A review by chachacenteno
The Belonging Tree by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

1.0

Subtle words and illustrations send an interesting message. "A universal story about respect, inclusion, and acceptance" reads on the last page. "Othering" the non-squirrel animals based on living models and "noise" differences made me, as a reader, give pause. Even though the younger squirrel friended many diverse animals, the other squirrels did not "respect or accept" them until the non-squirrel animals that were previously rejected, and in some images treated with disrespect and dislike, extended a helping wing and paw to save the squirrels from harm. Does this truly demonstrate respect, inclusion, and acceptance?