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Miss Twiggley's Tree
Why did Miss Twiggley live in a tree? Why did she send her dog, Puss, out to do the shopping? Why did she always run away and hide when people came to visit? And it was rumored that Miss Twiggley had even more peculiar habits...
Old Miss Twiggley
Was friendly with bears.
"They shed on the sofa," she said,
"But who cares?"
And was it true, as the mayor's wife had heard, that she actually slept in her hat? "Simply disgraceful," they said. But when a hurricane hits the town and the water rises, everyone is grateful to Miss Twiggley and her tree. Even better, Miss Twiggley herself learns a very important lesson, with a warm and happy ending.
44 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1966
9 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Dorothea Warren Fox
4 books7 followersDorothea Warren was born on January 31, 1914 in Birmingham, Alabama. She attended Birmingham-Southern College, married Charles Fox in 1940 and had four children. She worked as a commercial artist and illustrator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 11, 2012
Oh, what a delight!!! Vintage charm of the highest quality!
"Funny Miss Twiggley
Lived in a tree
With a dog named Puss
And a color TV.
She did what she liked,
And she liked what she did,
But when company came
Miss Twiggley hid."
Consequently, many of the townsfolk think she is odd. And the wife of the mayor even thinks there ought to be a law against people living in trees.
But when a great storm comes and floods the town, Miss Twiggley's is the only house above water. As Miss Twiggley learns, "When emergencies come, you don't think about *you*" -- perhaps the storm will lead her to forget her shyness, and for the townsfolk to see what a nice neighbor Miss Twiggley truly is.
Dorothea Fox, a prolific illustrator whose artwork appeared in magazines, advertisements and Hallmark cards, wrote this story in the mid-1960s. It's one of those picture book treasures that never goes out of style; I love the nostalgic charm of the illustrations, but I think even today's children would love the treehouse idea and the fun rhyming style. Mrs. Fox said, "Writing this book and working hand in hand with my husband, Chuck, on the illustrations, was the most fun I ever had." And reading this book was the most fun I've had with a picture book in quite some time :-)
"Funny Miss Twiggley
Lived in a tree
With a dog named Puss
And a color TV.
She did what she liked,
And she liked what she did,
But when company came
Miss Twiggley hid."
Consequently, many of the townsfolk think she is odd. And the wife of the mayor even thinks there ought to be a law against people living in trees.
But when a great storm comes and floods the town, Miss Twiggley's is the only house above water. As Miss Twiggley learns, "When emergencies come, you don't think about *you*" -- perhaps the storm will lead her to forget her shyness, and for the townsfolk to see what a nice neighbor Miss Twiggley truly is.
Dorothea Fox, a prolific illustrator whose artwork appeared in magazines, advertisements and Hallmark cards, wrote this story in the mid-1960s. It's one of those picture book treasures that never goes out of style; I love the nostalgic charm of the illustrations, but I think even today's children would love the treehouse idea and the fun rhyming style. Mrs. Fox said, "Writing this book and working hand in hand with my husband, Chuck, on the illustrations, was the most fun I ever had." And reading this book was the most fun I've had with a picture book in quite some time :-)
August 29, 2019
Originally published in 1966, and then reprinted in this 2002 Purple House Press edition, Miss Twiggley's Tree is the tale, told in rhyming verse, of an eccentric woman, her canine companion, and her arboreal home. "Funny Miss Twiggley / Lived in a tree / With a dog named Puss / And a color TV," the story begins, going on to relate how Miss Twiggley, a shy spinster with a tendency to hide from visitors, overcame her social trepidation when a hurricane threatened the area, and learned to interact with her neighbors. The townspeople, on the other hand (including the rather officious mayor's wife), learned that eccentricity doesn't have to be a bad thing, and that living in a tree has its advantages...
This is a sweet little tale, one with a good message about learning to accept differences, and look beneath the surface, and it boasts its creator's lovely artwork, which has a charming vintage feeling to it. Dorothea Warren Fox was a well-known illustrator in her day, whose work appeared in many magazines, as well as in Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care. I don't think I was quite as blown away by this one, as the friend who recommended it to me (although I thank her for making me aware of it!), but I did appreciate the humor to be found in both story and artwork, and the heartwarming conclusion. Recommended to young readers who enjoy rhyming tales, and to anyone with a taste for vintage picture-books.
This is a sweet little tale, one with a good message about learning to accept differences, and look beneath the surface, and it boasts its creator's lovely artwork, which has a charming vintage feeling to it. Dorothea Warren Fox was a well-known illustrator in her day, whose work appeared in many magazines, as well as in Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care. I don't think I was quite as blown away by this one, as the friend who recommended it to me (although I thank her for making me aware of it!), but I did appreciate the humor to be found in both story and artwork, and the heartwarming conclusion. Recommended to young readers who enjoy rhyming tales, and to anyone with a taste for vintage picture-books.
