Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fourth in over-the-top series still silly but spread thin.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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?
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
- Author :
- Illustrator : Terry Denton
- Genre : Humor
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Feiwel and Friends
- Publication date : April 5, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 6 - 10
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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