It is SPRING! And Albert cannot wait to find his favorite tree and enjoy the always so quiet and peaceful branches. As well as taking another nap in those same said branches. However, while trying to relax, all of a sudden, the tree starts crying. It has never done that before. What could be casing it? Albert sees that nothing has changed (it even tastes the same when he’s upside down). When Albert and some of his forest friends try different tricks that work for them when they need cheering up, nothing seems to work for the tree. It is still crying (and it is getting to be a bit too much for everyone). Finally, Albert does the only thing he can do. He gives the tree a hug and asks the tree what is wrong. When he learns the answer, he is more than a little surprised!
A lesson of friendship, assumptions, not giving up and learning to sometimes
just listen, Jenni Desmond’s book is a quick read. However, there is a lot going on. Look at the illustrations and find a few surprises. Humor and seriousness are mixed together to create the perfect compilation. And the child and adult reading together can make a game of the story: can they make guesses to why the tree is crying.
Overall, Albert’s Tree is one of those books that you want to keep a copy and give out as a gift. It would be a good baby shower gift, first birthday, an end of summer gift for your child’s teacher, or something to give to the school library for story time.
