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The Adventures of Treehorn #1
The Shrinking of Treehorn
"If you want to pretend you're shrinking, that's all right," said Treehorn's mother, "as long as you don't do it at the table." But Treehorn wasn't pretending. He really was shrinking, and that didn't make life easy for him as he become smaller by the moment. Treehorn's teacher said, "We don't shrink in this class," and sent him to the Principal. Poor Treehorn spends an unhappy day and night until he discovers a magical game that helps him solve his problem. With his usual tongue-in-cheek approach, Edward Gorey glorifies the many imaginings of the story in witty pen and ink drawings.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1971
15 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
About the author
Florence Parry Heide
119books39followers"What do I like about writing for children? Everything," says Florence Parry Heide, the award-winning author of more than sixty children’s books, including the classic THE SHRINKING OF TREEHORN, illustrated by Edward Gorey. "I like the connection with children," the author says. "I like the connection with all kinds of book people. And I like the connection with my childhood self, which is the most of me. It is the most welcome and familiar of worlds. There miracles abound--indeed it is magical that something I might think of can be put into words, stories, ideas, and that those words end up in the heads of readers I will never meet."
Florence Parry Heide wrote SOME THINGS ARE SCARY, a humorous look at childhood bugaboos, more than thirty years ago. "I had finished another book and was in the mood to write something else," she says. "I decided to get some kindling from the garage, reached into the kindling box and--good grief!--grabbed something soft and mushy. I fled back to the house, scared to death." A brave return visit to the kindling box revealed the object of terror to be nothing more than a discarded wet sponge, but the thought remained: some things are scary. As she recalls, "What scared me as a child was that I’d never learn how to be a real grownup--and the fact is, I never did find out how it goes."
One thing Florence Parry Heide does have a good handle on is the concept of friendship, in all its humorous manifestations. THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR, a tongue-in-cheek tale cowritten with Sylvia Van Clief in 1967, pokes at the tendency of well-meaning friends to offer advice instead of help, and presents a valuable lesson about what true friendship means. "One of my many (true) sayings is ‘A new friend is around the corner of every single day,� " the author declares. "Also true: Friendships last. And last."
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Florence Parry Heide worked in advertising and public relations in New York City before returning to Pittsburgh during World War II. After the war, she and her husband moved to Wisconsin, where they raised five children, two of whom have cowritten critically acclaimed books with their mother. Florence Parry Heide now lives in Wisconsin.
Florence Parry Heide wrote SOME THINGS ARE SCARY, a humorous look at childhood bugaboos, more than thirty years ago. "I had finished another book and was in the mood to write something else," she says. "I decided to get some kindling from the garage, reached into the kindling box and--good grief!--grabbed something soft and mushy. I fled back to the house, scared to death." A brave return visit to the kindling box revealed the object of terror to be nothing more than a discarded wet sponge, but the thought remained: some things are scary. As she recalls, "What scared me as a child was that I’d never learn how to be a real grownup--and the fact is, I never did find out how it goes."
One thing Florence Parry Heide does have a good handle on is the concept of friendship, in all its humorous manifestations. THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR, a tongue-in-cheek tale cowritten with Sylvia Van Clief in 1967, pokes at the tendency of well-meaning friends to offer advice instead of help, and presents a valuable lesson about what true friendship means. "One of my many (true) sayings is ‘A new friend is around the corner of every single day,� " the author declares. "Also true: Friendships last. And last."
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Florence Parry Heide worked in advertising and public relations in New York City before returning to Pittsburgh during World War II. After the war, she and her husband moved to Wisconsin, where they raised five children, two of whom have cowritten critically acclaimed books with their mother. Florence Parry Heide now lives in Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
April 25, 2018
"Short people got no reason to live. . ." Randy Newman
It begins:
"Something very strange was happening to Treehorn. The first thing he noticed was that he couldn't reach the shelf in his closet. . ."
A little later:
"My trousers are all stretching or something," said Treehorn to his mother. "I'm tripping on them all the time."
"That's too bad, dear," said his mother, looking into the oven. "I do hope this cake isn't going to fall," she said.
Other adult reactions: "We'll let it go for today," said his teacher. "But see that it's taken care of for tomorrow. We don't shrink in this class."
Another teacher: "Just because you're shrinking, it does not mean you have special privileges."
