The Inside Tree [Hardcover]

Linda Smith (Author), David Parkins (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Mr. Potter lives all alone in his little house. And outside is a little yard with just enough room for one little tree. In fact, it’s such a fine tree that good-hearted Mr. Potter feels bad that it stands there all alone in the yard while he stays warm by the fire inside the house. It doesn’t seem right that the tree is never invited in. And so he decides to do just that. But what will happen when the tree grows and grows and grows—and his little house stays exactly the same size?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2—Living alone in his little house on a hill with a tiny yard big enough for his dog and a single tree, Mr. Potter has a perfectly cozy arrangement. However, the night he decides to let the dog in to enjoy the fire begins a chain of events that includes bringing the tree inside, too. Soon the growing tree wants to go back outside, so Mr. Potter makes a big hole in his roof to accommodate it. Now the tree has plenty of sunshine and critters, and all is well until it begins to storm. After days of rain, Mr. Potter moves his favorite chair, stove, and teapot into the dry, warm barn just as his house collapses. He is happy with his new arrangement until he realizes how lonely the cow out in the field looks, but this is a thought that the dog immediately nips in the bud. Smith's text is perfectly complemented by the illustrations. Without saying a word, the dog clearly wonders along with readers what ill-advised thing will Mr. Potter do next. Parkins uses a mix of realistic details, excellent facial expressions, and varying perspectives to bring the story to life. This kindhearted tale is best read aloud with plenty of extra time for laughter and bemusement.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Mr. Potter’s cozy, logical world—his tidy home with a tree in the yard and a dog beneath it—is turned topsy-turvy when he makes some illogical decisions. After bringing the mopey dog indoors, Mr. Potter also decides to plant the tree inside so it will not be so alone. Eventually a hole must be cut in the roof so the tree can grow, which causes all sorts of zany calamities. He and the dog ultimately make themselves comfortable in the barn, at which point Mr. Potter contemplates moving a forlorn cow in with them . . . until the dog nips him in the seat to bring him to his senses. The cartoon-style illustrations depict placid, richly colored scenes of Mr. Potter surrounded by his accoutrements in his cottage-style house and give no hint of the chaos that will soon ensue with twisty tree branches, nesting birds, and rainwater everywhere. For another story about a special tree, look for This Tree Counts! by Alison Formento (2010). Preschool-Grade 2. --Randall Enos

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (February 9, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006028241X
• ISBN-13: 978-0060282417
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,418,665 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of fun, morals-teaching book, October 22, 2010

By 

Raegan "Rae" (Georgia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Inside Tree (Hardcover)

Very entertaining book with lessons on shyness, not liking what you don't understand, and a giving heart. Pictures were entertaining and question-provoking. Excellent book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet nontraditional story, July 30, 2010

By 

Andee - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Inside Tree (Hardcover)

My 3 year old daughter and I really enjoy this non traditional book. Fun ideas, sweet themes, and nice illustrations.

4.0 out of 5 stars Life Will Not Be Contained, June 6, 2010

By 

M. A. Noeth (On Line) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Inside Tree (Hardcover)

Mr. Potter lives quite happily inside his cozy and comfortable house. There's just one problem. The tree in the yard is stuck outside and cannot enjoy his pleasant world. No matter. Mr. Potter knows what to do. This tree must come indoors. He replants the tree in a hole through the floor. When the tree grows and begins to hit the ceiling and windows, he cuts another hole in the roof. Mr. Potter doesn't realize. He didn't just bring a tree into his house. He brought inside the OUTSIDE world.

Through the hole in the roof, whippoorwills, magpies, robins, and blackbirds fly to join the tree. The ceiling can no longer keep out the rain. Roots, seeds, and vines begin to spread out. It doesn't take long; four walls are no match. The house soon falls, "crashing to the ground." Needless to say, Mr. Potter and his dog are forced to move.

Yes, problems do occur because Mr. Potter tries to plant a tree indoors. However, as he learns not everything appreciates the cozy inside, themes go far beyond Mr. Potter's tiny yard. Mankind may build and try to enforce its conformity. The man-made inside offers many cozy and comfortable benefits, but the natural world grows and changes. Life will not be contained.