The Better Tree Fort by Jessica Scott Kerrin, illustrated by Qin Leng, published by Groundwood Books is a wonderful reminder that there are some things that will always be better but nothing is as special as the love of a parent for his/her child.

Russell has just moved into his new house, a house with a giant maple tree in the yard. What better way to enjoy a giant maple tree then by building a spectacular tree fort? Unfortunately, Russell’s dad is not the handiest dad around but not to fear, Russell draws up the plans and they head to the lumber store to buy the supplies and ask for a bit of advice and finally Russell has a fantastic tree fort of his own. When Russell climbs up into his tree fort he is stunned to see that Warren down the way is also building a tree fort, well the builders his dad hired are building the tree fort that is and it is even better than Russell’s.

There are so many relatable moments in this lovely story, like the four extra trips to the lumber store (happens every time my Dad is in town helping us with work around the house). The tree fort may not turn out exactly like the plans Russell drew but that’s okay because it is perfect and the reason it’s perfect is Russell and his Dad built it together. They spend time together in the fort, enjoying peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and have a camp out together in the fort. At the end of the story Russell’s dad remarks, “There will always be a better tree fort” and Russell remind his dad, “But not a better dad.” It’s a beautiful story to remind us all there will always be things that are bigger and better than what we have, but if we take the time to enjoy the company of our family there is no better thing in the world.
Qin Leng's art in The Better Tree Fort is so fabulous. It's light and airy and reminiscent of some of Quentin Blake's work in the ink drawings. I absolutely love the effect of the watercolour and the pencil crayon combined with the ink drawings to create such visually appealing illustrations. It's a style your child can pick up by putting ink to page and giving it a good water colour wash. A wonderful example to inspire some rainy or sunny day creations. ( )

A boy and his dad building a fort in their new house maple tree, they plan for it and did it, when the notice his neighbor building a fort too he goes to check it out, even tough it was better than his, he had something the other boy didn't have, his dad with him.
Ages 5-8
Tacoma library

When Russell and his father move to a new house, the young boy decides he wants a tree fort with all the trimmings, from a slide to a skylight. His father doesn't know much about building, but he gamely steps up, and together they build the best tree fort they can. Then Russell spies a swanky new tree house going up down the street, and visits the young boy whose play-place it is. Although it has everything Russell originally wanted, the perceptive young boy realizes something: there will always be a better tree fort than his, but there will never be a better dad...

A perfect Father's Day book for the picture-book set, The Better Tree Fort depicts a loving, healthy relationship between father and son, while also exploring issues of possessions and comparative affluence, and how we feel about them. It's a common human trait to compare ourselves to others, and become jealous of what those others have, but author Jessica Scott Kerrin demonstrates how foolish this is, when the things that can make us truly happy - like loving relationships - have nothing to do with how plush our tree forts (or houses) are. The artwork by Qin Leng, which are done in ink, watercolor and color crayon, are quite appealing, capturing the fun that Russell and his father have together. Recommended to anyone looking for good new picture-books about fathers, or for children's stories addressing possessions and (possible) jealousy. ( )

“Let’s build a tree fort,” Russell says to his dad when they move into a house with a big maple tree in the backyard. His dad doesn’t know much about building, but he gamely follows Russell’s plan. Several trips to the lumber store later, the tree fort is done. There is no slide, balcony or skylight like Russell imagined, but it is perfect — right up until he notices another tree fort going up three houses over.
When Russell goes over to investigate, he meets Warren, whose bigger tree fort has castle turrets and working lights. Russell is in awe until it dawns on him that it’s not worth worrying about who has the better tree fort when he has a loving dad there to build one with him.
In this subtle, humorous story, Jessica Scott Kerrin explores the idea of keeping up with the Joneses — and what that means when you’re a kid with a tree fort. Qin Leng’s lighthearted watercolor illustrations show the unshakeable bond between a father and son, as well as the delightful details of two tree forts.

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely adored this book. It’s a picture book aimed at young readers who can read somewhat on their own, or with minimal assistance. The illustrations are watercolor and ink and are perfect for helping the story along.

The last page says it all:

“There will always be a better tree fort.”
“But not a better dad.”

Awwww, I love how the author put this story together to send a beautiful message to children. Sometimes better is not always quality. Lovely! ( )