I absolutely adore this book, published in 1971, which I may just have read for the first time somewhere around then! I almost cannot imagine anything quite like it--correct me if I am wrong--today. (Maybe Lemony Snicket is a kind of descendant). With deadpan humor by Florence Parry Heide and deadpan drawing by the amazing Edward Gorey, this is a treat. The story is about a boy who is literally shrinking, while adults--parents, teachers--go on their merry (dull) way, oblivious, concerned with what adults are concerned with: work, order, baking, dusting.
A solution presents itself, let's say, but the ultimate problem of Treehorn's being ignored by the adult world goes on. I almost wish a solution had not come about. The story becomes almost more conventional than I wanted it to be, because of that. Maybe wasn't necessary. The only weakness I perceived. If Gorey had also written it, the ending would have stayed as strange as the beginning.
Still, the overall effect is humorously flat, matter-of-fact, and slightly macabre, especially in Gorey's capable hands. It's a small and pretty short picture book with an exquisite illustration on every facing page. And definitely drily hilarious.
A sort of lost classic. I read an old dusty/musty library copy in 2016 that hadn't been taken out in years, but then I found a copy in a used book sale. Same musty smell that somehow fits Gorey.
It begins:
"Something very strange was happening to Treehorn. The first thing he noticed was that he couldn't reach the shelf in his closet. . ."
A little later:
"My trousers are all stretching or something," said Treehorn to his mother. "I'm tripping on them all the time."
"That's too bad, dear," said his mother, looking into the oven. "I do hope this cake isn't going to fall," she said.
Other adult reactions: "We'll let it go for today," said his teacher. "But see that it's taken care of for tomorrow. We don't shrink in this class."
Another teacher: "Just because you're shrinking, it does not mean you have special privileges."
I absolutely adore this book, published in 1971, which I may just have read for the first time somewhere around then! I almost cannot imagine anything quite like it--correct me if I am wrong--today. (Maybe Lemony Snicket is a kind of descendant). With deadpan humor by Florence Parry Heide and deadpan drawing by the amazing Edward Gorey, this is a treat. The story is about a boy who is literally shrinking, while adults--parents, teachers--go on their merry (dull) way, oblivious, concerned with what adults are concerned with: work, order, baking, dusting.
A solution presents itself, let's say, but the ultimate problem of Treehorn's being ignored by the adult world goes on. I almost wish a solution had not come about. The story becomes almost more conventional than I wanted it to be, because of that. Maybe wasn't necessary. The only weakness I perceived. If Gorey had also written it, the ending would have stayed as strange as the beginning.
Still, the overall effect is humorously flat, matter-of-fact, and slightly macabre, especially in Gorey's capable hands. It's a small and pretty short picture book with an exquisite illustration on every facing page. And definitely drily hilarious.
A sort of lost classic. I read an old dusty/musty library copy in 2016 that hadn't been taken out in years, but then I found a copy in a used book sale. Same musty smell that somehow fits Gorey.
April 25, 2018
"Well, I'm shrinking," said Treehorn. "Look at me."
Poor Treehorn is most definitely getting smaller by the hour. Will he shrink away to nothing? And, will his parents even notice he's gone?
This is an odd little story . . . similar in tone to something might write. I can't imagine it would have as much impact without 's marvelous illustrations.
I SO want to shove this book into the faces of all those people I see bent over their devices in restaurants while their youngsters sit ignored in their highchairs.
Have YOU really LOOKED at your kid today?
Treehorn sighed. "I don't think I'll tell anyone," he thought to himself. "If I don't say anything, they won't notice."
Poor Treehorn is most definitely getting smaller by the hour. Will he shrink away to nothing? And, will his parents even notice he's gone?
This is an odd little story . . . similar in tone to something might write. I can't imagine it would have as much impact without 's marvelous illustrations.
I SO want to shove this book into the faces of all those people I see bent over their devices in restaurants while their youngsters sit ignored in their highchairs.
Have YOU really LOOKED at your kid today?
Treehorn sighed. "I don't think I'll tell anyone," he thought to himself. "If I don't say anything, they won't notice."
November 13, 2023
Treehorn, Treehorn, Treehorn. This little guy charmed me years ago! So much so that I try to drop by for a visit every year.
Young Treehorn is shrinking. In his matter of fact, straight to the point way—Treehorn breaks his shrinking news again and again to the adults around him. But they don’t seem concerned for him at all.
”If you’re Treehorn, why are you so small?� asked the teacher.
