As is the hallmark of Melissa Stewart, every detail is attended to in this nonfiction picture book about the types of animals that use tree holes. From the peek-a-book picture under the dust jacket to the endpapers showing the start of the day and the end of the day to the clear, well-written layered text, Stewart invites the reader to imagine “what would it be like to live inside a tree?” From there, the book offers different animals who use a tree hole for safety and refuge, an escape from the outside world. Each double-page spread features simple text for a read-aloud and added information about the animal featured for a more in-depth look at the topic. Also featured are wonderful illustrations by Amy Hevron rendered in acrylic and marker on wood; her earthy palette hits just the right tone for the text. The back matter provides more information about each animal mentioned in the book along with sources for further study.

Hand to the naturalist, the science teacher discussing adaptations in nature, and, ultimately, to the child who is willing to look a little deeper at something as common as a tree and see the possibilities.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth