In the Woods: An Adventure for Your Senses, by Mariona Tolosa Sisteré

 

Publication Sept. 12, 2023

Have you ever gone for a walk with children in the woods? For that matter, the park, just down the street or even your own backyard? If so, this one will make you smile. It's a cute story of one family's walk in the woods but it's also a teaching adventure on how to engage their attention and focus their senses on seeing, really seeing, what is all around them. I'd say patience is a key.

The illustrations are simple and direct, most carrying a subtle message. For instance, as the book opens one child is worried the then current storm may ruin their planned outing tomorrow. The mother is then seen directing them to check the forecast, noting sunshine is forecast. In other words, use all the sources at your disposal to be ready. As the story progresses, it was interesting to see few things initially in the illustrations to attract their attention. As the story progresses, however, and they are reminded to direct their attention on more than what is right in front of their faces, so to speak, the illustrations become more populated. 

Noises can reveal a bird or squirrel, for instance, while, umm, animal waste reveals what was there. Here in Alaska we learn this one quickly, bear scat often being what warns us a bear may be in the area, for example. No bear encounters here, phew, but by the end of the outing they've seen and studied any number of flora and fauna and critters that were initially invisible to their more unfocused frame of mind as they first set out. I also liked the "be prepared" strategy utilized. From sunscreen to bandages and such, minor nicks and scratches were taken care of easily.

Bottom line, an excellent reminder of not just the fun to be had getting outdoors but how to fully take in the experience. Engage your senses, not just your eyes, in other words. Children should enjoy the story and the experiences of this family can provide an opening to discuss what's expected, both behavior wise and what's to be seen, but how to navigate a trail. Thanks #NetGalley and #OwlKidsBooks for taking me along on this fun walk. I imagine I'd have come home with scores of photos taken as we walked. I'm like that. Ha