“Because I’m shrinking,� said Treehorn. “I’m getting smaller.�
“Well, I’ll let it go for today,� said his teacher. “But see that it’s taken care of before tomorrow. We don’t shrink in this class.�
LOL! Some of the reactions and responses poor Treehorn gets are priceless. Answers that walk that fine line between sad and hilarious. So subtle and smart. The ending breaks my heart a bit every time. Brilliant, quirky and wry words that make me puff out my bottom lip and “aww� and smile. Perhaps flash my knowing, wicked smile. But smile I do! :)
This little gem was also my very first encounter with Mr. Edward Gorey. The master himself. His small, distinct, detailed, black & white drawings bring this world to life perfectly. Patterns, lines, and bored stares galore. His cereal boxes jumped out at me this time—“Zippy Zappies� and “Crumply Bumplies�. Haha…Oh, how I love the man.
Florence Parry Heide and Edward Gorey created a classic! A must read.
If you have ever felt ignored or alone in the world, this tale is for you.
October 11, 2017
I'm giving this 4 stars because my older nephew was over and began reading this and kept telling me what an excellent book this was and I had to read it. He told me I was going to love it.
This odd little story is about a boy named Treehorn and he wakes up and realizes he is shrinking one day. Eventually he figures out why. It is an odd little story and I have to say it doesn't put adults in a very good light. Adults were too busy in the book to pay attention. I got this book due to the art of Edward Gorey. I do love this gothic style.
I did enjoy this story, not as much as my nephew, but I did enjoy it. I still love the art work. I never heard of this book as a child. Too bad. It's quirky and I would have enjoyed it. Anyone into a little different style books will enjoy this.
This odd little story is about a boy named Treehorn and he wakes up and realizes he is shrinking one day. Eventually he figures out why. It is an odd little story and I have to say it doesn't put adults in a very good light. Adults were too busy in the book to pay attention. I got this book due to the art of Edward Gorey. I do love this gothic style.
I did enjoy this story, not as much as my nephew, but I did enjoy it. I still love the art work. I never heard of this book as a child. Too bad. It's quirky and I would have enjoyed it. Anyone into a little different style books will enjoy this.
July 25, 2014
Whoever thought of pairing up Florence Parry Heide with Edward Gorey was brilliant. You have her deadpan delivery and the nonchalance of Gorey's characters. Perfect. I don't know if anyone else could've done this story justice. Remember watching tv like this!
January 26, 2019
originally read in 1976 or so
It took me years to find it again, but when I did, it was mostly as I remembered. Treehorn is beautifully illustrated by Gorey, who somehow gets the indifference of Treehorn's parents just right.
It took me years to find it again, but when I did, it was mostly as I remembered. Treehorn is beautifully illustrated by Gorey, who somehow gets the indifference of Treehorn's parents just right.
March 3, 2010
My local library is full of surprises in the form of funky, old books. In the children's section I saw a title that instantly struck my fancy: The Shrinking of Treehorn by Florence Parry Heide. When I pulled the book off the shelf and saw the distinctive Edward Gorey illustration, I knew I had to read it.
Literally the book is about Treehorn who one days for no apparent reason begins to shrink. He can't get any adult to listen to him when he says he's shrinking. His parents get annoyed that he can no longer sit up properly at the table and that his clothes no longer fit. The bus driver can't understand why he's no longer able to get on the bus easily. The school principal thinks he's just doing it to break the rules.
But there's another side to the story. As Tristen (a third grade reviewer) points out, Treehorn is seeking attention. He like so many children is ignored by the adults important in his life. His shrinking is an outrageous act to get them to notice. Treehorn is a child living a parallel life to his parents. They pay attention to him only when he is part of their routine: family meals, bedtime and the like.
Treehorn though doesn't find a single sympathetic adult. Like so many children he has to solve his own problem. The solution is similar to the ending of Clifford the Small Red Puppy. The book closes with Treehorn faced with another unusual problem and deciding not to mention it. His parents don't even notice anything is wrong.
Literally the book is about Treehorn who one days for no apparent reason begins to shrink. He can't get any adult to listen to him when he says he's shrinking. His parents get annoyed that he can no longer sit up properly at the table and that his clothes no longer fit. The bus driver can't understand why he's no longer able to get on the bus easily. The school principal thinks he's just doing it to break the rules.
