Review by Booklist Review
Sterer and Mylie conjure a magical treetop town devoted to children's play in this visually rich offering. The book is written in verse, mostly couplets, with only a few lines on each page. While some of the rhymes are a bit strained, they never fail to charm, and the lush illustrations that cover each page will capture any reader's imagination. Each illustration shows a different imaginary neighborhood in the fanciful Treehouse Town, full of a variety of characters and activities. Readers will find themselves in the middle of exciting, whimsical places, such as the Tulip Train, Lizard Lane, the Birch Bazaar, and the Cocoon Club. Each scene is full of children, animals, and a variety of interesting objects. Despite all the action, the illustrations never feel too crowded or uncomfortably busy. The text supports the artwork by inviting readers to join in the fun and "with us fly" or "wander yonder." The immersive plunge into another world brings to mind James Gurney's Dinotopia and Chris Van Allsberg's Jumanji, and it will engross children who enjoy taking their time as they explore fascinating new lands.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In an enchanting tale about the titular city, Sterer envisions a sylvan world "of peace and dreams and cheer" among the treetops. Loose rhymes provide an alliterative map of Treehouse Town and its inhabitants--a jolly mix of companionable animals and children of varied abilities and skin tones, "Every creature's equal here,/ free from worry, free from fear," and Mylie's detailed, page-filling drawings embed numerous mini-dramas into absorbing scenes. With a school, library, arial "birdball" court, and much more, the verdant village feels fully imagined. After taking a "Tulip Train" down "Lizard Lane," the characters slide through sycamores to an arboreal kitchen where they prepare a banquet. Even as stormy emotions threaten to disrupt the idyll, the merry villagers find their way back to a paradisiacal equilibrium. It all adds up to an inspired utopia that's well suited to dendrophiles. Ages 4--8. (Feb.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A cast of kids guide readers through an imaginary magical world. Created and run by children, Treehouse Town is an idyllic community located in the canopy of a forest. Whether you prefer swinging from vines or curling up with a good book in a squirrel nook, Treehouse Town has something for everyone. Free from hierarchy, it's mostly a harmonious place where everyone works together to take care of each other. Still, the narrator admits that sometimes conflicts arise. Luckily, thanks to the residents' mutual love, trust, and respect, these problems pass quickly. It's clear that this imaginary utopia is the perfect place to stay and play…or to snuggle up for a rest--good dreams guaranteed! The book's greatest strength is its vibrant, detailed illustrations that feature racially diverse children alongside a host of woodland creatures. The imaginative contraptions the children use, from trapdoors to telescopes, are particularly impressive; making use of marvelous use of color and light, Mylie has created a stunningly specific world. Though the kids get up to plenty of wild adventures--a child balances on a rhino's head on one spread; on another, youngsters play "birdball" while suspended aloft by avian pals--the gracefully composed illustrations have a cozy charm. Unfortunately, the text teems with clunky couplets that feel clumsily out of step. Still, those who can look past the verse to the sumptuous images will find an entertaining, immersive read. Underwhelming text buoyed by soaring visuals. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
