a better tree fort than him. When Russell goes back home, he hangs out with his dad in his not-so-lavish tree fort, and reminds his discouraged dad that although there might be better tree forts, there will never be a better dad.

The major theme of The Better Tree Fort is appreciation since the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Although Russell’s tree fort isn’t the most extravagant, he got to make it with his father unlike Warren.

I like this book, but I think the story could have been developed just a little more. I would liked to hear why Warren’s father didn’t build the tree fort with him (not enough time, etc.) Other than this, I think this book is precious and delivers a great message for young audiences.

I would recommend this book for ages 3-7. I think it has a great message, and I believe every child has wanted to have a tree fort at some point in their lives. When we are young, we are obsessed with having the newest, coolest and most fun toy, and I think this book can teach kids that being with family is most important of all.

[Arminzerella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russell's dad doesn't know much about construction and when Russell asks him to build a tree fort at their new house, it takes multiple trips to the hardware store and a lot of hard work to accomplish the task. Even though it doesn't exactly resemble the plans that Russell drew up, he loves his new tree fort, and he loves his dad even more. THEN, Russell watches another tree fort take shape a few yards over. An entire construction CREW shows up and builds an amazing structure (with electricity, a slide, and a skylight). Russell introduces himself to Warren - the boy who owns the amazing tree fort - and they share some apple juice while they enjoy Warren's fort. When Russell asks where the sink is (so he can rinse out his cup), Warren informs him that a kitchen sink is one thing his fort doesn't have. This conversation leaves Warren planning tree fort improvements, but Russell goes back home, content with what he has - tree fort AND super dad. A really sweet story about tree forts and dads and love that will resonate with families. *May* bring a tear to your eye.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There will always be a better tree fort ... but not a better dad.”

Russell would love to have a tree fort in the huge tree in his new backyard. Though his father isn’t sure how to build one, Russell draws up the plans and they get to work. Slowly, but effectively, Russell’s dad completes the tree fort, though it is missing some of the special features that Russell had wanted (like an escape slide.) Nevertheless, Russell thinks it’s just perfect — especially when he and his dad spend the night in it.

When a much fancier tree fort starts to go up three houses down, Russell watches as a construction crew builds it. Russell goes to visit the boy, whose name is Warren, and they have a conversation. Warren admits that “My dad ordered the plans” for the tree fort. Russell is impressed with the tree fort, but realizes that his is special because it was built with his father’s love.

A touching story.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lesson here in this story of a young boy who wants to build a tree fort, draws a picture and the father, who doesn't seem to have much building experience, gives it a go. After working and adjusting, they spend lovely time together having a sleepover in this new 'fort' up in a gorgeous maple tree. But, a young boy down the block also wants a tree fort and his dad hires a team of workers to build this amazing castle/fort, which even has electricity! No feelings are shown but the first boy tells his dad about it. The feelings and thoughts unsaid are answered with "There's always a better tree fort." Happily, the boy has the final word. This will bring lots of conversation after reading aloud! Illustrations are lovely watercolors with black outlining.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two neighborhood boys have treehouses: one a homemade treehouse and the other a fancier, professionally built treehouse with electricity and bunk beds. My dad and I used to make doll furniture out of wood together, so this picture book brought back those memories. Jessica Scott Kerrin's simple story about comparisons and class emphasizes the importance of quality time over material goods without getting preachy. The final line of the book (spoken by the main character) beautifully captures this message. Qin Leng also illustrated one of my other favorite picture books (Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin) and her cartoony watercolors bring the story to life while still leaving room for the reader's imagination.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age: Preschool+
STEM: DIY Engineering
Family: Dad and son

Lots of uncommon scenarios in this DIY building book. For one, the dad is not a Mr. Fix-It and is hesitant about the tree house construction but encouraged by his son. After four trips to the hardware store, they have the supplies and set to work. Although the finished product doesn't have all the commodities of Russell's original plan, he loves it, nonetheless.

