Patrick Wood is a boy with privacy needs. Robert is the tree that provides him with shade. The pair communicate via treemail and a partnership is forged – Thousands of leaves releasing oxygen and one small nose exhaling carbon dioxide.

At home Patrick retreats to his birdwatching ‘HQ’ (A converted garden shed). He’s aware that grown-ups want him to be someone else – perfect Pat Wonderwood – not timid Woodmouse as he’s known. The pressure is on to make friends and mix more.

Enter Charlie Fairfield, blackmailer and budding den-builder, and Natalie Jackson, inventor of the bonkers bird code. Things get complicated for Patrick when these two invade the shade beneath the oak tree. Human relationships are hard work, but the biggest challenge comes when Charlie’s mum, Stella, identifies Patrick’s beloved tree as a health and safety hazard.

Robert, the magnificent Quercus robur, must be removed.

Can Patrick come out of his shell to save Robert? Can he rebel and break rules? Can he join forces with Charlie and Natalie and stage a protest? Robert thinks he can.