Everything You Need For a Treehouse

by Carter Higgins, Emily Hughes (Illustrator)

Featuring beautiful images and a lyrical text with an exquisitely readable cadence, this book gives life and meaning to all the requisite elements of a treehouse, from time, timber, and rafters to ropes of twisted twine that invite visitors to sprawl out on a limb and slide back down again. For anyone who's ever wanted to escape real life and live in a nostalgic dream come true, this poignant picture book captures the universal timelessness of treehouses and celebrates all the creativity and adventure they spark.

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Childrens, Friendship, Construction, Adventure, Summer

40 pages, Hardcover

First published April 10, 2018

About the author

Carter Higgins is the author of the middle grade novel A Rambler Steals Home (HMH) and three picture books from Chronicle Books: This Is Not a Valentine (illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins), Everything You Need for a Treehouse (illustrated by Emily Hughes), and Bikes for Sale (illustrated by Zachariah Ohora).

Her first picture book as both author and illustrator, Circle Under Berry, releases in 2021 from Chronicle Books. Also releasing in 2021 is Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish, a chapter book illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann. Big and Small and In Between, a picture book illustrated by Daniel Miyares, releases in 2022.

She is an Emmy-winning visual effects and motion graphics artist and spent a decade as an elementary school librarian. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @carterhiggins. She lives in Nevada.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's kind of ironic that this book had so little purple in the colour palette. I guess the prose made up for it.

This has got to be one of the most pretentious children's picture books I've ever read. The prose was absolutely ridiculous. As an adult, I had trouble puzzling out some of what the author meant (like when she kept referring to sun speckles; I think she meant dappled light, but I couldn't say for sure). Phrases like "refuge in the flora", "pinpricked canopy", "twisted twine of spun sugar and sap", and "the stars will fall past your reach" are a bit much for a kids' book that's supposedly about building a treehouse.

Oh, and let's talk about the treehouses, shall we? The young children in this book are all architects and work in construction, apparently, because they have the most ridiculously elaborate treehouses I've ever seen. Maybe this was meant to show their imagination--they saw their treehouses the way they wanted them to be--but that wasn't exactly clear from the text. Who doesn't want a multi-level treehouse with its own library, tucked within a greenhouse, perched at the top of a tree so high you can see for miles? I'm afraid that, for the kids who genuinely want a treehouse, this book could lead to unreasonably high expectations (especially since Mom and Dad--likely treehouse amateurs--are the ones who are going to have to build it for them).

The illustrations are detailed and interesting, which is the only thing that saved the book for me. The text is too ridiculous, and not even that strong (there are grammar, punctuation, and spelling issues throughout; those may be stylistic choices, but I don't like to see that in books for little kids). So I'm afraid I can't recommend this one at all.

[Katy O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRAVO! Higgins is now becoming one of my favorite picture book authors, first with THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE in December 2017, and now with this adorable story. I love the message of this book of playing outside and enjoying the natural world, and I love the wild variety of tree houses from completely realistic to wildly fantastical.The text is poetic but very approachable for even young readers, and gives an all-over comfy and happy vibe. Hughes' illustrations are whimsical with a diverse cast of characters shown throughout the book, and while this is going to be a perfect read aloud for my K-3 crowd, it will also be a delightful book for any child (or adult!) to cuddle up with to appreciate the more intricate details in the page spreads.

Highly recommended for every library's picture book collection and for home libraries as well ~ I am purchasing it for both home and school!

Thanks to Chronicle Books for this review copy! I am passing it along to @kidlitexchange for more reviews. #kidlitexchange

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the beautiful treehouses you can think of are in this lavishly illustrated book. It's written in rich text.

Oh, I want a treehouse like that. And that. And that.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Carter Higgins and illustrator Emily Hughes join forces in this lovely picture-book tribute to treehouses - how to build them, and how to use them. "Everything you need for a treehouse starts with time and looking up and imagining a home of timber and rafters in wrangled, gnarled bark." So begins Higgins' poetic narrative, which sets out everything you will need, whether physical or spiritual, to build a house in the trees. The accompanying illustrations depict a wide range of treehouses, in a wide range of settings, all beings used by a diverse range of children for a variety of fun activities...

Although I did find the text of Everything You Will Need for a Treehouse engaging, in the end it was the artwork that really made this one special for me. Emily Hughes, those Wild and The Little Gardener both offer beautiful examples of picture-book illustration, creates absolutely gorgeous visual feasts here, and I found myself longing to live in a number of the treehouses she depicted. There is something magical about some of these scenes, something that captures that enchanted feeling of being in the forest. The scene with the treehouse libraries, in particular, felt almost elvish to me, as did the one with steps leading up and around the tree's trunk, to the structure above. Recommended to all young children who long for a treehouse of their own, or for some other space in which to dream and play.

