My Mommies Built a Treehouse by Gareth Peter, illustrated by Izzy Evans and published by Lantana Publishing in 2023, is a delightful story that captures the process of making a childhood dream come true. The narrative follows a young boy who, filled with excitement, asks his two moms to build him a treehouse. What unfolds is not just a tale of construction but a journey filled with planning, patience, and teamwork.
Gareth Peter’s narrative is clear and direct, making it easy for young readers to follow along while also conveying important life lessons. The story carefully illustrates the steps involved in building the treehouse, from the initial planning to gathering materials and dealing with setbacks. Through this process, the book subtly teaches children the value of careful planning, adaptability, and perseverance—skills that are valuable both in and out of the classroom.
One of the strengths of My Mommies Built a Treehouse is how it normalizes diverse family structures. The fact that the boy has two moms is presented in an everyday, matter-of-fact manner, reflecting a modern, inclusive view of family life. This subtle, yet powerful, representation allows children from various backgrounds to see themselves in the story, emphasizing that families come in all shapes and sizes.
The illustrations by Izzy Evans are an excellent complement to the text, bringing the treehouse project to life with vibrant, warm, and engaging visuals. Evans uses a combination of watercolor and digital techniques, which results in a soft and inviting color palette. The detailed illustrations not only support the practical aspects of the story but also highlight the close, loving relationship between the boy and his moms. This visual storytelling effectively captures the collaborative spirit and the joy that comes from working together as a family.
Aimed at children ages 4 to 8, this book is particularly well-suited for developing sequential skills, as the narrative is structured with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It also serves as a useful tool for building narrative skills, encouraging children to think about how stories unfold over time. Teachers and parents may find it valuable for teaching lessons on planning and persistence, as well as for fostering discussions about different family structures.
My Mommies (Amazon)*
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My thanks to Lantana Publishing for providing a Review Copy of this book. All opinions provided herein are my own.
More books for this Age Group can be found here and here.
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