Secret Tree Fort by Brianne Farley

Walker Books, 2016. ISBN 9781406367232
(Age: 5+) Recommended for a library collection. Themes: Sisters; Imagination; Reconciliation. Two sisters need to go outside. One, a book-loving reader, settles under a tree with her book. The other wants her sister to play with her. The ignored sister creates an imaginary Secret Fort to entice her sister to join her and play. The developing imagined detail is peculiar and grows with features as her imagination explores the ways to connect with her sister. However an argument bubbles to the surface. Eventually there is a compromise to explore Fort-building together and this draws the two sisters into a closer connection. This reconciliation after conflict makes this a useful book to discuss differences and solving problems. The illustrations are simple in style, but there is sufficient detail to engage a younger reader.
Although the book incorporates colourful detail, the tonal quality is somewhat muted.
Carolyn Hull