Explorers of the Wild

by Cale Atkinson (Author) Cale Atkinson (Illustrator)

Explorers of the Wild
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
"A bear and a boy who both love exploring learn to share their adventures together"--
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Hardcover
$18.99

Publishers Weekly

Atkinson (To the Sea) reveals that the call of the wild isn't limited to humans. "I love to explore! It's my favorite thing to do," the book begins, and it's clear that those sentiments are shared by both a human boy and a small bear. Both have walking sticks, eager smiles, and curious personalities, and when Atkinson writes that "explorers are prepared for everything," parallel thought balloons show off their respective supplies: a camera, notebook, and flashlight for the boy, while the bear relies on a vine, fireflies, and stone tablets (both pack snacks). When the explorers meet, the nervousness is mutual, but they quickly recognize each other as kindred spirits, and the narration shifts accordingly: "Together, we found things to touch, things to see, things to hear." Atkinson creates an invitingly verdant forest, radiant with golden sunlight and jammed with things to discover, including lizards underneath logs and not-so-tasty slugs. Beyond celebrating what nature has to offer, Atkinson leaves readers with the tantalizing and valuable idea that exploration of any kind, whether in the wilderness or not, can turn "I" to "we." Ages 3-5. Agent: Nicole Tugeau, Tugeau2. (Apr.)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2--A boy and a bear cub enjoy being in the woods. When they meet, they are wary of the unknown other but find common ground in their love of exploring. At first, each character describes his individual wanderings, but once they meet, the "I's" become "we's" and they narrate as one. The illustrations are vibrant and fill the entire page, with the text "handwritten" into the story.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"[An] exquisite book . . . [with] ravishing art."—USA Today
Cale Atkinson
CALE ATKINSON is an illustrator, writer and animator living lakeside with his family in Kelowna, British Columbia, whose books include Sir Simon: Super Scarer, Where Oliver Fits, Monsters 101, Unicorns 101, Simon and Chester: Super Detectives! and Simon and Chester: Super Sleepover!, to name a few. Cale is assisted in his artistic endeavors by Charlie, a wise and noble floof.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781484723401
Lexile Measure
460
Guided Reading Level
J
Publisher
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date
April 26, 2016
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV029000 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | General
JUV002030 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Bears
Library of Congress categories
Bears
Adventure and adventurers
Adventure stories
Explorers
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