The Treehouse

By Sophia Bella Errico

Publisher: Bowker (June 2023)

Genre: Children’s Fiction (Ages 7 to 11)

Pages: 154

Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Remember that jerk in elementary school whose favorite indoor sport was Making Your Life Miserable? Who made picking on you and bullying you his/her favorite past-time?

Mom does. His name was David J. Yes, Mom remembers his last name. We’re intentionally omitting that. Cuz even though this was back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, some jerks you never forget. 

Well. Children’s author Sophia Errico has come up with a great new book that addresses the topic of bullying in a fresh and meaningful new way. This eminently engaging and clever children’s book is called The Treehouse.

Mom wants to know where it was back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. I, Kimber, want to know if I can bite David J. the Jerk retroactively? Cuz nobody messes with Mom on my watch! (Mom says No. She’s just funny that way.)

Wait. Where was I? Oh yeah. The Treehouse. Climb in for more and let’s get started. Like this:

It’s a hot day in August when eight year-old Christopher Anderson and his best friend, Bobby, settle in for a secret meeting in Chris’s backyard treehouse. While the two boys are trying to squeeze a few more ounces of fun out of summer before school starts, they notice that one of their elderly neighbors has moved out. When new neighbors move in, they include a boy about their age. His name is Kevin.

As a new school year looms, Chris is reminded that his attitude toward school and his high-spirited hijinks have landed Chris in trouble with his parents. So he promises to be “nice” when the new school year rolls around. But that’s easier said than done. Especially for a rambunctious third grader whose new teacher is “Ms. Fizzlebottom.”

Uh-Oh

And while trying to be “nice” may work at school and keep Chris out of trouble at home, it doesn’t keep Chris from losing his best friend Bobby to “Cool” Kevin, the new kid. But underneath Kevin’s slick, smooth exterior of “cool” lurks a pretty prickly personality. When Kevin turns out to be a bully and he and his gang start picking on Chris, Chris must learn to stand up for himself. Fast.

When Kevin steals Chris’ book and denies doing so Chris decides, “This means war” – and it could get “interesting,” especially as both sides start “recrooting.”

Highly Readable

And interesting it is in this highly readable and eminently enjoyable story by Sophia Bella Errico. It’s a clever, creative, and timely take on the topic of bullying. As the story unfolds, the author gently and expertly guides young readers toward some helpful suggestions and healthy options regarding dealing with a bully. There’s also a “lucky baseball” that suddenly turns up missing.

Finally!

The positive portrayal of the friendly and helpful policeman whom Chris runs into in the park when trying to escape Kevin and Kevin’s henchman, Gene, is refreshing. So is the positive portrayal of Chris’s caring and connected parents, particularly his father.

Lots to Love

There’s a lot to love about this book. It includes themes of friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, honesty, and courage. Sticking up for yourself and your friends. Also parents who care enough to confront and correct.  

Chockful of full-bodied, dynamic characters who learn and grow, The Treehouse is well-written and structural sound. A richly flavored story with a timely message, plenty of action, and age-appropriate vocabulary, the narrative is enhanced by drawings that help propel the story forward. Brisk pacing and a nimble plot will keep young readers engaged and turning pages until the very end.

Scene stealer: Big George. (Just sayin’.)

As The Treehouse winds down, the door is left open for a sequel. Let’s hope so. Because I can’t wait! I’d grab a copy now ‘fize you. Cuz this one’s a winner!

Our Rating: 4.5

***

Sophia Errico was born in 2009 in New York City, and has since gone on to become a pizza connoisseur, a dog fanatic (golden retrievers, specifically), an avid watcher of every show from years past – Leave it to Beaver, anyone? – and, oh yeah, an author!