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Parents' Guide to

The 52-Story Treehouse: The Treehouse Books, Book 4

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Fourth in over-the-top series still silly but spread thin.

Book Andy Griffiths Humor 2016
The 52-Story Treehouse: The Treehouse Books, Book 4 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 5+

Based on 1 parent review

Lebron12James3
Lebron12James3 Parent
December 2, 2021
age 5+
Spectacularly animated and remarkably poignant, this Woody-centric fourth installment introduces memorable new friends and brings back beloved old ones for one more adventure. Although Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), Rex (Wallace Shawn), the Potato Heads, and the rest of the gang still have a part to play, this story is firmly Woody's. He grapples with transitioning from a favorite toy to one who's occasionally left in the closet and then becoming the self-proclaimed protector of Forky, who's having a (hilarious) existential crisis about whether he's trash (it's warm and cozy, and where he feels he belongs) or toy. Hale is perfectly cast as the quirky, inquisitive Forky. And Potts is fabulous as the now wiser, street-savvy Bo, who's able to see the joy of being a free-range toy. She's not bound by the changing whims of a child who can outgrow her playthings. Along with Forky, the new characters who have the most impact are insecure Canadian stuntman Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves) and buddies Bunny (Jordan Peele) and Ducky (Keegan-Michael Key), sewn-together stuffed animals who are supposed to be a top carnival prize but wind up following Buzz on his mission to rescue Woody and Forky. The duo's familiar chemistry and banter offer some of the movie's key laugh-aloud moments (like their schemes to attack humans). Gabby Gabby and her creepy ventriloquist dummies aren't the most frightening of villains -- especially after it turns out that they, like most angry folks, are just misunderstood. Ultimately, this is a story about Woody and his reconnection with Bo. Her development is one of the most fascinating in Pixar history. She may not have super powers, but Bo Peep is every bit as incredible as Elastigirl, and she'll do whatever it takes to save her sheep and her friends. Ever since 1995, this beautifully animated franchise has taught audiences about the power of play, and this installment is a powerful capstone on that legacy. (Passionate Pixar fans should watch for the film's many Easter eggs, which cover the entire Pixar universe.)
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What's the Story?

Andy and Terry always wait until the very last minute to deliver their next book to their publisher, Mr. Big Nose. They're having so much fun in their newly expanded treehouse that they almost don't notice that Mr. Big Nose hasn't called to remind them of their looming deadline. They set off to investigate and find Mr. Big Nose is missing and their best clue is a terrified caterpillar. They take the caterpillar to their friend Jill, who can talk with animals, but Jill and all the creatures at her house are in an enchanted sleep. Their quest to find a suitable prince to wake her leads them to Mr. Big Nose and an epic encounter with some very unpleasant vegetables.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (5 ):

The Treehouse Books remains a delightful series for reluctant readers, even though the latest 13-story addition by the creative duo of Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton feels like a bit of a stretch. The manic humor continues apace in THE 52-STORY TREEHOUSE, which seems like the best endless summer vacation ever.

Earlier installments have snuck in lessons on responsibility and creativity. This time around, however, the creators aim low with a vapid plot about a vegetable kingdom. Happily, the journey is still a hoot, full of running gags, repeating themes, and Denton's detailed, giggly illustrations. A good choice for fans, but newcomers to the series should start with the first 13 stories.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the appeal of series like this. Do you prefer new additions to a series to feel familiar or to take the story in new directions?

  • Why do you think there's so much violence? Would it be as funny if it was scaled back? Or is being so over the top what makes it funny?

  • Do you think this story would work as an animated cartoon?

Book Details

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