But there's another side to the story. As Tristen (a third grade reviewer) points out, Treehorn is seeking attention. He like so many children is ignored by the adults important in his life. His shrinking is an outrageous act to get them to notice. Treehorn is a child living a parallel life to his parents. They pay attention to him only when he is part of their routine: family meals, bedtime and the like.
Treehorn though doesn't find a single sympathetic adult. Like so many children he has to solve his own problem. The solution is similar to the ending of Clifford the Small Red Puppy. The book closes with Treehorn faced with another unusual problem and deciding not to mention it. His parents don't even notice anything is wrong.
November 5, 2017
I couldn't decide whether this was a story about an over imaginative boy or whether it was about adults not taking the problems of children seriously, only focusing on how it affects them. I also love how amicable and accepting Treehorn is, compared to the oft detached parents and incredulous/stern teacher. A very quaint and enjoyable little story.
August 29, 2015
Trivoj je úžasný a rozkošný a miloučký! Přečtěte si ho :)
May 14, 2019
Tristán es un niño bastante solitario que de un día para el otro comienza a achicarse. Pero sus padres todo el tiempo estan muy ocupados para darse cuenta o preocuparse del problema del niño. Así Tristán pasa por varias peripecias para poder hacer todo lo que hacía antes pero con su ahora reducida altura. Sin embargo, no consigue solución ni atención en ninguno de los ámbitos en que se maneja.
Pero cuando ya casi se daba por perdido a encontrar una solución y estando tan chiquito que ya falta poco para desaparecer, encuentra un juego que le devuelve su altura. Al parecer el problema se ha solucionado, si no fuera porque luego se vuelve verde!
La verdad es que Tristán se achica me ha parecido un tanto raro, empezando desde el punto en que es un libro para niños con ilustraciones pero que es en blanco y negro. Aparte de eso la trama es un poco rara, como que no tiene marcada la enseñanza o la moraleja que siempre intentan transmitir los libros para chicxs. Tiene un comienzo y un problema, pero el desenlace se da casi de forma mágica y sin dar una razón coherente al porque del problema y del libro en si.
Analizándolo con mi tía, que es maestra jardinera, llegamos a la conclusión de que quizá el hecho de que Tristán se achicara era una forma de querer lograr la atención de los mayores aunque no logró lo esperado. Y su única forma de afrontar su problema fue por medio de un juego, como le ocurre a la mayoría de los niños.
Como digo quizá la trama es un poco rebuscada para los niños. Eso sí, al final tienen actividades de conceptualización y preguntas para que los mas peques analicen la obra y juegos.
Pero cuando ya casi se daba por perdido a encontrar una solución y estando tan chiquito que ya falta poco para desaparecer, encuentra un juego que le devuelve su altura. Al parecer el problema se ha solucionado, si no fuera porque luego se vuelve verde!
La verdad es que Tristán se achica me ha parecido un tanto raro, empezando desde el punto en que es un libro para niños con ilustraciones pero que es en blanco y negro. Aparte de eso la trama es un poco rara, como que no tiene marcada la enseñanza o la moraleja que siempre intentan transmitir los libros para chicxs. Tiene un comienzo y un problema, pero el desenlace se da casi de forma mágica y sin dar una razón coherente al porque del problema y del libro en si.
Analizándolo con mi tía, que es maestra jardinera, llegamos a la conclusión de que quizá el hecho de que Tristán se achicara era una forma de querer lograr la atención de los mayores aunque no logró lo esperado. Y su única forma de afrontar su problema fue por medio de un juego, como le ocurre a la mayoría de los niños.
Como digo quizá la trama es un poco rebuscada para los niños. Eso sí, al final tienen actividades de conceptualización y preguntas para que los mas peques analicen la obra y juegos.
July 5, 2018
This is the first of the Treehorn books, and the last one that I read. Treehorn is shrinking. His parents, his friend, Moshe, teacher and bus driver can all see that this is happening, but appear completely unconcerned. Apart from remarking that it is stupid, or not permitted, they all just let Treehorn get on with his dwindling. Luckily, Treehorn finds “THE BIG GAME FOR KIDS TO GROW ON� under his bed, where he had left it half finished. As he always like to finish what he starts, he continues where he left off �
A lovely story about the most overlooked and ignored hero in fiction
A lovely story about the most overlooked and ignored hero in fiction
September 13, 2008
Quirky fantasy tale about a boy who shrinks - when the adults around him notice, they all react in very unhelpful, self-absorbed ways.
Treehorn finally solves the problem himself - by finishing the board game he'd ordered from a cereal box top!
Maybe I'm eating the wrong kind of cereal, but it seems like I had more opportunities to get free prizes or order things when I was a kid...at least, from my cereal boxes.
I picked this story up because of the Edward Gorey drawings.
Treehorn finally solves the problem himself - by finishing the board game he'd ordered from a cereal box top!
Maybe I'm eating the wrong kind of cereal, but it seems like I had more opportunities to get free prizes or order things when I was a kid...at least, from my cereal boxes.
I picked this story up because of the Edward Gorey drawings.
October 30, 2016
We grabbed this book for one reason: drawings by Edward Gorey! We didn't know anything about it, nor did we realize it's part of a trilogy. From 1971, it's a dark commentary, along the lines of all "incredible shrinking" stories. Interesting, and with, of course, fantastic drawings. It makes me hope to find the other two in the trilogy!
November 10, 2011
This great and subtly sarcastic, humorous book is wonderful. I searched for it as the author passed away recently and I was not familiar with her work. GRHS. I must look for more. Good old Treehorn.
May 6, 2016
I picked this up at a used book sale this morning because of the Edward Gorey illustrations, but the whole darn thing charmed me. A keeper.
October 24, 2024
I found this via a list of delectable children’s books put together by George Saunders. So, of course, it’s strange and glorious. The children laughed so hard and immediately wanted to read it again. It’s been around since 1971 with quite a following, and I’d never heard of it. So glad I stumbled upon it. Thanks, George Saunders!
August 16, 2011
I really like the style of writing. I found this book lying in a cardboard box, getting ready to be trashed, but I haven't read any sort of voice like this in a while. To me, it closely mimics the exact version of the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This earns a full 5 starts, hands down, because it teaches us all, with illustrations and worded text, that adults pay no attention to children indeed! In fact, many of us are so apathetic about our children, that they even realize how the world of adulthood is like. Though, I didn't understand it the first, second, or third time, I understadn that this is definetly a book to be read by all ages. You really don't get bored with this book !
March 18, 2012
Here's a weird story: this book was at our elementary school library and either my sisor I had taken it out once and never brought it back. I'm not sure how this happened, but a total clean-out of our stuff (closets, under bed, toy box, etc) we found the copy of Treehorn. I think I still have it somewhere...
Gorey's drawings totally scared and intrigued me as a kid. This story was a little funky: Treehorn (odd name for starters) is shrinking (literally) and everyone notices, but no one will pull their heads out to help the poor kid. I suppose the story is a metaphor for life, but for a scaredy cat like me growing up, I thought that I could also shrink.
Gorey's drawings totally scared and intrigued me as a kid. This story was a little funky: Treehorn (odd name for starters) is shrinking (literally) and everyone notices, but no one will pull their heads out to help the poor kid. I suppose the story is a metaphor for life, but for a scaredy cat like me growing up, I thought that I could also shrink.
April 7, 2012
Young Treehorn discovers one day that he is shrinking. Is that even possible? Aren't children supposed to grow and not shrink?
After finally convincing his oblivious parents that he is indeed getting smaller, Treehorn attempts to continue living his life. Things, however, aren't as simple as they used to be. Treehorn even gets sent to the Principle's office for jumping to reach the water fountain at school!
Why is Treehorn shrinking? And, does it have anything to do with that mysterious game he played awhile ago?
--
Cute and original story. It sums up a feeling many kids experience--adults who do not seem to see, listen and understand them.
After finally convincing his oblivious parents that he is indeed getting smaller, Treehorn attempts to continue living his life. Things, however, aren't as simple as they used to be. Treehorn even gets sent to the Principle's office for jumping to reach the water fountain at school!
Why is Treehorn shrinking? And, does it have anything to do with that mysterious game he played awhile ago?
--
Cute and original story. It sums up a feeling many kids experience--adults who do not seem to see, listen and understand them.
October 5, 2015
A child's existential primer, The Shrinking of Treehorn defies classification in that way that all the best children's literature does. In a world of indifferent adults and arbitrary rules (being sent to the principal's office for shrinking in class for example), Treehorn tries vary hard to just get on with his life while growing ever smaller. Told with a deadly earnestness, the tone and deadpan humor of Heide's classic is something I recognized immediately the first time I read Kafka.