[MontseMH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una monada. Adoro el estilo de dibujo de Emily Hughes, las ilustraciones están llenas de detalles y posibilidades de como pueden ser todas las casas de árbol de tus sueños. Si de niño, alguna vez soñaste con tener tu propio espacio, aquí sale reflejado.

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Multiple ways to build a treehouse. A bit too wordy but enjoyed the illustrations. Very diverse.

[Beate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The drawings are beautiful and detailed and I could likely sit far longer than I had time for, picking out little details. I love that the drawings incorporate a variety of trees and locations, making this book approachable for people with any background or age.

The text was interesting, but I didn't feel like it enhanced the drawings as much as I would like, instead it felt like it took attention away from them, but that may just be my personal feelings.

Overall, I would recommend the book for someone looking for a cozy discovery together.

[Deborah]

A lyrical ode to trees, and imagination —

“Everything you need for a
treehouse
starts with time
and looking up
and imagining a home
of timber and rafters
in wrangled, gnarled bark.”

Carter Higgins (This is Not a Valentine) has become one of my new favorite authors, and Emily Hughes art match the lushness of her text. Pay attention, readers, to those illustrations, and you will learn a lot about all kinds of trees and different ways of building.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I love the almost poetic text. I love the gorgeous illustrations. I love everything about it. My son was as transfixed by it as I was. It reminds me of one of my other favorite children's books, Andrew Henry's Meadow. Full of creativity and magic and imagination. I will be probably gifting this to some nieces and nephews in the near future.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Created with graphite and Photoshop, the illustrations for this book are simply sumptuous, drenched in color and details and filled with incredibly imaginative tree houses that only the most creative minds could produce. The end papers feature structures that are simpler, fashioned from roof shingles, umbrellas, a bucket, even a strategically-placed slab of wood--but just as charming in their own way. By the time readers reach the end of this series of pages offering possibilities for building a tree house of their very own, they will be clear that these structures offer places to read, dream, eat, hang out with friends, explore the world, and imagine what's approaching from this or that direction--and oh, the view that is afforded from atop a tree!--they will be eager for their own leafy retreat. But sometimes they might have to wait since trees only grow so fast. I got a kick out of the last illustration featuring three youngsters keeping their eyes on a tree growing in a pot and most likely wondering how long it will be before it's big enough for them to rely on its structure to support what they build. Oh, well, maybe that one will grow massive enough for their children if not for them. Meanwhile, they can make do with what they have at hand. The nature scenes depicting a community garden alongside one enormous tree house are appealing too, reminding readers that everything connects. This title might be ideal for sharing with a group of youngsters in need of some creative thinking or future builders or even those interested in venturing out into the great outdoors for a little while. The peaceful coexistence of humans, animals, and Mother Nature is evident in the text and illustrations.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I needed as I slowly enjoyed this book was a treehouse to be sitting in!

Emily Hughes' wonderful imaginative illustrations and fun text combine for a dreamy tour of enticing treehouse designs. This is a book to linger over.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything You Need for a Treehouse is also Everything You Need for a Picture Book to Pore Over with Your Little One, Heads Close Together. Beautiful. Not for storytime, for my crowd--(in a quieter storytime, or in a city library storytime, yes) but for everything else.

[DEE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know about you but the illustrations are just too captivating and pretty to look at.

[Camille Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are luscious and rich, everything you might imagine and dream for a treehouse!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now want a treehouse, any of these featured in the book will do.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful language and fantastic illustrations.

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like this book on 1st read through. The vocabulary seemed awkwardly complex and the layout was difficult to follow, but considering that I read it in ebook format on my phone at about 2 a.m., I realized, in the light of day, that I needed to take a closer look. On 2nd read, I realized that I was (and still am) missing a lot because a small screen doesn't capture the nuances of written word woven through detailed illustrations--and that's where I went from "meh" to "whoa." I suspect this book is best savored as a slow, up-close read, where there is time to taste the vocabulary and explore the images--one on one or with a document camera that allows you to go back and zoom in. There are oh-so-many possibilities!

I can imagine lots of questions about what certain words mean, both from my younger students and older students. Many of them have simply not been exposed to enough image-rich language, but what I think I will do is this: read straight through (no editorializing, Ms Foust!), give them a few moments to discuss what they noticed, write down questions they may have, then go back to the story, page by page, dig a little deeper, maybe send pairs off to find definitions, divvy up groups to identify elements of figurative language (lots of alliteration). If we have already read Andrew Henry's Meadow, maybe a compare/contrast activity. Ultimately, I think it would be fun to have pairs work to come up with their own expression of what they need for a treehouse--in their own preferred format. Could be drawings with parts labelled. Could be a list of what should be included (not supplies, but what they want to be able to do). Then, maybe, this could go into a STEM activity where they use design process concepts, to build a simple model.

