Friends Don't Have To Talk

Twelve-year-old Ansel lives on a Southern Oregon farm with his Uncle Charlie. Ansel loves hiking into the nearby hills and drawing, but his uncle considers this a waste of time. When Uncle Charlie insists they move to the nearby city of Medford, Ansel must leave behind the solitude he loves -- and a tree that once saved his life and which he considers a friend. Ansel faces problems living in a city. He attempts to adopt a dog for a friend and sets out to convince his uncle by earning money with a paper route and babysitting. Juggling these activities, drawing, and trying to save his tree from the ax gets Ansel into trouble. But through his own efforts, Ansel solves one problem after another until he gets his wishes fulfilled.