May 23, 2012
This story and its pictures are delightful and charming and funny and sweet. It has a fabulous message, but it doesn’t overwhelm the very entertaining story.
This is one I’d have read over and over and over when I was a kid, or asked that it be repeatedly read to me. Though it was first published over 45 years ago, I just recently learned of it, thanks to friends here at Goodreads.
I adore the detailed and colorful illustrations.
The story rhyme is really engaging. A woman and her dog are by choice isolated, a bit fearful and a bit feared, find a way to belong, and help. I love the message that This book has a great story to use to talk about differences and about learning to empathize with others. I love the dog’s name; that got me smiling right away. The bears are a nice touch.
I also really appreciate that this edition has 2 pages at the end where the author-co-illustrator talk about how this book was created, where the ideas came from, and some of the real people and places that inspired it.
This is one I’d have read over and over and over when I was a kid, or asked that it be repeatedly read to me. Though it was first published over 45 years ago, I just recently learned of it, thanks to friends here at Goodreads.
I adore the detailed and colorful illustrations.
The story rhyme is really engaging. A woman and her dog are by choice isolated, a bit fearful and a bit feared, find a way to belong, and help. I love the message that This book has a great story to use to talk about differences and about learning to empathize with others. I love the dog’s name; that got me smiling right away. The bears are a nice touch.
I also really appreciate that this edition has 2 pages at the end where the author-co-illustrator talk about how this book was created, where the ideas came from, and some of the real people and places that inspired it.
August 13, 2009
Long is the list of books that I have loved. Long is the list of books that have captured me. But on the list of books that have changed my life there is only one. Miss Twiggley taught me to be brave, and kind, and to give others a chance (even if they are mean and scary). And that the best of friends can be found in the strangest of places. She taught me life lessons that I use daily. And as I read Miss Twiggley's Tree to my children i pray that they learn from her all that I did. I'm not ashamed to say that I slept in my hat.
January 10, 2024
Shy Miss Twiggley keeps to herself living with a dog, a cat, and some bears in a treehouse on the edge of town, but the mayor's wife thinks this kind of nonconformity is unacceptable. But then a natural disaster shows the value of thinking (and living) outside the box.
The cliched plot and bland moral didn't do much for me. Putting the story into verse didn't help much either.
The cliched plot and bland moral didn't do much for me. Putting the story into verse didn't help much either.
December 8, 2010
My favorite children's book EVER. I bought myself a new copy, since all our kids books went to my brother's kids. Purple House Press, bless them, put out an anniversary copy.
October 20, 2010
I happened upon this book while shelving and fell in love with it. Miss Twiggley is an eccentic woman who lives in a tree house with her dog, Puss, and prefers the company of bears to the gossipy townfolk. When a hurricane with heavy rains floods the town, they all end up in Mrs. Twiggley's tree house and learn a new respect for her different lifestyle. Told in rhyme, it is a lovely story about accepting each other for who we are and coming toegether in time of need. I loved the detailed illustrations and looked up further information about the author/illustrator. She only wrote two books for children, but did a lot of illustrations for books, magazines and advertisements from tne Depression through the 1960s. She and her husband often worked as a team doing illustrations. This book was originally published in 1966, but was reissued in 2002. Here is a good link for more information about the author: http://www.americanartarchives.com/fo....
December 18, 2013
I can still hear my mom in my head, reading this to me from the time I was knee-high to a grasshopper. Of all the things my parents read to me, I think this one possibly had the greatest positive impact. I know it sounds silly to say that, it's just a picture book right? But it taught me that being different didn't have to be bad, and that minds can be changed. It taught me that it was okay to be whoever I was. Sadly, my mother will not let me steal her copy and I am a broke college student who can't afford to buy her own. But I have a lot of this story stored in my memory, in my mother's voice.
August 17, 2020
Oh, this book! One of my childhood most favorites, but I'd lost it somewhere. I spend the next 30 years looking for it, and found it in an antique store one day -- I just about fainted! Yes, reading it as an adult was as adorable and charming as I remembered it to be. I want to live in Miss Twiggley's treehouse!
July 26, 2021
A favorite of mine from childhood. The rhyming text is not bad, but the illustrations really bring the story to life.
May 29, 2025
I loved loved loved this story. I'd love to own it but until then i requested it at the library. Who hasn't dreamed of living in a tree after reading about children building them. The story is easy reading but the pictures are drool worthy.
