Way Up High in a Tall Green Tree by Jan Peck, illustrated by Valeria Petrone, is a picture book that cries out to be read aloud and shared with a group. It is the story of a little girl climbing a huge tree and finding all sorts of animals. In the end, it turns out she has been climbing her bunkbeds and visiting her stuffed animals. The text is rhythmic, rhyming and repetitive. It is perfect to put gestures to and have antsy toddlers and preschoolers act it out. The large, bright illustrations are also perfectly sized for sharing. Add this one to your storytime collection, especially with the animal-themed Summer Reading Program in 2006.