Reviews from actual readers and reviewers

From Barbara Gipson (children’s book author and gracious reviewer of indie children’s books):

A DIFFERENT KIND OF READ REVIEW

The Tree Talks Back starts with a girl walking into the forest. A little ways in, she sees a huge, no gigantic, no humongous tree. The tree is so big that it takes her half a day to walk around it. Now the most interesting thing about this tree is that it contained a lot of…. Well there were a lot of…. And then…

You know it was a really big tree and I can’t tell you what was going on because I don’t want to spoil the story for you.

The Tree Talks Back is a beautifully illustrated, very, very funny adventure story. Interestingly, the play on words is what makes this a UNIQUE read.

Sssh–another thing that is unusual about The Tree Talks Back is that the tree…zzzzzzz.

Can you believe that girl. She was about to give you a secret. I had to put her to sleep. Ahem! No spoilers here!

RECOMMENDATION

This book is primarily recommended for First Time Readers (5-8) and Middle Grade Readers (9 – 12). But I think all tiny readers and some not so tiny ones will enjoy reading it.

From Marie Story (illustrator, design professional, indie story book reviewer):

Story:

This story is just an awful lot of fun. It’s absurd and rollicking and ridiculous – and it’s one that you’re going to keep on your shelf for a long time to come. It’s certainly not your formulaic, run-of-the-mill children’s book.

Even the rhythm of the story will keep you guessing – but in a good way. I take issue (as you may have noticed) with lazy rhymes and inconsistent rhythm. There’s nothing so frustrating as reading a children’s book aloud, constantly tripped up by poor meter. This one, however, has a lovely (though unusual) rhythm to it. This book isn’t an easy read-aloud book, but it’s worth your while to read it aloud, and to read it slowly. It’s a lot of fun once you get into the flow of it.

Illustrations:

As crazy and lovely as the book itself. Obviously the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – and this father/daughter team do some great things with words and pictures. I spent a ridiculous amount of time poring over each page.

Cover:

This is really my only complaint. It’s a fun idea, but the cover text is a bit hard to read.

 

from Hathaway (on amazon)

I was impressed by the characters expressions, their sometimes telescoping shapes and the wonderful black shading. The drawings are complex and full of humor. They deserve to be studied long after the story ends.. The word “Seussian” as a descriptor came to mind.

The “words” were less successful for me.

(illustrator’s note: 😄)

(author’s note: 🙈)