Title: The 13-Story Treehouse
Author: Andy Griffiths
First published September 1, 2011
256 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250026903 (ISBN10: 1250026903)
Rating: 4.05
Overview
Sir Charles Cartwright, the famous actor, is hosting an intimate dinner party at his home in the countryside. Hercule Poirot is among the thirteen guests in attendance.
The evening takes a dark turn when one of the guests suddenly dies after sipping on his cocktail. Poirot is called upon to use his keen detective skills to solve the mystery.
Was it foul play? Was the drink poisoned?
As Poirot delves deeper into the investigation, he realizes that everyone present has a motive for wanting the victim dead. Will Poirot be able to solve this three-act tragedy, or will the killer get away with murder?
Find out in Agatha Christie’s thrilling novel, Three Act Tragedy.
About the Author
Andy Griffiths is one of the most beloved children’s authors in Australia. He has written a variety of books, ranging from nonsensical verse and short stories to comic novels and plays, totaling over 20 in number.
His books have been a hit with readers worldwide, selling over 5 million copies and winning numerous awards, including more than 50 children’s choice awards and being a New York Times bestseller for over 15 years.
Among his most popular works are the Just! series and The Day My Bum Went Psycho. In 2008, Andy broke his own record by winning six children’s choice awards in one year for Just Shocking!.
His collaboration with The Bell Shakespeare Company on the production of Just Macbeth! was a hit, receiving critical acclaim and nominations for two Helpmann Awards. The play was so successful that it completed a return sold-out season at the Sydney Opera House in July 2010 before heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it received rave reviews.
The book of the play was also shortlisted for the children’s section of the 2010 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.
Andy has worked closely with illustrator Terry Denton on many of his books, including the Just! series, The Bad Book and The Very Bad Book, What Bumosaur is That?, and The Cat on the Mat is Flat and The Big Fat Cow that Goes Kapow!, both of which are early readers inspired by the works of Dr. Seuss. Their latest book, The 13-Storey Treehouse, was released in September 2011 and is sure to delight readers of all ages.
Editoral Review
In the children’s book The 13-Story Treehouse by Australian author Andy Griffiths, readers are greeted with a fantastical world where anything can happen. Published in 2011, this book follows the adventures of two best friends, Andy and Terry, as they work to brainstorm and write their next big hit – all while trying to navigate a treehouse that keeps growing and changing.
The book is part of the children’s fantasy genre, and with its imaginative themes, it showcases Griffiths’ unique writing style. As the author of several other children’s books, such as Just Annoying! and The Treasure Fever, Griffiths is no stranger to writing books for young readers.
His style is accessible without being too simple, and his ability to create stories that seem both realistic and fantastical at the same time is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. The 13-Story Treehouse begins with Andy and Terry being faced with a deadline to finish their latest book, despite the distractions around them.
The story takes place in the titular treehouse, which is more than just a couple of slabs of wood in the backyard – it’s an ever-expanding structure complete with a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, and a secret laboratory. The treehouse is also home to various animals, robots, and rhinoceroses, adding to the absurdity of the story.
Despite the kids’ best efforts, they end up facing various challenges on their quest to complete their book, from getting lost in their own house to trying to retrieve a stolen cat from a tricky catnapper. Along the way, readers get introduced to a host of quirky characters, each with their own backstory and unique personality.
One of the book’s strengths is its pacing; it moves quickly and keeps readers engaged throughout. The acerbic wit of the two main characters and the imaginative trappings of the treehouse setting add a lighthearted, whimsical element that makes the story enjoyable for all ages.
On the other hand, the book’s status as a children’s story might limit its appeal to older readers, and some might find the humor to be a little too juvenile. Some of the characters may also feel underdeveloped, which might leave readers wanting more depth from some of the supporting roles.
Overall, The 13-Story Treehouse is an enjoyable, well-written book that does an excellent job of capturing the imagination of young readers. While it’s not without flaws, the storytelling is strong enough to overlook them and get lost in the fun of the story.
Fans of other children’s writers such as Roald Dahl, Beverly Cleary, or Jeff Kinney will find this book to be an excellent addition to their collection. In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to parents looking for a fun, imaginative story to read with their kids or for anyone who enjoys children’s literature.
Its mix of humor, whimsy, and thoughtful storytelling make it a must-read for lovers of the genre. I rate this book 8 out of 10, based on its combination of creativity, humor, and heart.
