Two children rejoice in their home up in a tree, free from parental guidance and earthbound concerns. But when beavers gnaw their ladder into matchsticks, the children aren’t sure they want to be quite so alone. Playful, whimsical, and wry, the story is vintage Atwood. Long out of print, Up in the Tree was first published in 1978. Because it was considered too expensive and risky to publish a children’s book in Canada, Atwood not only wrote and illustrated the book, but hand-lettered the type. This facsimile edition captures all the charm of the original, and makes a thoughtful gift for Atwood fans as well as for young readers.

From Booklist
PreS-Gr. 2. First published in Canada in 1976, Atwood's small, whimsical book has been reprinted for U.S. distribution for the first time. In her author's note, Atwood mentions that she wrote and illustrated the book during a period in which two-color printing was common, and she says that she had hand-lettered the book to save money. The production does appear dated, but that doesn't detract from the appeal. Rendered in shades of red and blue, the fanciful illustrations extend the story of two saucer-eyed boys who live in a tree. The book resembles an easy reader: short sentences composed of basic vocabulary; rhythmic, repetitive phrases to help propel new readers through the story. Spare and simple, this title offers a refreshing return to basics. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved About the Author
Margaret Atwood is the author of more than thirty books of fiction, poetry and critical essays. In addition to the classic The Handmaid's Tale, her novels include Cat's Eye, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, Alias Grace, which won the Giller Prize in Canada and the Premio Mondello in Italy, and The Blind Assassin, winner of the 2000 Booker Prize. Oryx and Crake, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2003. Her other books for children include Bashful Bob and Doleful Dorinda and Rude Ramsay and the Roaring Radishes. She lives in Toronto, Canada. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.