April 23, 2015
This was one of my favorite books as a child. My mother enrolled us in a children's book club that mailed us a new book every month, and this was one of the books I received as a member. I always thought it would be neat to live in a tree house and ever since reading this book Weeping Willow trees have been my favorite. Anyway, I was reminded of this book when talking to Megan about Earth Day. She was working on a craft idea for the children at our library. It also happened to be a real rainy day so naturally I thought of this book. In the story, Miss Twiggley is a community loner who lives a shy and quite life in her tree house with her dog. She is so shy she sends the dog, whose name happens to be Puss out for her groceries (love the art ... Puss is making it home, through city streets, with his arms loaded down with grocery bags). The folks in town, especially the mayor's wife wonder about Miss Twiggley (cool name for someone who live in a tree!)and consider her stuck-up, an odd one. Well when the town is flooded by a heavy rainstorm, everyone seeks refuge in the tree-house. It looked like a FUN party ... with tea, checkers, and there was even a banjo player amongst the guests. In the end Miss Twiggley overcame her shyness and the townsfolk realized she was pretty cool to hang out with. Beautiful and expressive illustrations!
May 13, 2015
Miss Twiggley is the eccentric outcast of town. The citizens are don't quite feel comfortable about this woman who lives in a tree and has only animals for friends. The town's fat cats, especially the mayor's wife, feel Miss Twiggley is a weirdo, nuisance, and that her tree is in the way.
Miss Twiggley is quite harmless and shy, however. When a hurricane strikes she is forced to come out of her shell and become a hero to save the lives of citizens who previously scorned her.
I loved this book when I was child. It really had great lessons about how people often don't take the time to get to know others and misjudge them and how sometimes those we overlook or look down on can become the best friends in times of need.
Miss Twiggley is quite harmless and shy, however. When a hurricane strikes she is forced to come out of her shell and become a hero to save the lives of citizens who previously scorned her.
I loved this book when I was child. It really had great lessons about how people often don't take the time to get to know others and misjudge them and how sometimes those we overlook or look down on can become the best friends in times of need.
November 29, 2012
This is a whimsical tale about an eccentric woman who lives in a tree with her dog. She is shy around people, but not bears. The narrative is rhyming and has a lyrical, Dr. Seuss-like rhythm to it. The illustrations are quite humorous and nicely detailed.
Overall, I thought this was an entertaining tale that is fun to read aloud. I didn't realize that the book was first published before I was even born, and I think it really has a timeless quality. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
Overall, I thought this was an entertaining tale that is fun to read aloud. I didn't realize that the book was first published before I was even born, and I think it really has a timeless quality. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
July 27, 2012
Miss Twiggley is shy and mostly spends her time with her bear and dog friends in the comfort of her home...which is built in a tree. The townsfolk are not to happy about Miss Twiggley's tree until some unfortunate weather gives them a new perspective. The line and water-colored illustrations are detailed and pair nicely with the rhyming verses of the story.
Miss Twiggley and the townsfolk learn lessons that are valuable to children. great book.
Miss Twiggley and the townsfolk learn lessons that are valuable to children. great book.
January 10, 2024
I did not have as many or as clear memories of this book from my childhood, which lets me know I did not reread this one as often. I love the concept of living in a tree house and I suspect as a child I did not think this book did the scenario justice. Miss Twiggley's tree house is, for the most part, a pretty ordinary house that just happens to be in a tree. The main point of the story is not tree house life, but that Miss Twiggley is different. She consorts with bears and wears a hat to bed for goodness sake! As an adult I like the adorable, and oh so helpful!, dog and I love her bear companions. What exactly was going on in that tree house? :-D
Part of: * When I was very young I believe my parents got a subscription to Parents Press Magazine books. They also got books from other sources. A key memory of childhood for me is the many children's picture books kept on the built-in shelves in our basement. Recently I put together a list of the ones I could find online and remember: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list... My amazing husband found many of the physical books as a Christmas gift for me, so I am now seeing and re-reading the physical books for the first time in over twenty years. Be aware that most if not all of them will get an extra star from me for the incredible nostalgia.
Part of: * When I was very young I believe my parents got a subscription to Parents Press Magazine books. They also got books from other sources. A key memory of childhood for me is the many children's picture books kept on the built-in shelves in our basement. Recently I put together a list of the ones I could find online and remember: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list... My amazing husband found many of the physical books as a Christmas gift for me, so I am now seeing and re-reading the physical books for the first time in over twenty years. Be aware that most if not all of them will get an extra star from me for the incredible nostalgia.
