Albert's Tree - Tapa dura

The picture book is as cozy and familiar as a teddy bear's embrace, but smart touches elevate the story...There are lots of children's books about cute bears who talk like people, but few are as cleverly put together and as witty as Albert's little adventure.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The endpapers are particularly clever: the front, representing winter, includes cutaways depicting the animals' underground homes; the back surveys the same scene above ground in early spring. This is ideal for a springtime story hour, paired with April Pulley Sayre's Eat like a Bear (2013).
--Booklist

An ideal read-aloud for a storytime about bears or trees, or enjoyed one-on-one. A sweet addition for most collections.
--School Library Journal

Waa! Waa! Why is Albert’s favorite tree crying? And how can he cheer it up? From artist Jenni Desmond comes a warm and funny story about finding a new friend in a very unexpected place.

Awake after his long sleep, Albert the bear can’t wait to spend time in his own special tree, which is always so quiet and peaceful. But not today. Today Albert’s tree is crying. How can he cheer it up? Albert’s friend Rabbit suggests digging holes for Tree to play in, but the wailing continues. Eating grass always makes Caribou happy, but an offering of grass does nothing to stop the noise (which is getting to be a bit much). “STOP CRYING!” roars Albert, but the bawling only gets louder. There’s just one thing to do: Albert climbs up to his favorite branch and gives Tree a hug. To Albert’s surprise, he hears a little voice say, “I’m afraid of the big hairy monster.” Who said that? And just who is the big hairy monster?