The Boat in the Tree

by Tim Wynne-Jones, John Shelley (Illustrator)

The adoption of a little brother sets off a series of fantastical adventures. When Mom and Dad bring home little Simón, their older son resists the idea of a new brother and retreats to a fantasy world. He builds a raft and sails to his own island of Bongadongo, creates an entire fleet of model ships, and, using chewing gum, tries to patch up a real boat that he finds along the shore. Simón is persistent and longs to join his new older brother in the fun. But the boy can take it no longer and runs away to find a ship that will take him far from home. A damaging windstorm, and its aftermath, changes their relationship forever. Tim Wynne-Jones creates a fanciful story of sibling rivalry. John Shelley's illustrations reveal how imagination bridges even the widest gap.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Tim Wynne-Jones (born 12 August 1948) is an English–Canadian author of children's literature, including picture books and novels for children and young adults, novels for adults, radio dramas, songs for the CBC/Jim Henson production Fraggle Rock, as well as a children's musical and an opera libretto.

Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Juvenile (2001): The Boy in the Burning House
Edgar Award
◊ Best Young Adult (2002): The Boy in the Burning House

Reviews

[Armanda Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a storyabout adoption as well and it also talks about sibling rivalry. In the story, the older brother is jealous because he feels that his parents are spending more time with his new brother. He is so jealous that he brings his imagination alive and goes to his own island. He enjoys boats, so he is looking for soem while he's on the journey to avoid his new brother. As a literacy teacher this woudl be a great book to use when talkign about the hardships associated with adoption; fitting in to the family that has adoted you. The author does a great job describing the imaginary excursions of the older brother and I love how at the end of the story, it's as if they were never arguing.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is surprisingly sweet, and told rather well. An only child becomes an older brother pretty much overnight when another child is adopted into the family. There is an adjustment period.

But it was the illustrations that made me buy this book, and it is the because of the illustrations that I love this book. The illustrations are so deftly-drawn and so imaginative, that it is like having a daydream brought to life.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big brother is unhappy when a little brother is brought home. He "escapes" through a hobby of boats - which his little brother always seems to horn in on. But after running away into a huge storm, he discovers a boat lodged up in a tree. His little brother helps him get it down and they finally begin to share some adventures together.

Very nice illustrations.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

First crack at opening the book, with various boats on the inside cover, you know you're in for a treat. This was a fun read. My sons could relate to both the adventurous drive and the sibling relationship. The illustrations were as delightful as the story.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how the boys' imaginations came through in this story.

[Nicolina Circella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book highlights a situation that is very prevalent. Diverse families are all over and sometimes we see the affects of those families growing. This is a story that could be extremely relatable. I believe a family struggling with acceptance may read this to their children to help ease the transition. I also think this book would be a lovely addition to an in-class library. This story could also be turned into a class activity because the overall lesson is something that is very important. The sweet story and beautiful illustrations make this book an excellent choice for any reader.