February 9, 2021
Summary:
Miss Twiggley lives in a tree with her dog and doesn't ever leave it. She sends her dog out to get groceries because she's too shy to talk to people. The towns people think she is odd, especially the Mayor's wife, but all those concerns go away when it rains and rains... and doesn't stop. All of sudden everyone wants to get in Miss Twiggley's Tree to escape the rising water, and Miss Twiggley is only concerned with taking care of everyone.
My response:
I love this book! It such a fun way to show some good basic lessons with some very nostalgic looking pictures.
How I might use it:
This book can not only show that older books are amazing just like new books but that some things are more important than being shy or someone being a little different.
Miss Twiggley lives in a tree with her dog and doesn't ever leave it. She sends her dog out to get groceries because she's too shy to talk to people. The towns people think she is odd, especially the Mayor's wife, but all those concerns go away when it rains and rains... and doesn't stop. All of sudden everyone wants to get in Miss Twiggley's Tree to escape the rising water, and Miss Twiggley is only concerned with taking care of everyone.
My response:
I love this book! It such a fun way to show some good basic lessons with some very nostalgic looking pictures.
How I might use it:
This book can not only show that older books are amazing just like new books but that some things are more important than being shy or someone being a little different.
May 23, 2021
Another of the books as a child that was hid in the closet where the monster was. Miss Twiggley was an odd woman and reminded me of some of the older ladies that lived on our street especially the one that had a little poodle looking dog. Miss Twiggley lived in a tree house with her dog and some bears. The town folk didn’t like her because she was recluse. But then the big rain storm came and a flood followed, she gave refuge to the town folk and they were happy that she lived in a tree. The moral of this story was to respect other people and that all people have value. It might not be apparent at first but some day when needed they might just be there to assist.
June 29, 2023
This is one of my favorite childhood books and it became a favorite for my kids. The story is endearing, shows the main character battling bullying, doing the right thing, and embracing herself. This book also teaches the importance of helping in an emergency, and empathy.
As a kid, I'd stare at the illustrations and daydream about what living in a tree house would be like - often asking my parents for a few extra minutes to investigate the pictures before turning the page. It's an endearing book that's been well loved and well read to the kids in my family for 3 generations. The pages are brittle and I'm going to cry when the binding finally gives out in a few more years.
As a kid, I'd stare at the illustrations and daydream about what living in a tree house would be like - often asking my parents for a few extra minutes to investigate the pictures before turning the page. It's an endearing book that's been well loved and well read to the kids in my family for 3 generations. The pages are brittle and I'm going to cry when the binding finally gives out in a few more years.
October 31, 2018
What could be more fun than living in a tree house! I just loved the illustrations and Miss Twiggley and the Major's wife learn some good life lessons.
Ages: 4 - 8
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Ages: 4 - 8
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
December 3, 2020
My all-time favorite picture book when I was very, very young and I only wished we never gave it away. :( My parents divorced when I was in ninth grade and so many boxes of books and other wonderful memorabilia were donated as we were packing up the house & putting it on the market. I just wish my copy of Miss Twiggley's Tree made it into a home where it was read, read, and read over and over again to children who loved it as much as I did.
January 5, 2023
Miss Twiggley is very cool. She has dog and bear friends and lives in a tree! Miss Twiggley exudes, love, forgiveness, and excellence in the face of opposition. A classic story of how forgiveness and love are the answer. A Shero story! Colorful illustrations full of motion and character.
Thank you Dorothea Warren Fox.
Thank you Dorothea Warren Fox.
August 14, 2020
This is a short read-aloud story about a lady who lives in a tree with her dog. The people in town think she's peculiar. The story has a great ending. I'll let you read it on your own to find out what happens.
July 3, 2021
Miss TwiggPley gets a few odd stares and comments because she lives in a tree, has her dog do the grocery shopping, has bears over for tea, and sleeps with her hat on. Until the flood. Adorable illustrations of the dog shopping and the bears looking slightly out of place.
February 28, 2022
My father bought me this book on his work trip when I was 7 years old. I loved it then and I love it now. We’ve just had a big flood in Brisbane and my elderly aunt is offering shelter to my niece and my second cousin, so I’ve got out this book to share with her.
What a treasure it is
What a treasure it is
November 14, 2024
My favorite children's book of all time. Highly recommend that all children read this book at least once (with their parents). Bought a copy for my best friends' children's libraries. It is that good.
July 15, 2017
This has been a favorite of mine since I was little. To this day I can recite the first three pages of the story.
July 18, 2017
Really enjoyed this sweet story, and related to Miss Twiggley! Definitely one I could use with students- going in a few different directions!
March 10, 2018
Another classic children's book I never read as a child. A lovely story about shy Miss Twiggley who lives in a tree. Her neighbors don't quite understand her until they need Miss Twiggley's help.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews