The Great Treehouse War

Winnie’s parents implore her to come down from her treehouse. However, they only care about the time she’ll be missing with them, risking unevenness between them. Winnie realizes that this whole mess started because of her parents’ absurd insistence on things being perfectly equal—focusing only on their own wants and needs, overlooking hers. For the first time, Winnie actually feels angry. With Buttons backing her up, she refuses to come down from her treehouse until her parents both agree to come up there and talk with her—at the same time. Both parents reject the idea, scold Winnie for such a ridiculous request, and depart, leaving Winnie alone in her treehouse.

Winnie’s friends join her in the treehouse to protest the disputes they have with their own parents. Winnie is touched and encouraged by their support, and feels as though she’s at the world’s most stupendous slumber party, where everyone can do exactly as they want. Buttons, Winnie notes, receives lots of attention from everyone, and alone time whenever he wants it. The Tulip Street Ten compose a list of demands for their parents, who are all clamoring outside the treehouse and demanding that the children come home.