Long and short? Read this book more than once, and preferably as a hard copy or a bigger screen than a cellphone. Then, sit back, close your eyes, and let your imagination take off.

[Anhthu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations were sooo good but the story (not really a story but not really a tutorial either) was kind of mid but I can see how a kid might like it.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my! I was so looking forward to this book and I can happily say it was absolutely worth the wait! This delightful story, along with Emily Hughes’ charming illustrations transport us into the woods and to that treehouse we’ve always dreamed of owning. It describes the adventures we’ve always hoped of experiencing and are definitely on our wishlist for our children.

This story is a perfect one to read aloud to your little ones of any age as summer vacation begins. You and your kids can allow your imaginations to run wild, as you read each page and discover each hidden gem of every imaginative treehouse. You can enjoy the word choice such as speckles of sun (my favorite) or warble or rustle and let the heartwarming illustrations help you to figure out the meanings. You can reread the story as your children close their eyes and allow them to simply listen to all of the imaginatively described sounds of the wild. Finally, you can imagine your perfect treehouse together, and dream of the day when that treehouse becomes real!

I highly recommend this picture book be added to every family’s library and to every library collection. It’s certainly going to find a home on my bookshelf!

[sylas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. Everything. R definitely needs it in her collection.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply love these illustrations and the words.

[CallmeJames · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 "𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞" 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐇𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬

🌲🏡👶🏻👦🏻👧🏻 "Everything You Need For a Treehouse" is a beautifully illustrated and poetic journey into the world of imagination and adventure. This book captures the essence of childhood dreams, where the idea of building and living in a treehouse becomes a symbol of freedom, creativity, and community.

🌲🏡👶🏻👦🏻👧🏻 The story unfolds with a group of children who come together to build the ultimate treehouse. Each page is a celebration of the elements that make a treehouse special: sturdy branches, a strong foundation, and the perfect spot high up in the trees. But beyond the physical construction, the book delves into the emotional and social aspects of creating a shared space. The treehouse becomes a haven where the children can escape, dream, and find solace. As they work together, the children realize that the treehouse is more than just a structure; it's a home. It represents a place where they can be themselves, support each other, and build lasting friendships. The narrative emphasizes the importance of community and the idea that a home is not just about walls and roofs, but about the people who inhabit it and the love they share.

🌲🏡👶🏻👦🏻👧🏻 This book can a reflective and heartwarming tale that resonates with readers of all ages. Carter Higgins' lyrical prose and Emily Hughes' enchanting illustrations create a world where the simple act of building a treehouse becomes a profound metaphor for creating a safe haven. The book beautifully captures the essence of what it means to find a home and a community, even in the most unexpected places.

🌲🏡👶🏻👦🏻👧🏻 The story's underlying message is powerful: just like the children in the book, we all need a place where we feel safe and loved. The treehouse serves as a reminder that home is where we find comfort and companionship. It's a place where we can be vulnerable and strong, where we can dream and explore, and where we can find a sense of belonging.

🌲🏡👶🏻👦🏻👧🏻 The book's reflective tone encourages readers to think about their own definitions of home and community. It highlights the importance of working together, supporting one another, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. The illustrations add depth to the narrative, bringing the treehouse and its surroundings to life with vibrant colors and intricate details.

🌲🏡👶🏻👦🏻👧🏻 In essence, this novel is a celebration of imagination, friendship, and the idea that home is not just a place, but a feeling. It's a book that invites readers to dream big, build strong connections, and cherish the moments of togetherness. Whether you're a child or an adult, this story will inspire you to look at the world with wonder and to appreciate the simple joys of creating and sharing a home.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lush and imaginative picture book engages on every page, revealing both realistic and fantastic aspects of collaborating, constructing, and creatively occupying "a treehouse". The extensive and diverse group of kids make cooperation and old-fashioned "playing outside" look much more appealing than staring at screens.
The illustration details are like eye-magnets, but it is worth turning back to the text to appreciate the extraordinary and lyrical language Higgins uses to turn a simply-titled "HOW TO" book into a multi-layered life lesson, delivered with a touch as gentle but persistent as the wind.
I won't issue a spoiler here, but I will say that despite the diversity and matter-of-fact, scavenged, makeshift aspects of the building processes, I had a mental reservation about how privileged this group of kids seemed: dressed for the weather, access to tools and living in welcoming environments. I was pleased to see the various versions in what could be different habitats or even different global locations. Still, that reservation stayed wth me, until the final page turns.
Now, I fully and enthusiastically endorse this book and recommend it for EVERY age.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of a tree house is so appealing to kids. It's a place of their own in which to dream, play, read, invite friends over, maybe even have a sleepover. But, first you need to build a treehouse and, according to this book, "Everything you need for a treehouse starts with time and looking up." From there, the text expands on different ideas for what is needed for an ideal treehouse while the illustrations show wildly fantastic treehouses built by a group of diverse friends. Higgins' lyrical, alliterative descriptions of treehouse possibilities come to life beautifully in Hughes' digitally colored graphite illustrations done in a wonderful palette of earth tones. The book ends on a more realistic note, echoing the words that begin the book, "Everything you need for a treehouse starts with time and looking up" and a child gazing at a small potted tree seedling. This was a wonderfully imaginative book to read with my kids and talk about what they would want their dream treehouse to be like if they were going to build one.

