The 13-Storey Treehouse

The 13-Storey Treehouse

book

2011

WISE
90%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

A marshmallow-fueled fever dream that manages to turn 'I hate reading' kids into bookworms.

Amazon4.5
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the ultimate survival tool for parents of reluctant readers. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s basically a comic book disguised as a novel.

It doesn't try to teach a grand moral lesson or improve your child's character—it just tries to be the most entertaining thing in the room. In a world of digital distractions, a book that can actually hold a kid's attention this well is worth its weight in gold. It’s smart, stupid fun.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 6-11 crowd. It’s simple enough for early readers to tackle but funny enough that a 5th grader won't feel like they're reading a 'baby book.'

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
72

It's chaotic and the main characters spend a lot of time yelling or being annoyed with each other. It’s not 'mean,' but it’s definitely high-octane silliness rather than a calm, moral-heavy tale.

Imaginative
96

This is the gold standard for 'what if' thinking. A marshmallow machine that follows you around? A tank of man-eating sharks? It’s a masterclass in kid-centric world-building.

Safe
98

It’s a book, so you’re safe from the usual digital pitfalls. The 'violence' is purely cartoonish—think giant gorillas and flying cats—and there’s zero chance of a kid stumbling onto something they can't handle.

Enriching
82

Its biggest strength is turning 'reading is boring' kids into actual readers. It also demystifies the creative process by showing two guys just making stuff up as they go.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • The perfect 'gateway' book for kids who are intimidated by big blocks of text.
  • Genuinely funny even for parents who have to read it aloud for the tenth time.
  • Encourages wild, rule-breaking creativity and drawing.
  • Fast-paced enough to compete with the attention span of a TikTok-era 8-year-old.

What to Watch For

  • A fair amount of name-calling and 'idiot' style humor between the two leads.
  • The logic is non-existent, so don't expect a story that actually makes sense.
  • Very high energy—maybe not the best choice for a 'calm down before bed' read.

Conversation Starters

  • "If you could add one floor to our house, what would be on it?"
  • "Why do you think Andy and Terry find it so hard to actually get their work done?"
  • "If you had a marshmallow machine, would you let it follow you to school?"
  • "Which of Terry's inventions was the most ridiculous?"

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