When a neighboring boy has a construction crew build a bigger and more impressive tree house, Russell is impressed but, it turns out, not jealous. There will always be a better tree fort, "But not a better dad." Not the most likely reaction from a child but still sweet.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much sweetness in this book. The relationship between Russell and his father is about as ideal as it can be. When his father, who knows nothing about carpentry, attempts to recreate Russell's dream tree fort, we are aware of just how far a doting father will go for his child. When a very posh tree house is built in the neighbourhood, Russell heads over to see it. Upon his return home he climbs up into his own fort. When his father has finished his gardening, he climbs up to be with him. I adore this ending,
Russell's dad said, "There will always be a better tree fort."
Russell smiled and then he said, "But not a better dad."

[J.D. Holman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my "Building Storytime" today. The concept of the program is to read a story to inspire attendees to build something related to the story with blocks.

The parents and grandparents loved this book. There were very appreciative murmurs and some discussion of the book when I was done. Clearly, the message of the story really resonated with them.

And one mother built a tree out of the blocks. That's certainly a win. ;)

It is a very nice story, with pleasant illustrations. Kids may not be drawn to it, beyond the general concept, because it's not exactly exciting. But it's a good read-aloud.

[Chinook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kait is reading a series of award-winning books at school and her teacher has been tweeting about which ones. So we’ve been borrowing them at the library ourselves, partially because repetition is particularly valuable at her age when it comes to reading and partially because I miss being the main influence in her reading life.

This one was lovely. Russel admires the better tree house that Warren’s father had built for Warren, but he values the time spent making a tree house with his father even more.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russell has a plan for a spectacular tree house. Unfortunately, Russell's dad doesn't have much building experience, but he does what he can. The result is a perfectly serviceable tree house that provides a wonderful sleeping spot for a night spent under the stars with his dad.

And then, a few houses away, a truly spectacular tree house is constructed. Will Russell continue to appreciate what he has?

This one ends with a great big Awww!, so I suspect you may be able to guess the answer.

[Beleden V · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent picture book with a strong, but not too heavy-handed message. I really enjoyed how the ending shifted the focus away from the tree forts and back onto the relationship between Russell and his dad.

The kids seemed to strongly identify with the concept that "there is always a better tree fort". As I continue to read this one with various classes over the next few weeks, we'll see how the response to this message continues.

[FM Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Qin Leng as an illustrator and love treehouses so picked this one up. I like it, the idea of the kid's fanciful vision and yet happiness with the practicality of the treehouse he gets. I liked that it showed (potentially) a male-led single parent household and a dad who doesn't know a lot about building, kind of uncommon to see in a kids book. Nice interaction between the main character and the kid with the super fancy treehouse. Worth a read, but didn't leave a strong lasting impression.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Russell and his dad move to a new house, Russell is happy to have a large tree in their yard. His dad who is inexperienced with building builds a tree fort for him, not quite the way Russell wanted it but he still thinks it's perfect. Soon afterward, Russell meets a boy three houses over whose father had carpenters build an elaborate tree fort for his son.
This story has heart, and is fun and beautifully illustrated.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for 'tree houses, forts, and playhouses' theme in Children's Books.

The reader needs to use their imagination to tell the rest of the story. Does Warren come over to Russell's tree fort and make friends? I sure hope so! Also, earlier, I would have liked to see Russell doing more than watching Dad build the tree fort. Still, the book charmed me and has an important message, so, yes, four stars.

[Alice Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promotes ingenuity and an engineering mindset. The child leads and inspires his Dad to build a great tree fort in the backyard. They plan and complete the task together. Another boy down the street builds a better fancier tree-fort from plans his own dad purchased. After recognizing there will always be better tree-forts, the main character learns to be appreciate what he has, - a great dad.

[Ashley Adkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

The message behind this book is something people of all ages can relate to. I read this with my boys, ages 9 and 10, and we had a great conversation about jealously. Though the message is deeply meaningful, I felt the text could have been a bit more developed. The illustrations were very sketch-like but I truly loved the full page illustration of Russell's tree fort at night.

[AbsentLibrarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice story with fun illustrations.
Great potential for discussions about consumerism and what we value: things, experiences, relationships.
Activities: plan and/or create your treehouse. Write a one page/paragraph story about it.
Where to build it. With who. What material. Simple or fancy. What happens in the tree house when done. Who would you invite into the tree house?