What This Book Is About
Andy and Terry live in the most amazing treehouse in the world. It's got thirteen storeys, and each one is more ridiculous than the last. There's a bowling alley, a shark tank, a marshmallow machine that shoots marshmallows straight into your mouth, a lemonade fountain, a man-eating plant, a room full of pillows, and a swinging vine you can ride right across the treetops. Oh, and there's also a see-through swimming pool and a secret underground laboratory.
Andy and Terry are supposed to be writing a book together, but they keep getting distracted by all the crazy things in their treehouse. When their publisher, Mr. Big Nose, calls to remind them their book is overdue, the boys promise to get it done. But then a giant gorilla shows up, a sea monster attacks, and a flying cat named Silky gets into trouble. What follows is a wild, side-splitting adventure packed with hilarious illustrations on every single page. The first book in a series with over fifteen sequels (each adding thirteen more storeys), this is one of the most beloved children's series in the world, with over ten million copies sold globally.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
The 13-Storey Treehouse is a masterful gateway book. Many Grade 4 students, especially those still building English fluency, resist chapter books because they feel like a chore. This book destroys that resistance entirely. The combination of short chapters, accessible vocabulary, and wildly funny illustrations on every page means even the most reluctant reader finishes it in a few days and immediately asks for the sequel.
Beyond engagement, the book sparks creative thinking. Andy and Terry's treehouse is pure imagination made physical, and the story is essentially about two friends solving absurd problems together through creativity and teamwork. In Singapore's international school context, where many students come from different language backgrounds, having a guaranteed "I love reading" experience at A2 level builds the confidence that carries into more challenging books.
Reading Level Guide
Building up to this book. The illustrations help a lot, but start with picture books or early chapter books like Magic Tree House first.
Perfect difficulty. Simple sentences, loads of pictures, and non-stop laughs make this the ideal A2 read.
A breeze at B1. Still genuinely funny, but try Spy School or The Boy at the Back of the Class for more reading challenge.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.