The Me Tree

Bear just can’t take another minute in the overcrowded cave filled with hibernating bears. In fact, he finds it unbearable. So, Bear finds a treehouse, which he calls “The Me Tree.” Very quickly, however, Bear realizes that he is anything but alone. Squirrels are watching movies. A sloth takes up permanent residence in his bathroom. A skunk offers potpourri. Bees keep him awake. A manatee lives in his tub. Opossums hang from his clothesline. Goats invade his yoga. Beavers eat his sofa. Finally, Bear can’t take it anymore and kicks everyone out, only to find that is no fun, either. So, Bear apologizes and redesigns “The Me Tree” to be “The We Tree.”

Ashley Belote has written and illustrated a laugh-out-loud funny picture book that will be a delight to young readers and the adults with whom they share the book. As a picture book author, Belote has crafted a brilliant character in the irascible Bear, who children will love and with whom they may secretly identify. At the same time, Belote gently reminds readers that sometimes you may not want what you think you want most.