The Elderberry Tree [B2167]

1964 HCDJ in nice clean condition with minor wear to the dust jacket (see photo). A natural history memoir for children, set in the Cascade foothills of Western Washington. From the jacket flaps: The author of the widely acclaimed story of an orphaned wild bear cub named Mister B., now shares his experiences with other wild creatures who have become his friends. When Mr. Petite built a cabin on the ranch he acquired some years ago in the Cascade Mountain foothills of western Washington, there was no roof at first, but there was an elderberry tree in the front yard - a large tree whose continuous blooming and tough, enduring tap root came to symbolize man's constant hope and determination. The tree also served as haven, feeding station, and playground for all manner of wildlife - large, small, and winged - and in these pages Mr. Petite tells of their ways and of the many valuable things he has learned from them.

There's the baby mink who was named Mademoiselle because, as a friend said, only a female could make so much noise, and who had the highest 'trap I.Q.' of any animal the author has ever encountered. Moreover, having gotten out, she'd often go back in just for the fun of doing it again. There's Man, a young deer who delighted in practical jokes, such as fooling unwary hunters, and who also enjoyed playing tag with the dogs and lounging on the living room sofa. There's a coyote, naturally named Mister C., whose unyielding independence was not proof against the pleasure of sleeping on the author's bed. There's a porcupine who snored. And there's a little old lady of a pack rat who moved into the house and, when not watching TV, proceeded to run 'a winterlong rummage sale in the attic for her own amusement', albeit with decided unprofessional clumsiness.

All of these and others, including a variety of birds, a knowledgeable caterpillar, and a persistent mountain beaver, you'll meet in this enchanting and informative story of a life lived close to the rewarding and refreshing world of nature. The charming illustrations and jacket drawing are by the author's mother, Jean W. Petite.

From the only Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Memoir of Mr. Petite who built a cabin in the Cascade Mountain Foothills of Washington State. Stories of his relationship with the land, people, and animals are delightful.". And from a 1964 Kirkus review: "The double appeal of the book for a young reading audience is Mr. Petite's apparent position as a sort of modern hermit as well as his informal observer's relationship with wild animals who have lived with him -- deer, mink, wild pigs and a coyote pup. In its warm attention to natural phenomena, the book reveals the rewards and pleasures of a solo existence oriented to the outdoor world. Mr. Petite is the author of last year's Mr. B. While he is no Gavin Maxwell for style or insight, his work should have interest for some part of that readership."