Troo's Big Climb

At one time or another, most young children feel their parents are holding them back from doing things they really could do. Like the little tree kangaroo in Troo's Big Climb, they believe their parents think they are incapable babies. If this sounds like your child, this level 2 "I Can Read" book by Cheryl Crouch is a great addition to your family bookshelf.

Troo brags to Rilla, the water rat, that he can climb the highest tree in the rainforest. Rilla doesn't believe him; she dares him to do it, even though Troo's parents have told him not to. Because Troo wants to prove his parents wrong, he takes Rilla up on her challenge.

The climb seems easy - although Troo stops a moment when he see his home from high up in the tree: Would his parents be happy if they knew? But when he reaches the top, he can't help but shout with glee.

Then a hawk tries to grab him. Troo jumps to a lower branch, but the branch breaks and sends Troo tumbling downward until he crashes to the ground.

"Rilla screamed, 'Are you dead?'
Troo moaned. 'Maybe.'"

Troo's parents come running. First, they ensure he's okay. Then Troo admits he disobeyed them. His parents say:

"God says you should obey us. You did not obey, and you got hurt. This tree...is not safe, even for a big, strong climber like you."

Oh! Trro's parents did not think he was a small, weak baby. They loved him. They wanted him to be safe."

And so, his loving parents carry him home.

What I Like: Both my children (ages 3 and 6) love this story. Both can well relate to the feelings Troo expresses - and both responded well to the reminder that parents are trying to protect their children when they say "no." The whimsical illustrations by Kevin Zimmer are also excellent.

What I Dislike: Nothing.
Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4 to 8, but kids as young as 2 will enjoy having this book read to them, too.
Publishing Info: Zonderkidz; 2011; ISBN: 978-0310718086; paperback, 32 pgs., $3.99.

Buy Now at Amazon.com for $3.99 (or spend $2.99 for the Kindle edition)

OR buy at ChristianBook.com for $3.49 (the ebook version is $2.99)