Albert the bear heads straight to his favorite tree after hibernating. He’s missed climbing and the peace and quiet he enjoys there. Then he hears a wail. Is his tree crying? Albert, Rabbit, and Caribou try to cheer the tree up—they dig holes for it to play in and gather some grass for the tree to eat, but nothing helps. Finally, Albert gives the tree a hug and asks why it’s crying. The tree replies that he’s scared of the big hairy monster. Albert (the big hairy monster) realizes that the voice is not coming from the tree, but from a tiny owl nesting inside it. After the initial shock of their meeting, Albert and Owl bond over their shared love of the tree. Gentle humor and a sweet, unexpected friendship are complemented by mixed-media illustrations that give a cozy feel to Albert’s forest home with shades of green, brown, grey, and blue. (Ages 3–6)

Waa! Waa! Why is Albert's favorite tree crying? And how can he cheer it up? From artist Jenni Desmond comes a warm and funny story about finding a new friend in a very unexpected place.

Awake after his long sleep, Albert the bear can't wait to spend time in his own special tree, which is always so quiet and peaceful. But not today. Today Albert's tree is crying. How can he cheer it up? Albert's friend Rabbit suggests digging holes for Tree to play in, but the wailing continues. Eating grass always makes Caribou happy, but an offering of grass does nothing to stop the noise (which is getting to be a bit much). "STOP CRYING!" roars Albert, but the bawling only gets louder. There's just one thing to do: Albert climbs up to his favorite branch and gives Tree a hug. To Albert's surprise, he hears a little voice say, "I'm afraid of the big hairy monster." Who said that? And just who is the big hairy monster?