[Shannon Anicas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review April 29, 2018


Everything You Need for a Treehouse: By Carter Higgins, Illustrated by Emily Hughes @kidlitexchange #partner Review – all opinions are my own.

***

@carterhiggins @chroniclebooks @plaidemily

***

This lovely book is like 2 stories in one book. First, there are the whimsical words penned by @carterhiggins, then the stories within @plaidemily 's illustrations.

I have read this beautiful book several times this weekend and every time I open it's pages I find something new.

The story takes us through a variety of amazing treehouses in unique settings. Each one very different but also the same, much like the children playing within them. It matters not what is on the outside but what is inside a treehouse and ourselves that counts.

*** I highly recommend this beautiful story.

#kidlitexchange #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendation #picturebook #childrensbook #bookstagram #earlylit #multicultural #diversity #loveall

[Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everything You Need For a Treehouse is a book we didn't enjoy and found to be a disappointing read.

The book shows some children building some very extravagant and impressive looking treehouses and has some beautiful illustrations. The pictures are very detailed and lovely to look at and see all of the little things the children brought to the treehouses to improve their experiences and have fun with their friends.

The writing style is what let's the story down. It's not really much of a story at all and it's more saying what you need for a treehouse in some strange poetic way but also in a way that doesn't flow easily to read at all. There are some great describing words in the book which isn't nice to talk to the children about but they'd pretty much lost interest in the book as it's not easy to read.

This book looks beautiful but with the way the book reads I wouldn't recommend it, maybe it would be better for older children.

[Morgan Gilley]

This is a delightful book. This is a diverse book because it shows a variety of trees and the items needed to build different types of them. Like a fort, treehouse, clubhouse etc. There are also a few wordy pages but if it is read with gusto then the children will stay interested in what is going to happen with the treehouse. ALso, this book goes through the wood needed which also is diverse because the author lists the specific parts of wood needed for the task.

It has fun text that is sing song form and it also has colorful pictures. This shows how to build a treehouse and also the things that are needed to do so. Hardcover book with beautiful imagery. Definately a book that would be read more than one time. This could also be shown for prereading ideas for the kids asking what is this? Does anyone have a treehouse? How would you make your treehouse?

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

The text and even some of the illustrations are almost nonsensical and a bit meandering but, as you can see from my four stars, I still liked it quite a bit, primarily for the illustrations. Many of the treehouses and pictures are quite fanciful and you may find a ghost and alien slipped into a couple of scenes.

Within the illustrations there is great racial diversity, a peek at disability representation (a girl in a wheelchair being hoisted up into a treehouse), and hints of a variety of cultural diversity (clothing and different types of trees and styles of treehouses).

I'm jealous of many of these treehouses but, also, would be very nervous for kids to actually play on some of them if they were a reality (some of them are very high, precarious, and have some fun but not safe-looking activities going on).

[Mister David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A treehouse (like a fort, a clubhouse, and a tent) is a very cozy place for children to play! It can bring out the best in fun play and imagination. This book starts with that concept and goes on to explore it, celebrate it, enjoy it, and even illustrate it. All of that makes this book a magical, exciting and fun experience. Remember the party in the tree at the end of the book "Go, Dog, Go!" by P.D. Eastman? This entire book is like that, but even more beautiful.

Part of the magical fun comes because there are a wide variety of treehouses illustrated, basically a different one on each page. Part of it is also because all of the characters in the book are children. And, part of it comes from the text, which is a type of free-verse poetry.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The best kind of friends share squeezed hands and they come with some guts and a smile.”

First, you need to look up, take some time and imagine when you’re going to build a treehouse. Will your treehouse stand alone so you can spread out wide? Or will it be “one of a soldier in an army of trees” that you will have to look hard in order to find it. You’ll need blueprints, tools and lots of friends to help you. Don’t forget all the extras like a swing, a library and plenty of snacks! Now you have a place where secrets are kept and friends band together against to shadows and noises of the nighttime.

Would make a fun read aloud that then combine with a STEM activity in which students could design and create a blueprint of their own treehouse.