This book is also remarkable because I believe it is the most widely known book that calls a drinking fountain a bubbler; a local name used only in the Milwaukee area.
This book is also remarkable because I believe it is the most widely known book that calls a drinking fountain a bubbler; a local name used only in the Milwaukee area.
November 6, 2024
Slyly pokes fun at the establishment by describing the tribulations of an ordinary boy, who, for no apparent reason he knows of, starts to shrink. Narrated in a dead-pan style with black and white ink illustrations to match; off-beat humor.
In 2024, I read the 50th anniversary edition of the book. Still a wonderfully quirky story. This edition also included a forward by Lane Smith; FPH explaining how she came to write the first Treehorn story, from a 2010 blog; and a brief memoir by her son David. These were interesting reading and fine additions to the book.
In 2024, I read the 50th anniversary edition of the book. Still a wonderfully quirky story. This edition also included a forward by Lane Smith; FPH explaining how she came to write the first Treehorn story, from a 2010 blog; and a brief memoir by her son David. These were interesting reading and fine additions to the book.
September 3, 2014
I borrowed this book from the library when I was 4 (sometime in 1982), and haven't returned it ever since (sorry, library).
I didn't really get it when I first took it home, but it made sense much later on on my childhood, and it is one book that I will always remember as *the* book of my childhood. Not because my parents ignored me, but I think I learned my first love of Edward Gorey and his dark humour from this book.
I would definitely make sure my child have this book on her shelf.
I didn't really get it when I first took it home, but it made sense much later on on my childhood, and it is one book that I will always remember as *the* book of my childhood. Not because my parents ignored me, but I think I learned my first love of Edward Gorey and his dark humour from this book.
I would definitely make sure my child have this book on her shelf.
November 11, 2014
First read this in kindergarten, so I am drawn to the story and drawings by a very strong feeling of nostalgia. However, I rediscovered this book in high school when I began re-appreciating Edward Gorey drawings for their sketchy, unsettling and gothic representations. I also appreciate the story now as one of transformation and discovery. Gave this book to a professor of mine in college and still own a pristine (if not for the sadly yellowing pages) copy.
April 8, 2016
I love the illustrations, and would really, really like to have a house with as many bookshelves as Treehorn's family.
Clever story about a boy who shrinks, recovers, has another problem, and basically learns that adults don't pay attention.
No, it's not a feel good - we got your back young one story, but it's funny, and sarky kids will probably be amused.
I see it's a series. I'll have to find the rest.
Also, who the heck names their kid Treehorn?
Clever story about a boy who shrinks, recovers, has another problem, and basically learns that adults don't pay attention.
No, it's not a feel good - we got your back young one story, but it's funny, and sarky kids will probably be amused.
I see it's a series. I'll have to find the rest.
Also, who the heck names their kid Treehorn?
September 29, 2008
one of my favorite books of all time....all the treehorn books - edward gory and ms. heide, what a combo!
all people adults and children should read all of the treehorn series....they are so sardonic and so british and address the weird things children think about and don't talk to adults about.
but all people should read everthing edward gory has illustrated and written.
all people adults and children should read all of the treehorn series....they are so sardonic and so british and address the weird things children think about and don't talk to adults about.
but all people should read everthing edward gory has illustrated and written.
September 9, 2014
Reminded me of Roald Dahl. A Dahl in miniature. The Shrinking of Roald.
�'He really is getting smaller,' said Treehorn's mother. 'What will we do? What will people say?'
'Why, they'll say he's getting smaller,' said Treehorn's father. He thought for a moment. 'I wonder if he's doing it on purpose. Just to be different.'
'Why would he want to be different?' asked Treehorn's mother.�
�'He really is getting smaller,' said Treehorn's mother. 'What will we do? What will people say?'
'Why, they'll say he's getting smaller,' said Treehorn's father. He thought for a moment. 'I wonder if he's doing it on purpose. Just to be different.'
'Why would he want to be different?' asked Treehorn's mother.�
February 28, 2017
This was very interesting, at first I thought the reason why Treehorn was shrinking was because he wasn't getting enough attention from his parents like in the book "There is no such thing as a Dragon" but it actually wasn't, it was a good book.
May 4, 2018
A nice kids book for the little ones with a darker sense of humour. Poor Treehorn is shrinking and no one knows why (if they even believe that kids could possibly shrink). Gorey's illustrations are great and really bring the story to life.
January 8, 2013
More delightfully dry humor from Gorey.
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