Zanni Louise (text), and Judy Watson (illustrator), Hazel’s Treehouse, Walker Books Australia, November 2024, 160 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760657222
If you are a reader that loves the illustrations of May Gibbs and a fan of The Magic Faraway Tree, this book is for you. Junior readers are invited into an enchanting world of characters in Hazel’s treehouse, enjoyed through a read-aloud experience or explored independently.
Hazel is nine years old and lives with her lovable friends Odette the pademelon, Walter the wombat, Tiny the honey possum and Poky the chameleon-like echidna who changes colour with Hazel’s moods. Each chapter delves into a day in the enchanting world created by Zanni Louise filled with adventures, a few mishaps, and, most importantly, endless imagination and unwavering friendship, and at the perfect length to keep eager readers engaged and excited for more.
The writing is warm, gentle, and emotionally resonant making the story engaging for young readers. Judy Watson effortlessly contributes a visual world very similar on page to that of The Magic Faraway Tree and Winnie the Pooh—delicate and timeless with lots of soft detailed drawings of expressive characters in nature. The stories are heartfelt and filled with a sense of nostalgia with themes of adventure, friendship, imagination and play.
As a busy working mum, the chapter Nothing Day struck home as it beautifully highlights the value of just being—embracing quiet, unstructured time. Readers will appreciate the gentle reminder to slow down, appreciate simple moments, and stay present.
Hazel’s treehouse perfectly captures the innocence of childhood and beauty of everyday life and is a heart-warming story about emotional growth.
Scholastic Australia hosts a set of teachers notes to discuss and explore the different writing techniques and characteristics.
Keen to continue the magical journey? Explore the history behind May Gibbs illustrations and the archive of the Enid Blyton Society.
Reviewed by Shelley Stephens
